4foundation Uses of Waves Self Study Questions

Q1. (a) Figure 1 shows a signal generator connected to a loudspeaker.
The signal generator is adjusted to change the sound wave produced by the loudspeaker.
Figure 1
A microphone connected to a cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO) is used to detect the sound
waves from the loudspeaker.
Figure 2 shows the CRO traces, A, B and C, produced by three different sound waves.
The settings on the CRO were the same for each trace.
Figure 2
A B C
Use the correct letter, A, B or C, to complete each sentence.
(i) The sound wave with the highest frequency is shown by trace .
(1)
(ii) The sound wave with the smallest amplitude is shown by trace .
(1)
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(b) The loudspeaker produces a sound wave with a frequency of 850 hertz and a wavelength
of 0.4 metres.
Calculate the speed of this sound wave. Give the unit.
Use the correct equation from the Physics Equations Sheet.
Choose the unit from the list below.
joules metres / second watts
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
Speed = ...............................................................
(3)
(c) A motorbike is driven towards a microphone and CRO which are placed by the side of the
road.
The motorbike emits a sound wave of constant frequency.
Draw a ring around the correct answer to complete each sentence.
As the motorbike moves towards the microphone, the frequency of the sound wave
higher than
detected by the microphone will be the same as the frequency of the sound wave
lower than
produced by the motorbike.
longer than
The wavelength of the sound wave detected by the microphone will be the same as
shorter than
the wavelength of the sound wave from the motorbike.

(2)
(Total 7 marks)
Q2. A note was played on an electric keyboard.
The frequency of the note was 440 Hz.
(a) (i) What does a frequency of 440 Hz mean?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
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(ii) The sound waves produced by the keyboard travel at a speed of 340 m / s.
Calculate the wavelength of the note.
Give your answer to three significant figures.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
Wavelength = ........................................ metres

(3)
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(b) Figure 1 shows a microphone connected to a cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO) being
used to detect the note produced by the keyboard.
Figure 1
Figure 2 shows the trace produced by the sound wave on the CRO.
Figure 2
A second note, of different wavelength, was played on the keyboard.
Figure 3 shows the trace produced by the sound wave of the second note on the CRO.
Figure 3
The settings on the CRO were unchanged.
What two conclusions should be made about the second sound wave produced by the
keyboard compared with the first sound wave?
Give a reason for each conclusion.
Conclusion 1 ..................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
Reason ..........................................................................................................
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........................................................................................................................
Conclusion 2 ..................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
Reason ..........................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 8 marks)
Q3. (a) The diagram shows an electric bell inside a glass jar. The bell can be heard ringing.
In the following sentences, cross out the two lines that are wrong in each box.
When all the air has been taken out of the glass jar, the ringing sound will
This is because sound through a vacuum.

(2)
(b) The microphone and cathode ray oscilloscope are used to show the sound wave pattern
of a musical instrument.
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One of the following statements describes what a microphone does. Tick the box next to
the correct statement.
A microphone transfers sound energy to light energy.
A microphone transfers sound energy to electrical energy.
A microphone transfers electrical energy to sound energy.

(1)
(c) Four different sound wave patterns are shown. They are all drawn to the same scale.
(i) Which sound wave pattern has the highest pitch?
..........................................................................................................................
Give a reason for your answer.
..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii) Which sound wave pattern is the loudest?
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)
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Q4. Diagram 1 shows a longitudinal wave being produced in a stretched spring.
(a) A longitudinal wave has areas of compression and areas of rarefaction.
Mark with the letter C, one area of compression shown in Diagram 1.

(1)
(b) Diagram 2 shows the apparatus a teacher uses to demonstrate that sound can be
reflected.
(i) Using a ruler, draw on Diagram 2 to show how sound from the loudspeaker is
reflected by the sheet of metal to the sound sensor.
(2)
(ii) The teacher replaced the sheet of metal with a sheet of glass.
When he did this, the reading on the sound level meter went down.
Suggest why.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(iii) The teacher changed the output from the loudspeaker to increase the amplitude of
the sound wave produced.
What effect, if any, does this increase of amplitude have on the loudness of the
sound?
Draw a ring around the correct answer.
makes the does not change makes the

sound quieter the loudness of sound louder
the sound
(1)
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(iv) The loudspeaker produces a sound wave at a frequency of 850 Hz. The wavelength
of the sound wave is 0.4 m.
Calculate the speed of the sound wave.
Show clearly how you work out your answer.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
Speed = ...................................................................... m/s

(2)
(c) Music concerts are sometimes performed in sports halls. The concerts can be spoilt
because of the sound reflected from the floor and walls.
What word is used to describe a reflected sound?
........................................................................................................................
(1)
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(d) The graph shows how the percentage of sound reflected from the floor and from the walls
of a large room can be reduced by carpets and by curtains.
(i) Over which range of frequencies do curtains reduce the percentage of sound
reflected the most?
Tick ( ) two boxes.
from 250 Hz to 750 Hz
(1)
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(ii) The manager of a sports hall plans to use the hall for regular music concerts. He has
enough money to buy either carpet or curtains, but not both.
To improve the sound an audience hears, it would be better to hang curtains on the
walls rather than laying a carpet over the floor.
Use the data in the graph to explain why.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 11 marks)
Q5. The diagram shows a ray of light from a ray box that is reflected by a plane mirror.
(a) What name is given to the dashed line labelled J?
incident normal reflection

(1)
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(b) Draw a ring around the correct answer in the box to complete the sentence.
be doubled.
If the angle marked K is halved, then the angle marked L will not change.
be halved.
(1)
(c) A student looking into the mirror can see an image of the ray box.
Which two words can be used to describe the image that the student sees?
Draw a ring around the two correct answers.
inverted magnified real upright virtual

(2)
(Total 4 marks)
Q6. Small sailing boats can be fitted with a passive radar device. The device increases the
chance that the small boat will be seen on the radar screen of a large ship.
The radar transmitter on the large ship emits microwaves.
(a) Microwaves and radio waves are both part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
How are microwaves different from radio waves?
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b) How fast do microwaves travel through the air or a vacuum compared to radio waves?
........................................................................................................................
(1)
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(c) The diagrams show the position of a passive radar device on a small boat and the internal
construction of one type of passive radar device.
Microwaves can be absorbed, reflected or transmitted by different materials and types of

surface.
Explain what happens to the microwaves from the ship’s transmitter when they reach the
passive radar device.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(2)
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(d) Each type of passive radar device has an RCS value. The larger the RCS value, the easier
it is for a small boat fitted with the device to be detected.
An independent group of scientists measured the RCS values of 4 different types of

device. The RCS value for each device was measured in the same room using the same
equipment.
(i) Why are the walls of the room covered in a material that absorbs the waves emitted
by the radar transmitter?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Why is it important to use the same room and the same equipment?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(iii) Why is it important that the measurements are made by an independent group of
scientists?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
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(e) The movement of a small boat causes the mast and device to lean over, therefore the
RCS values were measured at different angles.
The table gives the RCS values obtained by the scientists.
Angle X
Device
0° 5° 10 ° 15 °
A 1.4 1.6 1.7 1.8
B 4.7 2.6 2.3 1.9
C 9.3 3.3 1.9 1.1
D 4.5 4.8 5.0 4.6
(i) Describe how the RCS values for device A are different to the RCS values for
device B.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(2)
(ii) The scientists recommended that a passive radar device fitted to a small boat should
have:
• the largest possible RCS value
• an RCS value consistently above 2.0
Which one of the devices, A, B, C or D, would you recommend that someone fits to
their boat?
.............................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 10 marks)
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Q7. The diagram shows the seven types of wave that make up the electromagnetic spectrum.
Gamma X-rays Ultraviolet Visible Infra red Micro- Radio

rays rays light rays waves waves
(a) (i) Microwaves and visible light can be used for communications.
Name one more type of electromagnetic wave that can be used for
communications.
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Name one type of electromagnetic wave that has a longer wavelength than
microwaves.
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(b) Wi-Fi is a system that joins a laptop computer to the internet without using wires.
A 2400 megahertz microwave signal is used to link a computer to a device called a router.
What quantity is measured in hertz?
Draw a ring around your answer.
frequency wavelength wave speed

(1)
(c) A politician commented on the increasing use of Wi-Fi. He said: ‘I believe that these
systems may be harmful to children.’
(i) Suggest one reason why more scientific research into the safety of Wi-Fi systems is
needed.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Complete the following sentence by drawing a ring around the correct line in the box.
a fact.
What the politician said was an opinion.
a prediction.
(1)
(Total 5 marks)
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Q8. (a) Scientific research carried out in 13 countries has tried to find out if there are any links
between using a mobile phone and developing different types of cancer.
About 13 000 people, half with cancer and half in good health, were interviewed about their
mobile phone use.
(i) Suggest why people in good health were interviewed.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Interviewing 13 000 people gave the researchers a large sample size.
Give one advantage, in any research project, of having a large sample size rather
than a small sample size.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(b) The following information was included in a newspaper article about the research project.
• It may be difficult to prove there is a link simply by asking people how much
they use a mobile phone. People’s memories are not always accurate.
• Scientists in Israel found that people who use a mobile phone a lot are 50%
more likely to develop a cancer on the salivary gland just in front of the ears.
• The cost of the research, £20 million, has been partly paid for by mobile
phone companies.
• No children were included in the research.
(i) Draw a ring around the correct answer to complete the following sentence.
environmental
Using children in scientific research raises ethical issues.
social
(1)
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(ii) Suggest two reasons why some people are concerned that the research was partly
paid for by mobile phone companies.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(2)
(iii) In Germany, mobile phones that emit very low levels of radiation are marked with a
special symbol.
Explain why low emission mobile phones should be marked in this way.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)
Q9. (a) The visible light spectrum has a range of frequencies.
Figure 1 shows that the frequency increases from red light to violet light.
Figure 1
Increasing frequency
Red Green Violet
Use the correct answers from the box to complete the sentence.
decreases stays the same increases
As the frequency of the light waves increases, the wavelength
of the light waves ............................................................ and
the energy of the light waves ............................................................ .

(2)
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(b) Figure 2 shows what happens to the light energy when a ray of light hits a glass block.
Figure 2
98% of the incident energy is either reflected or transmitted by the glass block.
What happens to the other 2% of the incident energy?
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(1)
Page 18 of 49
(c) Bottled beer will spoil if the intensity of the light passing through the glass bottle into the
beer is too high.
Figure 3 shows the intensity of the light that is transmitted through three different pieces of
glass.
Figure 3
Wavelength × 10– 9 in metres
(i) The pieces of glass all had the same thickness.
Suggest why.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Bottles made of brown glass are suitable for storing beer.
Suggest why.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 5 marks)
Page 19 of 49
Q10. (a) Some scientists think that there is a link between using a mobile phone and some
types of illness. Other scientists disagree. They say that the evidence is limited and
unreliable.
(i) Suggest what scientists could do to show a link between using a mobile phone and
illness.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) How could scientists improve the reliability of the evidence?
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(iii) Complete the following passage by drawing a ring around the word in the box that is
correct.
There has been little or no experimental research into the health of children who use
mobile phones.
economic
This is partly because of the environmental issues involved in using
ethical
children in scientific research.

(1)
(b) Before being sold, new mobile phones must be tested and given a SAR value.
The SAR value is a measure of the energy absorbed by the head while a mobile phone is
being used.
The table gives the SAR value for three mobile phones made by different companies.
To be sold in the UK, a mobile phone must have a SAR value lower than 2.0 W/kg.
Mobile phone SAR value in W/kg
J 0.18
K 0.86
L 1.40
(i) All companies use the same test to measure a SAR value.
Why is using the same test important?
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
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(ii) Would the companies that make the mobile phones, J, K and L, be correct to claim
that these three phones are totally safe to use?
Answer yes or no. ..............................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(c) Devices designed to protect a mobile phone user from microwave radiation are now
available.
Why is it important that these devices are tested by scientists who are not working for the
company that makes the devices?
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 6 marks)
Q11. Diagram 1 shows four of the seven types of wave in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Diagram 1
Visible Radio
J K L Infrared Microwaves
light waves
(a) The four types of electromagnetic wave named in Diagram 1 above are used for
communication.
(i) Which type of electromagnetic wave is used when a traffic signal communicates
with a car driver?
...............................................................................................................
(1)
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(ii) Which type of electromagnetic wave is used to communicate with a satellite in
space?
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(b) Gamma rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Which letter, J, K or L, shows the position of gamma rays in the electromagnetic

spectrum?
J K L
(1)
(c) Diagram 2 shows an infrared wave.
Diagram 2
(i) Which one of the arrows, labelled A, B or C, shows the wavelength of the wave?
Write the correct answer, A, B or C, in the box.
(1)
(ii) Draw a ring around the correct answer to complete the sentence.
shorter than
The wavelength of infrared waves is the same as the wavelength of radio waves.
longer than
(1)
Page 22 of 49
(d) Mobile phone networks send signals using microwaves. Some people think the energy a
person’s head absorbs when using a mobile phone may be harmful to health.
(i) Scientists have compared the health of people who use mobile phones with the
health of people who do not use mobile phones.
Which one of the following statements gives a reason why scientists have done
this?
Tick ( ) one box.
To find out if using a mobile phone is harmful to health.
To find out if mobile phones give out radiation.
To find out why some people are healthy.
(1)
(ii) The table gives the specific absorption rate (SAR) value for two different mobile
phones.
The SAR value is a measure of the maximum energy a person’s head absorbs when
a mobile phone is used.
Mobile Phone SAR value in W/kg
X 0.28
Y 1.35
A parent buys mobile phone X for her daughter.
Using the information in the table, suggest why buying mobile phone X was the best
choice.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)
Page 23 of 49
Q12. The diagram below shows the range of wavelengths and frequencies for all the types of
radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum.
X-rays, which have frequencies in the range 1018–1021 Hz are already marked on the diagram.
Complete the diagram by adding the following:
(a) gamma radiation, which has shorter wavelengths than X-rays;
(b) radio waves which have wavelengths longer than 0.1m;
(c) the visible spectrum which has wavelengths from 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red);
(d) ultraviolet radiation (i.e. radiation with a higher frequency than violet light);
(e) microwaves which have a shorter wavelength than radio waves and infrared radiation
which has a higher frequency than microwaves;
(f) an FM radio programme on 92MHz. (Show this with an arrow →)

(Total 7 marks)
Page 24 of 49
Q13. (a) The diagram below shows six of the seven types of wave that make up the
electromagnetic spectrum.
Gamma Visible Radio

Ultraviolet Infrared Microwaves
rays light waves
(i) What type of electromagnetic wave is missing from the diagram?
........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Which of the following electromagnetic waves has the most energy?
gamma rays radio waves visible light

(1)
(iii) Which of the following electromagnetic waves is given out by a TV remote control?
infrared microwaves ultraviolet

(1)
(b) Draw a ring around the correct answer in the box to complete the sentence.
a slower speed than
Microwaves travel through a vacuum at the same speed as radio waves.
a faster speed than

(1)
(c) The diagram shows waves being produced on a rope.

The waves are not reflected by the wall.
(i) Draw an arrow on the diagram to show the direction in which the waves transfer
energy.
(1)
Page 25 of 49
(ii) Which one of the arrows, labelled, X, Y or Z, shows the amplitude of a wave?
Write the correct answer in the box.
(1)
(iii) The waves produced on the rope are transverse.
Name one other type of transverse wave.
........................................................................................................................
(1)
(d) The rope is shaken up and down, producing 3 waves every second.
The waves have a wavelength of 1.2 metres.
(i) State the frequency of the waves.
.............................. Hz
(1)
(ii) Calculate the speed of the waves.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
Wave speed = .................................................. m/s

(2)
(Total 10 marks)
Q14. The diagram shows some waves travelling along a rope.
(a) Show on the diagram
(i) the wavelength of one of the waves

(2)
(ii) the amplitude of one of the waves
(2)
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(b) The waves shown on the diagram were produced in two seconds.
What is the frequency of the waves?
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
Q15. A person can see an image of himself in a tall plane mirror.
The diagram shows how the person can see his hat.
(a) Which point, A, B or C, shows the position of the image of his hat?
Write the correct answer, A, B or C, in the box.
(1)
(b) On the diagram, use a ruler to draw a light ray to show how the person can see his shoe.
(3)
(c) Which one of the words in the box is used to describe the image formed by a plane
mirror?
imaginary real virtual

(1)
(Total 5 marks)
Page 27 of 49
Q16. Diagram 1 shows a longitudinal wave being produced in a stretched spring.
(a) A longitudinal wave has areas of compression and areas of rarefaction.
Mark with the letter C, one area of compression shown in Diagram 1.

(1)
(b) Diagram 2 shows the apparatus a teacher uses to demonstrate that sound can be
reflected.
(i) Using a ruler, draw on Diagram 2 to show how sound from the loudspeaker is
reflected by the sheet of metal to the sound sensor.
(2)
(ii) The teacher replaced the sheet of metal with a sheet of glass.
When he did this, the reading on the sound level meter went down.
Suggest why.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(iii) The teacher changed the output from the loudspeaker to increase the amplitude of
the sound wave produced.
What effect, if any, does this increase of amplitude have on the loudness of the
sound?
makes the does not change makes the

sound quieter the loudness of sound louder
the sound
(1)
Page 28 of 49
(iv) The loudspeaker produces a sound wave at a frequency of 850 Hz. The wavelength
of the sound wave is 0.4 m.
Calculate the speed of the sound wave.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
Speed = ...................................................................... m/s

(2)
(c) Music concerts are sometimes performed in sports halls. The concerts can be spoilt
because of the sound reflected from the floor and walls.
What word is used to describe a reflected sound?
........................................................................................................................
(1)
Page 29 of 49
(d) The graph shows how the percentage of sound reflected from the floor and from the walls
of a large room can be reduced by carpets and by curtains.
(i) Over which range of frequencies do curtains reduce the percentage of sound
reflected the most?
Tick ( ) two boxes.
(1)
Page 30 of 49
(ii) The manager of a sports hall plans to use the hall for regular music concerts. He has
enough money to buy either carpet or curtains, but not both.
To improve the sound an audience hears, it would be better to hang curtains on the
walls rather than laying a carpet over the floor.
Use the data in the graph to explain why.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 11 marks)
Q17. (a) A lorry has an air horn. The air horn produces sound waves in the air.
(i) Use one word to complete the following sentence.
Sound waves cause air particles to ................................................................. .

(1)
(ii) The air horn produces sound waves at a constant frequency of 420 Hz.
The wavelength of the sound waves is 0.80 m.
Calculate the speed of the sound waves.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
Speed = .......................................................... m/s

(2)
(b) A person standing at the side of the road, as the lorry goes past, hears the sound from the
air horn change pitch.
(i) What determines the pitch of a sound?
amplitude frequency loudness

(1)
Page 31 of 49
(ii) As the lorry moves away from the person, the air horn continues to produce sound
waves with a wavelength of 0.80 m.
What is the wavelength of the sound waves the person heard?
shorter than 0.8 m equal to 0.8 m longer than 0.8 m

(1)
(iii) The sound waves the person heard from the moving air horn are different to the
sound waves the air horn produced.
What name is given to this effect?
diffraction Doppler refraction

(1)
(Total 6 marks)
Q18. The diagram shows a plane mirror used by a dentist to see the back of a patient’s tooth.
(a) Use a ruler to draw a ray of light on the diagram to show how the dentist is able to see the
tooth labelled Z.
(3)
(b) Describe the image formed by a plane mirror.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)
Page 32 of 49
Q19. (a) Diagram 1 shows two waves.
Diagram 1
(i) Name one wave quantity that is the same for the two waves.
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Name one wave quantity that is different for the two waves.
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(iii) The waves in Diagram 1 are transverse.
Which one of the following types of wave is not a transverse wave?
gamma rays sound visible light

(1)
(b) Diagram 2 shows water waves in a ripple tank moving towards and passing through a gap
in a barrier.
Diagram 2
(i) The water waves spread out after passing through the gap in the barrier.
What name is given to the process causing the waves to spread out?
...............................................................................................................
(1)
Page 33 of 49
(ii) Every second, 8 waves pass through the gap in the barrier. The waves have a
wavelength of 0.015 metres.
Calculate the speed of the water waves and give the unit.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
Speed = ......................................................................
(3)
(Total 7 marks)
Page 34 of 49
M1. (a) (i) A
1
(ii) B
1
(b) 340
allow 1 mark for correct substitution ie 850 × 0.4
provided no subsequent step shown
2
metres / second
accept m / s
1
(c) higher than

1
shorter than
1
[7]
M2. (a) (i) 440 (sound) waves produced in one second

accept vibrations / oscillations for waves
1
(ii) 0.773 (metres)

allow 2 marks for an answer that rounds to 0.773
allow 2 marks for an answer of
allow 2 marks for an answer of 0.772
allow 1 mark for correct substitution ie 340 = 440 × λ
3
(b) (sound is) louder

do not accept the converse
1
as amplitude is larger
waves are taller is insufficient
1
higher pitch / frequency

1
as more waves are seen

reference to wavelengths alone is insufficient
waves are closer together is insufficient
1
[8]
Page 35 of 49
M3. (a) stop
accept any indication
cannot travel
2
(b) middle box ticked

accept a tick next to the statement even if not in the box
do not accept two ticks
1
(c) (i) B
highest frequency
accept most waves (in box)
accept ‘squashed together’
do not accept ‘squashed’
accept ‘close (together)’
accept shortest wavelength
2
(ii) D
largest amplitude
accept tallest or highest wave
do not accept biggest wave
do not accept ‘high’ wave
2
[7]
M4. (a) letter C clearly marking a compression

accept C at any point in a compression
if more than one letter C marked
all must be correct
1
(b) (i) straight continuous line drawn from loudspeaker to metal to sound sensor
judge by eye
1
angle I = angle R
judge by eye
ignore any arrows on lines
1
(ii) less sound reflected

accept energy for sound
or
(some) sound passes through the glass

accept (some) sound absorbed by the glass
1
Page 36 of 49
(iii) makes the sound louder
1
(iv) v=f×λ
340
allow 1 mark for correct substitution
ie 850 × 0.4
2
(c) echo
1
(d) (i) from 250 Hz to 750 Hz

1
(ii) curtains reduce (percentage of) sound reflected more (than carpet)
accept curtains absorb more sound (than carpet)
1
for all frequencies (shown)

accept for both marks an answer in terms of walls having a larger
(surface) area to reflect sound and curtains reducing the amount of
reflected sound more (than carpet)
answers less noisy or walls / curtains have a larger area gain 1
mark only
do not accept curtains are cheaper
1
[11]
M5. (a) normal

1
(b) be halved
1
(c) upright
1
virtual
1
[4]
Page 37 of 49
M6. (a) higher frequency
general properties / uses are neutral
or
shorter wavelength
do not accept different frequency / wavelength / energy
or
greater energy
1
(b) the same (speed)

accept they travel at the speed of light
1
(c) pass through / transmitted by the plastic / casing

1
reflected by the metal / plates

do not accept bounce / deflected etc for reflected
if neither marking point scores an answer reflected (back to boat /
from the device) scores 1 mark
1
(d) (i) waves are not reflected from the walls

accept microwaves / radar for waves
do not accept bounce / deflected etc for reflected
or
only waves (reflected) from the device are detected
accept to stop reflected waves affecting results
1
(ii) different types (of device) can be compared

fair test is insufficient
accept idea that only one variable is then changed
1
(iii) so (measurements / results / scientists) are not biased towards one type /
manufacturer of device/s
accept to avoid bias
accept so they are not biased
1
Page 38 of 49
(e) (i) any two from:
if temperature is mentioned rather than angle a maximum of 1
mark can be scored
• (for any angle) A values < B values

or converse eg B values are higher / better / stronger
• A values increase with (increasing) angle

accept weakest at 0° strongest at 15°
values go up is insufficient
• B values decrease with (increasing) angle

accept strongest at 0° weakest at 15°
values go down is insufficient
• A values do not vary as much (as B values)

2
(ii) D
mark is for the reason
reason cannot score if D is not chosen
values are always over 2(.0)

1
[10]
M7. (a) (i) infra red (rays)

accept IR
or
radio (waves)
do not accept heat waves
do not accept TV waves
1
(ii) radio (waves)

this answer only
1
(b) frequency
1
(c) (i) answer should be in terms of establishing if harmful or not

harmful ie trying to clear up any uncertainty
do not accept answers that assume it is harmful
eg Wi-Fi systems will make you ill
need to know if it is harmful / makes you ill

accept idea that safety issue may worry people
accept idea that (more) research may reassure people
accept idea of finding out (the truth)
1
Page 39 of 49
(ii) an opinion
1
[5]
M8. (a) (i) to compare mobile phone usage between the two groups
1
(ii) enough data to indicate relationships

or
reduce effect of anomalous data
1
(b) (i) ethical

1
(ii) research may be biased (in favour of companies)

1
negative effects on health may not get published

accept negative effects on health may be played down
1
(iii) it allows people to easily identify lower risk phones

1
and this allows people to make a more informed choice

accept and this allows a comparison to be made
1
[7]
M9. (a) decreases

correct order only
1
increases
1
(b) absorbed
makes the glass warmer is insufficient
(energy) is wasted is insufficient
1
(c) (i) intensity (of transmitted light ) depends on thickness

or
to enable a valid comparison
or
it is a control variable
accept absorption depends on thickness
it would affect the results is insufficient
fair test is insufficient
1
Page 40 of 49
(ii) transmits the least light
or
absorbs the most light
accept very little light is transmitted
do not accept transmits none of the light
do not accept absorbs all of the light
any reference to heat negates this mark
1
[5]
M10. (a) (i) compare (the health of) mobile phone users with non-mobile
phone users
must be an implied comparison between users and non-users
any idea of doing an experiment negates the mark
1
(ii) increase the sample size

accept use more people
accept have a large sample size
repeat the research / test is neutral
1
(iii) ethical
1
(b) (i) so the phones can be compared (fairly)

a fair test is insufficient
accept different tests (may) give different results
do not accept to make the results reliable, unless qualified
eg all variables are controlled
do not accept bias unless qualified
1
(ii) yes all are below the legal limit / 2 (W/kg)
or no and any one from:
• even absorbing a small amount of energy may be harmful

accept microwaves for energy
accept emits energy absorbed by head / other parts of body
• no proof that small amounts of energy are not harmful

accept because the SAR value is not 0 (W/kg)
1
Page 41 of 49
(c) any one from:
• to get an independent opinion
• company scientists may be biased

accept company scientists may manipulate results
1
[6]
M11. (a) (i) (visible) light

accept visible
1
(ii) microwaves
1
(b) J
1
(c) (i) B
1
(ii) shorter than

1
(d) (i) To find out if using a mobile phone is harmful to health

1
(ii) any two from:
• (X has a) low(er) SAR value

“it” refers to mobile phone
accept has a low(er) rate
• (maximum) energy absorbed (by the head) is less

accept energy emitted (by phone) is less
accept radiation for energy
• (if mobiles are harmful) less likely to cause harm

accept will not cause harm
accept it is safer
2
[8]
Page 42 of 49
M12. (a) gamma rays above x-rays
for 1 mark
(b) upper radio wave boundary correct (10-1m) (± 1mm)

for 1 mark
(c) visible radiation/light
• within the middle third of a wavelength band
• in the correct wavelength range (10-6 – 10-7m)

each for 1 mark
(d) ultraviolet between *visible radiation and X-rays

for 1 mark
(e) microwaves above *radio waves and below *infra red

(*not necessarily immediately)
for 1 mark
(f) between 108Hz + 107Hz and nearer to 108Hz than to 107Hz

gains 1 mark
[7]
M13. (a) (i) X-ray(s)

1
(ii) gamma rays

1
(iii) infrared
1
(b) the same speed as

1
(c) (i) horizontal arrow drawn pointing to the right

judge by eye
accept drawn anywhere on diagram
1
(ii) Y
1
Page 43 of 49
(iii) any one from:
• any type of electromagnetic wave

accept electromagnetic wave(s)
• water (wave)
do not accept seismic waves
• (earthquake / seismic) S waves

do not accept P waves
do not accept earthquakes
1
(d) (i) 3
1
(ii) 3.6
or
their (d)(i) × 1.2 correctly calculated

v=f×λ
ie 3 or their (d)(i) × 1.2 provided that no subsequent step is shown
2
[10]
M14. (a) (i) a horizontal distance indicated and labelled

gains 1 mark
but
horizontal distance indicated between identical points on
adjacent waves (to within 3-4mm) and labelled
gains 2 marks
2
(ii) peak ↔ trough indicated*
gains 1 mark
but
peak / trough ↔ mean indicated*
(* to within 1-2mm either end)

gains 2 marks
(allow 1 mark if both lines unlabelled or 2 marks if both lines
accurately drawn and unlabelled)
2
Page 44 of 49
(b) • 1.5
• hertz / Hz or (waves / cycles) per second

for 1 mark each
(do not allow wavelength / hertz per second)
2
[6]
M15. (a) C
1
(b) reflection at the mirror of ray from shoe to person’s eye

may be drawn freehand
1
angle of incidence = angle of reflection

judged by eye
a ruler must have been used
1
arrow to show correct direction on either incident or reflected ray

only one arrow needed but if more drawn must be no contradiction
both incident and reflected ray must be shown
1
(c) virtual
1
[5]
M16. (a) letter C clearly marking a compression

accept C at any point in a compression
if more than one letter C marked
all must be correct
1
Page 45 of 49
(b) (i) straight continuous line drawn from loudspeaker to metal to sound sensor
judge by eye
1
angle I = angle R
judge by eye
ignore any arrows on lines
1
(ii) less sound reflected

accept energy for sound
or
(some) sound passes through the glass

accept (some) sound absorbed by the glass
1
(iii) makes the sound louder

1
(iv) v=f×λ
340
ie 850 × 0.4
2
(c) echo
1
(d) (i) from 250 Hz to 750 Hz

1
(ii) curtains reduce (percentage of) sound reflected more (than carpet)
accept curtains absorb more sound (than carpet)
1
for all frequencies (shown)

accept for both marks an answer in terms of walls having a larger
(surface) area to reflect sound and curtains reducing the amount of
reflected sound more (than carpet)
answers less noisy or walls / curtains have a larger area gain 1
mark only
do not accept curtains are cheaper
1
[11]
M17. (a) (i) vibrate / oscillate

accept a correct description
move is insufficient
1
Page 46 of 49
(ii) 336
allow 1 mark for correct substitution, ie 420 × 0.8(0) provided no
subsequent step shown
2
(b) (i) frequency

1
(ii) longer than 0.8m

1
(iii) Doppler
1
[6]
M18. (a) ray drawn from tooth to mirror to eye

1
angle I = angle R
judged by eye
1
at least one arrow in correct direction

do not credit conflicting arrows
1
if no ruler used maximum mark is 2
(b) virtual
1
upright
1
[5]
M19. (a) (i) wavelength

accept frequency
accept speed
1
(ii) amplitude
accept energy
height is insufficient
1
(iii) sound
1
(b) (i) diffraction

accept diffract
a description is insufficient
1
Page 47 of 49
(ii) 0.12
allow 1 mark for correct substitution, ie 8 × 0.015 provided no
subsequent step shown
2
metre per second or m/s or metre/second

do not accept mps
units must be consistent with numerical answers
1
[7]
Page 48 of 49
Page 49 of 49

4foundation Uses of Waves Self Study Questions

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4foundation Uses of Waves Self Study Questions

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Q1. (a) Figure 1 shows a signal generator connected to a loudspeaker.

Use the correct letter, A, B or C, to complete each sentence.

Calculate the speed of this sound wave. Give the unit.

Use the correct equation from the Physics Equations Sheet.

Choose the unit from the list below.

joules metres / second watts

The motorbike emits a sound wave of constant frequency.

Draw a ring around the correct answer to complete each sentence.

produced by the motorbike.

the wavelength of the sound wave from the motorbike.

Q2. A note was played on an electric keyboard.

The frequency of the note was 440 Hz.

(a) (i) What does a frequency of 440 Hz mean?

Calculate the wavelength of the note.

Use the correct equation from the Physics Equations Sheet.

Give your answer to three significant figures.

Wavelength = ........................................ metres

A second note, of different wavelength, was played on the keyboard.

The settings on the CRO were unchanged.

Give a reason for each conclusion.

This is because sound through a vacuum.

A microphone transfers sound energy to light energy.

A microphone transfers sound energy to electrical energy.

A microphone transfers electrical energy to sound energy.

(i) Which sound wave pattern has the highest pitch?

Give a reason for your answer.

(ii) Which sound wave pattern is the loudest?

Give a reason for your answer.

(a) A longitudinal wave has areas of compression and areas of rarefaction.

Mark with the letter C, one area of compression shown in Diagram 1.

Draw a ring around the correct answer.

makes the does not change makes the

Calculate the speed of the sound wave.

Use the correct equation from the Physics Equations Sheet.

Show clearly how you work out your answer.

Speed = ...................................................................... m/s

What word is used to describe a reflected sound?

Tick ( ) two boxes.

from 250 Hz to 750 Hz

from 750 Hz to 1250 Hz

from 1250 Hz to 1750 Hz

Use the data in the graph to explain why.

(a) What name is given to the dashed line labelled J?

Draw a ring around the correct answer.

incident normal reflection

Draw a ring around the two correct answers.

inverted magnified real upright virtual

How are microwaves different from radio waves?

Microwaves can be absorbed, reflected or transmitted by different materials and types of

An independent group of scientists measured the RCS values of 4 different types of

The table gives the RCS values obtained by the scientists.

A 1.4 1.6 1.7 1.8

B 4.7 2.6 2.3 1.9

C 9.3 3.3 1.9 1.1

D 4.5 4.8 5.0 4.6

• the largest possible RCS value

• an RCS value consistently above 2.0

Give a reason for your answer.

Gamma X-rays Ultraviolet Visible Infra red Micro- Radio

What quantity is measured in hertz?

Draw a ring around your answer.

frequency wavelength wave speed