Section B

Table shows that sound waves are longitudinal waves with lower frequencies, whereas X-rays are
transverse waves with high frequencies.
Wave
Sound
X-ray

Frequency
105 Hz
1018 Hz

Velocity in air
330 m s-1
3 x 108 m s-1

Type of wave
Longitudinal
Transverse

Table
a.

(i) Explain the difference between a longitudinal wave and a transverse wave.

(ii) Compare the wavelengths of sound waves and X-rays.

[6 marks]

b.

Ultrasonic sound to obtain the image of an unborn baby in the womb of the mother.
Why are sound waves used instead of X-rays?

c.

[6 marks

State one other use of ultrasonic sound and two uses of X-rays in our daily life.
[3 marks]

d.

A ship sends an ultrasonic wave to the seabed to determine the depth of the sea. The echo of the
ultrasonic waves is received after 1.2 ms.
i.

What is the name of the phenomenon being applied in this case?

ii.

If the speed of ultrasonic waves in sea water is 2 x 106 m s-1, what is the depth of the sea?
[5 marks]

Figure 6.1 shows the bright and dark bands of the waves pattern formed on the white paper when plane waves passes
through the narrow and wide gaps.

(a) Name the wave phenomenon shown in figure 6.2. [1 mark]

(b) (i) Explain how the dark and light bands are formed on the white paper. [4 marks]
(ii) Observe Figure 6.2(a) and (b). Compare the waves patterns and the wavelength of
the waves before and after they pass through the gaps.
Relate the size of the gaps, the waves patterns and the wavelengths to deduce a
relevant physics concept. [5 marks]