4

Oscillations and waves

4.1 Oscillations

Answers to 4.1 Oscillations 1 (Skills worksheet)

1) Period: 8 s

2) Number of cycles: 2

3) Amplitude: 1 m

4) Displacement: (5 s) -0.7 m; (11 s) 0.7 m

5) Times graph cuts through equilibrium: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 s

6) Frequency: 1/8 Hz

7) Times of maximum speed: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 s

8) Times of maximum kinetic energy: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 s

9) Times of maximum potential energy: 2,6,10,14 s

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Answers to 4.1 Oscillations 2 (Skills worksheet)

8) The spring is moving in two directions that are opposite, and velocity is a vector, therefore
one direction is positive and the opposite is negative.

9) Times at equilibrium position: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 s

10) Times of zero displacement: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 s

11) Times of maximum acceleration: 2, 6, 10, 14 s

12) Times of maximum displacement: 2, 6, 10, 14 s

13) Times of maximum kinetic energy: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 s

14) Times of maximum potential energy: 2, 6, 10, 14 s

15) Times of maximum tension: 6, 14 s

16) Times weight equal to tension: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 s




Answers to 4.1 Oscillations 3 (Skills worksheet)

1) Times of maximum displacement: 2, 6, 10, 14 s

2) Times of minimum displacement: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 s

3) Times of maximum velocity: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 s

4) Times of minimum velocity: 2, 6, 10, 14 s

5) Times of maximum kinetic energy: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 s

6) Times of maximum potential energy: 2, 6, 10, 14 s

7) Times in equilibrium: 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 s

Answers to 4.1 Oscillations 4 (Skills worksheet)

17) Cosine wave with the same period.

18) Period: 8 s

19) Degrees: 270o

20) Radians: 8.6 rad

21) Phase: a-t graph is 180o out of phase from the displacement-time graph.





Answers to 4.2 Travelling waves (Skills worksheet)



1) Frequency: f = 3.3 Hz; Period: T = 0.30 s

2) Distance travelled: 410 cm

3) Speed: 15 cms-1

4) Period: 8 s;
Amplitude: 1.0 m;
Frequency: 0.125 Hz

5) Time of first crest: 0.5 s

6) Speed: 1.9 cms-1

7) Distance between troughs: 2.4 m

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Answers to 4.2 Wave terminology (Skills worksheet)

5) Wavelength = speed * period
9) True

Answers to 4.2 Waves (Skills worksheet)



1) Mark a point at t = 0.1 (d = 0.7)


2) The speed of a wave is the distance covered by a fixed point on the wave per second. It is equal to
the product of the frequency and wavelength of the wave.













4


Answers to 4.3 Polarized light (Skills worksheet)

1) Angle: 27o

2) Intensity: 20.2 Wm-2

3) No

4) Ratio: 1:1

5) Ratio unploarized to polarized: 1:2

6) Intensity: 0.375 Io

7) Intensity: 0.034 Io

8) Intensity: 0.12 or 0.25 Io

1.

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2.

Answers to 4.5 Open and closed tubes (Skills worksheet)

1) Wavelength: 0.67 m;
Length of tube: 0.16 m

2) Frequency of second harmonic: 1536 Hz;
Third harmonic: 2560 Hz

3) Temperature of air: 48oC

4) Speed of waves: 41 ms-1

5) Length: 37 cm

6) Length: 0.46 m

6
 Answers to exam-style questions
Topic 4
Where appropriate, 1 ✓ = 1 mark

1 A
2 C
3 B
4 A
5 D
6 D
7 D
8 C
9 B
10 A
11 a In a longitudinal wave the displacement is along the direction of energy transfer (DOET) ✓
whereas in a transverse wave it is at right angles to the DOET. ✓
b i The amplitude is 4.0 mm. ✓
ii The wavelength is 0.20 m. ✓
1 1
iii The period is 10 s and so the frequency is f = = = 0.10 Hz. ✓
c The speed is v = λ f = 0.20 × 0.10 . ✓ T 10

v = 0.020 m s −1 ✓
d Particle P has zero displacement at t = 10 s. ✓
A short time later the displacement becomes positive (we look at the second graph). ✓
To make the displacement of the point at 0.20 m positive a short time after 10 s the first graph must be shifted
to the right, so the wave moves to the right. ✓
e At t = 10 s point Q has displacement 4.0 mm. ✓
Hence we must have the following graph. ✓
d / mm
4

0 t / ms
5 10 15 20 25 30

–2

–4

f i The wavelength of the first harmonic is 4L, ✓

and so 4L = 0.20 ⇒ L = 0.050 m . ✓
ii Standing waves do not transfer energy; travelling waves do. ✓
Standing waves have variable amplitude; travelling waves have a constant amplitude. ✓
iii It is the speed of one of the travelling waves, ✓
making up the standing wave. ✓

PHYSICS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA © CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 2015 ANSWERS TO EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS – TOPIC 4 1
 12 a When two waves (of the same type) meet, ✓
the resultant displacement is the algebraic sum of the individual displacements. ✓
b The speed of the black pulse is the same as that of the grey pulse since the medium is the same. ✓
c i The centres of the pulses are separated by a distance of 5.0 cm. The relative speed of the pulses is 30 m s–1
5.0
and so will completely overlap at a time of = 0.167 ≈ 0.17 s. ✓
30
ii In 0.167 s each pulse will move a distance of 2.5 m, ✓
and so the resulting pulse has the shape of the following graph. ✓
d / cm

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

–2 0 2 4 6 8 10
x / cm

d i The pulses have the same shape after the collision. ✓

So no energy is lost (the collision of the pulses is elastic). ✓
ii The energy carried by a pulse is proportional to the (square of the) height of the pulse. ✓
The pulse is short during overlap. ✓
But the string is moving vertically during overlap and so makes up for the apparently missing energy. ✓
13 a The diagram shows how rays of light coming in parallel to the water surface will refract. ✓

A B

θ
2.0 m

man

So the rays that can enter the man’s eyes lie within a circle of diameter AB. ✓
b From the diagram above and Snell’s law 1.00 × sin 90° = 1.33 × sin θ so that θ = 48.8°. ✓
Hence R = 2.0 tan θ = 2.0 × tan 48.8° = 2.28 ≈ 2.3 m . ✓
c The angle θ will be the same. ✓
But since the depth is greater so will the radius. ✓
sin12° sin θ
d i Snell’s law says that = ✓
340 1500
so that θ = 66.5° ≈ 67°. ✓

2 ANSWERS TO EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS – TOPIC 4 PHYSICS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA © CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 2015
 ii Three wavefronts as shown:
Rays bending away from normal. ✓
Wavelength greater. ✓

12° air
water

iii The sound tends to move parallel to the surface of the water, ✓
and not to penetrate deeper into the water where a swimmer might be. ✓
14 a Light in which the electric field oscillates on only one plane. ✓
b The intensity transmitted through the first polariser will be 160 W m −2. ✓
The intensity through the second will be 160 cos 2 θ W m −2 and through the
third 160 cos4 θ W m −2 . ✓
Hence 160 cos4 θ = 10 giving θ = 60°. ✓
c Let the intensities of the polarised and unpolarised components be I P , I U respectively: at
maximum transmitted intensity the polariser’s axis will be parallel to the polarised light’s
I
electric field and the transmitted intensity will then be I P + U ; at minimum intensity the
2
I
polarised component will not be transmitted and so the intensity will be U . ✓
I 2
IP + U
We have that 2 = 7 and so I P = 3. ✓
IU IU
2
3
The required fraction is then . ✓
4
d The wall is vertical and so the reflected light is partially polarised. ✓
In a direction that is parallel to the wall, i.e. vertical. ✓
And so a polariser with a horizontal transmission axis will cut off the reflected glare. ✓
15 a Light leaving each of the slits diffracts at each slit, ✓
and so light from each slit will arrive at the middle of the screen. ✓
b With both slits open light arrives at the middle of the screen in phase and so the
amplitude is twice the amplitude due to one slit. ✓
The intensity is proportional to the amplitude squared. ✓
So with one slit open the amplitude will be half and the intensity one quarter,
i.e. 1 W m–2. ✓
c The intensity of the side maxima is not the same as that of the central maximum. ✓
d The separation of the maxima on the screen is 0.60 cm and the separation is
λD sd
given by s = and so λ = . ✓
d D
0.60 × 10 −2 × 0.39 × 10 −3
Hence λ = = 7.3 × 10 −7 m. ✓
3.2
e Blue light has a smaller wavelength than red light. ✓
Hence the separation of the maxima will be less. ✓

PHYSICS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA © CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 2015 ANSWERS TO EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS – TOPIC 4 3
 16 a A standing wave is formed when two identical travelling waves moving in opposite
directions. ✓
Meet and superpose. ✓
b i The travelling wave from the source reflects off the water surface. ✓
The reflected wave superposes with the incoming wave creating a standing wave in the
tube. ✓
4L
ii The standing wave will have a wavelength equal to where L is the length of the air
column and n is an odd integer. ✓ n
λn
So for a given wavelength λ this will happen only when L = , i.e. for specific values
of the air column length. ✓ 4
iii The difference in air column lengths is half a wavelength (explained in the next part)
and so the next length is  cm. ✓
λ n λ(n − 2) λ
iv The difference in air column lengths is − = , i.e. half a wavelength and
4 4 2
the wavelength is λ = 2 × 0.12 = 0.24 m . ✓
So v = f λ = 1400 × 0.24 = 336 ≈ 340 m s −1. ✓

4 ANSWERS TO EXAM-STYLE QUESTIONS – TOPIC 4 PHYSICS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA © CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS 2015
 E N D - O F -TO P I C Q U E S T I O N S

Solutions for Topic 4 – Oscillations and waves

1. a) (i) point at minima of curve (acceleration maximum when displacement is minimum)
(ii) either point of intercept with time axis (maximum speed at zero displacement)
b) weight of the bob is opposed by the component of tension along the vertical axis i.e. T sinθ = mg
2. a) displacement graph shifted by – _ π
2
b) velocity graph is the gradient of the displacement graph; velocity is maximum when
displacement is zero
3. a) magnitude of acceleration is proportional to the displacement from a fixed point; direction of
acceleration is towards that fixed point
b) (i) A = 0.5 × d
(ii) and (iii)
x T

A
t

4. a) a wave in which the positions of maximum and minimum amplitude travel through the
medium
b) 4.0 mm; 2.4 cm; 3.3 Hz; 7.9 cm s–1
5. a) transverse: direction of energy transfer perpendicular to direction of travel
longitudinal: direction of energy transfer parallel to direction of travel
b) frequency = (time for one period)–1 = (0.135)–1 = 7.4 Hz;
amplitude = maximum displacement = 8 mm
0.15 = 0.020 m = 2.0 cm
c) c = fλ; λ = _
7.4
d) d

6. a) (i) ray: line showing direction in which wave transfers energy;

(ii) wave speed is the distance wave has travelled per unit time; wave energy is the sum of
the kinetic energy (maximum when speed is maximum) and potential energy (maximum
when speed is zero)
b) (i) f = _ 1 = 167 Hz
6 × 10–3
(ii) at t = 1.0 ms, xA = 1.7 mm, xB = 0.7 mm, so total displacement = 1.7 + 0.7 = 2.4 mm
at t = 8.0 ms; xA = 1.7 mm; xB = – 0.7 mm, so total displacement = 1.7 – 0.7 = 1.0 mm
7. a) transverse: direction of energy transfer perpendicular to direction of travel
b) (i) frequency is 1 ÷ time period (time between successive crests) = 1 ÷ 0.13 = 7.7 Hz
(ii) amplitude is maximum displacement = 8 mm
longitudinal: direction of energy transfer parallel to direction of travel
0.12 = 0.016 m = 1.6 cm
c) c = fλ; λ = _
7.7

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839213_Solutions_Ch04.indd 1 12/17/14 4:09 PM

 E N D - O F -TO P I C Q U E S T I O N S

d) d

12 = 42°
e) θ = sin–1_
18
8. a) & b) I U

θ
0 90 180

9. C; sound waves are diffracted around the headland

10. a) (i) amplitude is maximum displacement = 1.0 mm
(ii) wavelength is distance between successive crests = 6mm
(iii) T = 0.027 s so f = _ 1 = 37 Hz
0.027
(iv) c = fλ = 37 × 0.006 = 0.22 m s–1
b) (i) wavefront is a surface that travels with a wave; ray is a line showing direction in which
wave transfers energy; rays and wavefronts are perpendicular to each other
(ii) 1.4 sinθ = sin60; θ = 38°
(iii) lines bent towards normal in shallower water
c) (i) lines of minimum disturbance caused by destructive interference between two sets of
waves; crest of one wave coincides with trough of another
(ii) positions of minimum disturbance will move closer together as separation of waves
decreases
11. a) standing wave has points at which displacement is always zero (nodes); there is no energy
transferred by standing wave
b) (i) sound wave is reflected at boundary, producing two waves of equal amplitude in opposite
directions
(ii) at boundary between water and air
(iii) displacement increased so it is more than half a wavelength; moved past the first harmonic
c) λ = 2 × 0.368 = 0.736 m; c = fλ = 440 × 0.736 = 324 m s–1
12. a) standing wave has points at which displacement is always zero (nodes); no energy transferred
by wave; maximum amplitude at harmonics
b) (i) P at open end of pipe
λ =_
(ii) l = _ 330 = 5.2 m
4 4 × 16
c) 1st harmonic at high frequency; to get lower sounds, need a closed pipe
13. a) maxima/minima caused by waves interfering constructively/destructively
b) (i) 9 maxima so order = 4; λ = _ 130 = 29 mm
4.5
(ii) f = _c =_3 × 108 = 10 GHz
λ 0.029
c) Place two polarising filters in path of microwaves between transmitter and receiver. Rotate
one filter 360, should see intensity at transmitter rise to maximum and fall to zero twice in the
course of one rotation.

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Topic 4.1 Graphing SHM
Conceptual Questions
CHAPTER 11: Vibrations and Waves
(These questions are not in an IB style but instead designed to check your understanding of the concept of this topic. You
should try your best to appropriately communicate your answer using prose)
CHAPTER
Answers 11: Vibrations and Waves
to Questions
1. Give some examples of everyday vibrating objects. Which exhibit SHM, at least approximately?
1. The blades
Answers in an electric shaver vibrate, approximately in SHM.
to Questions
The speakers in a stereo system vibrate, but usually in a very complicated way since many notes are
1. The being sounded
blades in anatelectric
the same time.vibrate, approximately in SHM.
shaver
A piano
The stringinvibrates
speakers a stereowhen system struck,
vibrate, in approximately
but usually in aSHM. very complicated way since many notes are
The
being
Chapter 11
pistons
sounded in a
at car
the engine
same oscillate,
time. in approximately SHM. Vibrations and Waves
AThe freestring
piano end ofvibrates
a divingwhen boardstruck,
oscillates after a diver jumps,
in approximately SHM. in approximately SHM.
The pistons in a car engine oscillate, in approximately SHM.
2. The The acceleration
free
location end
where of athe of a simple
diving
energy boardis harmonic
oscillates
being oscillator
received,afterand isenergy
a diver zero whenever
jumps, the oscillating
in approximately
is still received in spiteSHM. object
of is at theit is a
the barrier,
2. Is the acceleration of a simple harmonic oscillator every zero? If so, where?
equilibrium position.
good indication that the energy is being carried by waves. If the placement of the barrier stops the
2. The acceleration
energy transfer, it ofcould
a simple be thatharmonic
the energy oscillator
transfer is zero whenever
is being carriedthe outoscillating
by particles.object is at the
It could also be
3. equilibrium
The motion
that the energy of thetransfer is being carried out with waves whose wavelength is much smallerwill
position. piston can be approximated as simple harmonic. First of all, the piston have
than the a
constant period while
dimensions of the barrier. the engine is running at a constant speed. The speed of the piston will be zero
3. The at themotion
extremes of theof piston
its motion can –bethe top and bottom
approximated of the harmonic.
as simple stroke – which Firstisofthe
all,same as in simple
the piston will have a
Calculation-based Questions There is a large
constant period while the engine is running at a constant speed. The speed of the piston will– be
harmonic motion. force exerted on the piston at one extreme of its motion thezero
combustion
at the extremes of the
of itsfuel mixture
motion – and
– the topsimpleand bottomharmonic of themotion
strokehas the largest
– which is the force
same at as the extremes of
in simple
Solutions to Problems
1. If a particle undergoes SHM with an amplitude of 0.18m what is the total distance it travels in one period?
the motion. Also, as the crankshaft moves in a circle,
harmonic motion. There is a large force exerted on theitspiston
component of motion
at one extreme ofinitsone
motiondimension
– the is
transferred to
combustion ofthe
thepiston.
fuel mixture It is similar
– and simple to Fig. harmonic
11-6. motion has the largest force at the extremes of
1. The particle would travel four times the amplitude: from x A to x 0 to x A to x 0 to
the motion. Also, as the crankshaft moves in a circle, its component of motion in one dimension is
x Athe
4. transferred
Since . So real
tothespring
the total has mass,
distance
piston. the
4 Amass
It is similar that 11-6.
4to 0.18
Fig. is moving
m 0.72 ismgreater
. than the mass at the end of the

spring. Since f 1 k
4.2. Since the real
The spring spring has
constant , a larger
mass, the mass massthat means a smaller
is moving frequency.
is greater than theThus theattrue
mass thefrequency
end of thewill
2 is the m ratio of applied force to displacement.
2. If a pendulum undergoes exactly 20 oscillations in 34.6s, calculate (a) its frequency; (b) its angular frequency.
be smaller ! Fthan the 180 1N 75 k N spring” 105 N
f ! “massless approximation. N And since the true frequency
the true is smaller, the
2
(a) !
spring. =k Since
= , a larger mass
= 0.578!"; (b) ! 5.3 10
=means
2!" =a smaller
2! m
0.578 frequency. Thus
= 3.63!"#/!. frequency will
true period ! xwill(!".!/!".!)
0.85 m 0.65
be 2larger mthanmthe0.20 “massless m spring” approximation. About 1/3 the mass of the
be
spring
smallercontributes
than theto“massless
the total spring”
mass value. approximation. And since the true frequency is smaller, the
3. A child on a swing went through exactly five complete oscillations in 10.4s. (a) What was the period? (b)
3. Theperiod
true springwill constant
be largeris found
than from the ratio of
the “massless applied
spring” force to displacement.
approximation. About 1/3 the mass of the
spring contributes
5. What was the frequency?
The maximum F mg to the
speed is68given total
kg by mass
9.8 m value.
2
vmaxs A k m . Various combinations of changing A, k, and/or m
k !".! ! ! 1.333 105 N m
can!result
(a) = in x= a doubling
2.08!; (b) !
x of5the =10maximum
3
=m = speed.
0.481!" For example, if k and m are kept constant, then
5. The maximum
doubling !.!!
the speed
amplitude is given
will ! v !.!"
by
double the A k
maximum m . Various
speed. combinations ofconstant.
changing A, k, and/or
then m
The frequency of oscillation is found from the total max mass Or, andiftheA and
springk are kept constant,
reducing
can resultthe in amass
doublingto one-fourth
of the maximum its original valueFor
speed. willexample,
double the if kmaximum
and m are speed. Note that
kept constant, then
1 k 1 1.333 105 N m
doubling f the amplitude will double the maximum 1.467speed. Hz 1.5 Or,Hz if A and k are kept constant, 1 k then
changingthe
reducing either
2 mass mk or
to m will also
2one-fourth change
1568 kg the frequency
its original value will double of the oscillator,
the maximum f
sincespeed. Note that.
2 m
1 k
4. changing
(a) The either springkconstant
or m willisalso found changefrom the the frequency
ratio of applied of theforce
oscillator, since f
to displacement. .
6. The scale reading will oscillate with damped2 oscillations about an equilibrium reading 2 m
of 5.0 kg,
F mg of2.7
with an initial amplitude 5.0kg kg (so 9.80 themrange
s of readings is initially from 0.0 kg and 10.0 kg).
k 735 N m 7.4 102 N m
6. The Due scale
to friction
reading in
x thewillxspring
oscillate and scale
with
3.6 10 mechanism,
damped
2
m oscillations the oscillation
about anamplitude
equilibrium will decrease
reading of 5.0overkg,time,
eventually
with an initialcomingamplitudeto restofat5.0 thekg 5.0(so kgthe mark.
range of readings is initially from 0.0 kg and 2
10.0 kg).
(b) toThe
Due amplitude
friction in theisspringthe distance
and scale pulled down from
mechanism, the equilibrium, so A 2.5
oscillation amplitude will10 m
decrease over time,
7. eventually The frequency
The period of a pendulum
coming toof oscillation
rest atclock
the 5.0 is isinversely
found
kg mark. from the total mass
proportional to theand the spring
square root ofconstant.
g, by Equation 11-11a,
T 2 L g . When 1 ktaken1 to high 735 Naltitude, m the value of g will decrease (by a small amount), which
7. The period of f a pendulum clock is inversely2.626 Hz 2.6toHz
proportional the square root of g, by Equation 11-11a,
means the period 2 willmincrease. 2 If
2.7the kgperiod is too long, the clock is running slow and so will lose
T 2 L g . When taken to high altitude, the value of g will decrease (by a small amount), which
time.
5. means the period
The spring constant willisincrease.
the sameIfregardlessthe periodofiswhat too long,mass the clockfrom
is hung is running slow and so will lose
the spring.
time.
1
f k m k 2 f m constant f1 m1 f 2 m2
© 2005 Pearson Education,
2 Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. This material is protected under all copyright laws as they
currently exist. No portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the
publisher.
© 2005 PearsonfEducation,
2
f1 mInc.,
1
mUpper
2
3.0 Hz
Saddle 0.60Allkg
River, NJ. 0.38
rights kg This
reserved. 3.8material
Hz is protected under all copyright laws as they
269
currently exist. No portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the
publisher.
6. The table of data is time position 269 1
shown, along with the 0 -A
smoothed graph. T /4 0 0

4. The graph below shows the position of a particle from the equilibrium with respect to time. (a) Write down
the value of the amplitude with its units. (b) Write down the value of the period with its units. (c) Calculate
the frequency of the oscillation and state its units.

Position (x10-3m)

Time (s)

! !
(a) 3.1 – 3.2mm; (b) 1.55-1.60s; (c) ! = = ≈ 0.625! !! (DOP).
! !.!

5. For the diagram shown in question 4, sketch (a) the corresponding velocity-time graph; and (b) the
acceleration-time graph. Draw each on separate axes.
















6. A microwave is emitted as shown in the graph below. A additional microwaves are emitted a short time later
with the same amplitude and wavelength except that they have a phase difference of (a) 45° and; (b) π
radians. Sketch these additional waves on the same axis.

7. Two identical soundwaves are produced from two identical speakers. What is the phase difference between
the two waves in (a) degrees; and (b) radians?

! !! !.! !.!" !" ! !
(a) = ⟹ = ⟹ ! = 90°; (b) = ⟹!=
!"# ! !"# ! !"# !! !
Topic 4.2a Wave Characteristics Problems
Conceptual Questions
(These questions are not in an IB style but instead designed to check your understanding of the concept of this topic. You
should try your best to appropriately communicate your answer using prose)

3. State wave is meant by a progressive (travelling wave) in terms of medium, source and energy.
A progressive wave travels through a medium such that the energy of the wave is directed away from the
source.

4. Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves. Give your answer in terms of the medium and
propagation.
The medium of a transverse wave oscillates 90 degrees to the direction of propagation. The medium of a
longitudinal wave oscillates in the same direction as the propagation.

5. Describe the relationship between density and pressure for a longitudinal wave in air.
For a longitudinal wave, compressions cause the particles of air to move closer together. This increases the
local density and pressure at the same time causing areas of low pressure and density in other areas, called
rarefactions. The distance between two compressions, or two rarefactions, is the wavelength of the
longitudinal wave.

6. Give one example of a wave pulse and one example of a continuous progressive wave.
An example of a wave pulse, other than that on a string, is a radar or sonar pulse. There are many examples of
continuous progressive waves; one being an electromagnetic waves such as light.

7. Do waves have to be sinusoidal? Discuss.
Waves behave sinusoidally only if the source of the wave is oscillating with SHM. At any other time the wave
will not be sinusoidal. Often in electronic circuits, the frequency of the electricity is stepped – or otherwise
known as a square wave.

8. Draw, to scale, a diagram showing the wavefronts for (a) a plane wave with a wavelength of 1cm and (b) a
circular wave with a wavelength of 1cm. On both diagrams, show with an arrow, the direction of
propagation.

9. The diagram below shows three points on a string on which a transverse wave propagates to the right. State how these
three points will move in the next instant of time.

Down – Down – Up

 10. Below is shown a picture of a longitudinal wave travelling towards the right taken at a specific time. The density of the
lines is proportional to the density in the medium the wave travels through.

On the diagram, label a compression and one rarefaction. Then label the wavelength of the wave.
Compression is labelled where the 3 lines are closest together. The rarefaction is labelled exactly half-way between two
compressions. The wavelength is the distance between two compressions or two rarefactions.

11. Consider a continuous wave on a rope. State and explain whether the velocity of the wave moving along the rope is the
same velocity of a particle of the rope.
The velocity of the wave and the speed of oscillation of the medium are two separate quantities. They can be the same
under certain circumstances. In the case of a rope, the speed of the wave is determined by the tension and mass of the
rope, the speed of the oscillation is determined by the source only.

12. Draw two suitably labelled diagrams to explain the terms:
a. Wavelength
b. Period
c. Amplitude
d. Crest
e. Trough

Many correct diagrams can be found on the internet.


Topic 4.3 Polarization Problems
Conceptual Questions
(These questions are not in an IB style but instead designed to check your understanding of the concept of this topic. You
should try your best to appropriately communicate your answer using prose)

13. What does polarization tell us about the nature of light?

14. Explain the advantage of polarized sunglasses over normal tinted ones.

15. How can you tell if a pair of sunglasses is polarizing or not?

16. Two polarized sheets rotated at an angle of 90° with respect to each other will not let any light through.
Three polarized sheets, each rotated at an angle of 45° with respect to each other, will let some light through.
What will happen to unpolarized light if you align four polarized sheets, each rotated at an angle of 30° with
respect to the one in front of it?

17. What would the colour of the sky be if the Earth had no atmosphere?

Calculation-based Questions
18. Two polarizers are oriented 65° to one another. Unpolarized light falls on them. What fraction of the light
intensity is transmitted?


19. Two Polaroids are aligned so that the light passing through them is a maximum. At what angle should one of
them be placed so that the intensity is subsequently reduced by half?

20. At what angle should the axes of two Polaroids be placed so as to reduce the intensity of the incident
unpolarised light to (a) 1/3, (b) 1/10.

21. Two polarizers are oriented at 40° to each other and plane-polarized light is incident on them. If only 15% of
the light gets through both of them, what was the initial polarization angle of the incident light?

Topic 4.4 Wave Properties Problems
Calculation-based Questions
1. Two mirrors meet at 135° angle. If light rays strike one mirror at 40° as shown, at what angle do they leave
the second mirror.

2. A person whose eyes are 1.68m above the floor stands 2.20m in front of a vertical plane mirror whose
bottom edge is 43cm above the floor. What is the horizontal distance x to the base of the wall supporting
the mirror of the nearest point on the floor that can be seen reflected in the mirror?

3. The speed of light in ice is 2.29x108m/s. What is the index of refraction of ice?

4. A flashlight beam strikes the surface of a pane of glass (n = 1.58) at an angle of 63° to the normal. What is
the angle of refraction?


5. A diver shines a flashlight upward from beneath the water at a 42.5° angle to the vertical. At what angle
does the light leave the water?

6. Light is incident on an equilateral glass prism at a 45.0° angle to one face. Calculate the angle at which light
emerges from the opposite face. Assume that n = 1.58.

7. In searching the bottom of a pool at night a watchman shines a narrow beam of light from his flashlight,
1.3m above the water level, onto the surface of the water at a point 2.7m from the edge of the pool. Where
does the spot of light hit the bottom of the pool, measured from the wall beneath his foot, if the pool is
2.1m deep?

Topic 4.5 Standing Waves Problems
Giancoli Physics: Principles with Applications, 6 th
Edition

Giancoli Physics: Principles with Applications, 6th Edition

v 1 FT
24. For a vibrating string, the frequency of the fundamental mode is given by f .
Calculation-based Questions 2 L 2 L m L
v 1 F
24. For a vibrating
Giancoli 1 string, FT the frequency2 of the fundamental mode 2 is given
Physics: by fwith Applications, 6T th Edition
Principles
4
.
f FT =4Lf m 4 0.32 m 440 Hz 3.5 10 kg 87
2 LN 2 L m L
2L m L
1 FT
1. An organ pipe is 112cm long. What are the fundamental and first three harmonics if the pipe is (a) 2
f FT =4Lf 2 m 4 0.32 m 440 Hz 3.5 10 4 kg 87vN 1 FT
25. closed at one end; and (b) open at both ends?
24. For the2 L
(a) aIfvibrating pipemstring,
is Lclosed theatfrequency
one end, only of thethe odd harmonic
fundamental frequencies
mode is given by aref present, and are given . by
nv 2L 2L m L [4 marks]
fn nf1 , n 1, 3, 5 .
25. (a) If the 4pipe 1L isFTclosed at one end,2 only the odd harmonic frequencies 2
are present, and are given by
f nv FT =4Lf m 4 0.32 m 440 Hz 3.5 10 4 kg 87 N
v L 343 m s
f n 2fL 1
mnf 1
, n 1, 3, 5 . 76.6 Hz
4L 4 L 4 1.12 m
25. (a) If theffpipe3visf closed 343 m s
230atHzone end, only
5 f1Hzthe
f5 76.6 383oddHzharmonic
f 7 7frequencies
f1 536 Hzare present, and are given by
13 1
4 L 4 1.12 m
(b) Iff nthe nv pipe is nf1open, n 1, at3,both
5 ends, . all the harmonic frequencies are present, and are given by
4
fnv
3
L 3 f1 230 Hz f 5 f1 383 Hz f 7 7 f1 536 Hz
fn nf1 . 343 m s 5
v
(b) If the 2pipe f1L is open at both ends,76.6 all the
Hz harmonic frequencies are present, and are given by
nv 4vL 4343 1.12ms m
fn f1 nf1 . 153 Hz
2fL 3
32 L
f 1
2
230 1.12
Hz m f 5
5 f1 383 Hz f 7 7 f1 536 Hz
(b) If theffpipe2isf open v 343 m
at both s
12 1
306 Hz ends, f3153all f1the 459
3 Hz harmonic
Hz frequencies
f 4 4 f1 612 are present,
Hz and are given by
nv 2 L 2 1.12 m
fn nf1 .
26. (a) The length 2 L
f 2 2 of f1 the306 tubeHzis one-fourth
f3 3 f1 of459 a wavelength
Hz f 4 for
4 f1this 612
(oneHz end closed) tube, and so the
wavelengthv is four 343 m s the length of the tube.
times
f1 153 Hz
2. (a) What resonant frequency would you expect from blowing across the top of an empty soda bottle
26. (a) The length v2of
L the343 2tube m issmone-fourth of a wavelength for this (one end closed) tube, and so the
1.12
that is 18cm deep, if you assumed it was a closed tube? (b) How would that change if it was one-third
f 480 Hz
wavelength is four 4 times
0.18 m the length of the tube.
full of soda? f 2 2 f1 306 Hz f 3 f1 459 Hz f 4 4 f1 612 Hz
(b) If thefbottle v is one-third
343 m s full, 3then the
480 Hz effective length of the air column is reduced to 12 cm. [2 Marks]
26. (a) The length v of 4the343 0.18 mmis
tube s one-fourth of a wavelength for this (one end closed) tube, and so the
f 710 Hz
(b) Ifwavelength
the bottle is is one-third
4 0.12
four timesmfull,
the thenlengththeofeffective
the tube.length of the air column is reduced to 12 cm.
vv 343 m
343 m s s
ff 710
480 HzHz
44 0.12
0.18 m
m v
27. For a pipe open at both ends, the fundamental frequency is given by f1 , and so the length for a
(b) If the bottle is one-third full, then the effective length of the air column 2 L is reduced to 12 cm.
vat both 343 m s the fundamental v v
27. For given a pipe open
fundamental
f ends,
frequency is L710 Hz. frequency is given by f1 , and so the length for a
4 0.12 m 2 f1 2L
v
given Lfundamental 343 m s
frequency ismL . 343 m s
3. A tight guitar string has a frequency of 540Hz at its third harmonic. What will be its fundamental
8.6 L 8.6 10 3
m
20 Hz 2 f1 20 kHz 2 20, 000 Hz v
27. frequency if it is fingered at a length of only 60% of its original length?
For a pipe open 2 20 at bothHz ends, the fundamental frequency is given by f1 , and so the length for a
343 m s 343 m s 32 L [3 Marks]
L20 Hz 8.6 m L20thkHz 8.6 10 m
28. given
For a fixed 2 20 the
string, Hz frequency v 2 20,is000 Hz by f n nf1 . Thus the fundamental for
fundamental frequency is Lof the n. harmonic given
this string is f1 f3 3 540 Hz 3 2180 f1 Hz . When the string is fingered, it has a new length of
28. For 60%a of fixed the string,
343 the
original sfrequency
mlength. The of the nth harmonic
fundamental is given
343 m s by f n nf1 .string Thus the fundamental for
L20 Hz 8.6 m L20 kHz frequency of the vibrating 8.6 10 3 m is also given by
this stringv is 2f1 20f3Hz3 540 Hz 3 180 Hz . When 2 20,the000string
Hz is fingered, it has a new length of
f1 , and v is a constant for the string, assuming its tension is not changed.
60% of 2 Lthe original length. The fundamental frequency of the vibrating string is also given by
28. For a vfixed string,vthe frequency v of the n1th harmonic 180 Hz is given by f n nf1 . Thus the fundamental for
f1 f1 , and v is a constant for the string, assuming f1 its tension
300 Hz is not changed.
2 Lfingeredis f21 Lfingered
this string f3 3 2540 0.60
Hz 3L 180 0.60Hz . When 0.60the string is fingered, it has a new length of
v length. The v fundamental 1 180 Hz of the vibrating string is also given by
©
60% of
f the original
Pearson1 Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights f frequency
4.2005A pipe in air at 20°C is designed to produce two successive harmonics at 240Hz and 280Hz. How long
300 Hz
1 reserved. This material is protected under all copyright laws as they
exist.vfingered 2L
must the pipe be, and is it open or closed?
currently No portion offingered
this material2 may
0.60be reproduced,
L 0.60in any form 0.60
or by any means, without permission in writing from the
f1
publisher. , and v is a constant for the string, assuming its tension is not changed.
2L
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. 299 This material is protected under all copyright laws as they [3 Marks]
currently exist. No portion of this v material mayvbe reproduced,1 in any form 180or Hz
by any means, without permission in writing from the
publisher. f1 f1 300 Hz
fingered 2 Lfingered 2 0.60 L 0.60 2990.60
© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. This material is protected under all copyright laws as they
currently exist. No portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the
publisher.
 2L
v 2 Lf1 2 1.80 m 55 Hz 198 m s 2.0 102 m s

36. The difference in frequency for two successive harmonics is 40 Hz. For an open pipe, two
successive harmonics differ by the fundamental, so the fundamental could be 40 Hz, with 240 Hz
being the 6th harmonic and 280 Hz being the 7th harmonic. For a closed pipe, two successive
harmonics differ by twice the fundamental, so the fundamental could be 20 Hz. But the overtones of
a closed pipe are odd multiples of the fundamental, and both overtones are even multiples of 30 Hz.
So the pipe must be an open pipe .
v v 343 m s
f L 4.3 m
2L 2 f 2 40 Hz

nv
37. (a) The harmonics for the open pipe are f n . To be audible, they must be below 20 kHz.
2L
nv 2 2.14 m 2 10 4 Hz
2 10 4 Hz n 249.6
2L 343 m s
Since there are 249 harmonics, there are 248 overtones

© 2005 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. This material is protected under all copyright laws as they
currently exist. No portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the
publisher.
301
 nnairair sin
sin aa nnsin
sin bb;;
Giancoli Physics: Principles with Applications, 6th Edition
1.00
1.00 sin sin45
45 1.642
1.642 sin
sin bb11,, which gives bb11 25.51
which gives 25.51 ;;
1.00
1.00 sin sin4545 1.619 1.619 sin sin bb22,, which
which gives
gives bb22 25.90
25.90 ..
Topic 9.3 Diffraction Problems
16. For
Wethe
We findrefraction
find the angleat
the angle ofthe
of first surface,
incidence
incidence at
at thethewe havesurface
second
second surface from
from
n90 sin n sin
90 ; A 180 , which gives
90
air a
bb 90 b
cc A 180 , which gives
1.00 Asin 45 60.00 1.642 sin gives b1 25.51 ;
b1 , which
25.51 34.49
cc11 A bb11 60.00 25.51 34.49 ;;
1.00 Asin
A 45bb22 60.001.619 sin25.90 b 2 , which
34.10gives
.. b 2 25.90 .
Calculation-based Questions
cc22 60.00 25.90 34.10
We
Forfind
For the the angle at
the refraction
refraction of incidence
at the
the secondatsurface,
second the second
surface, we surface from
we have
have
n sin
n90 n sin ;
90 dd ; c
sin cc b nairair sin A 180 , which gives
1.642
c1.642
1 A sin
sinb34.49
34.49
1 60.00 1.00 1.0025.51
sin dd11,,34.49
sin which; gives
which gives dd11 68.4 68.4 from
from thethe normal;
normal;
1. If 580-nm light falls on a slit 0.0440mm wide, what is the full angular width of the central diffraction
A 60.00 25.90 34.10 .
peak? 1.619
1.619 sin
c2
sin34.10
34.10 1.00
b2
1.00 sinsin dd22,, whichwhich gives
gives dd22 65.2 65.2 from
from thethe normal.
normal.
For the refraction at the second surface, we have [2 Marks]
n sin c nair sin d ;
17.
17. We
We find
find the the angle
angle to to the
the first
first minimum
minimum from from
1.642 sin 34.49 1 1.00 580 sin
10 9d 1 , which gives
9m d1 68.4 from the normal;
m
m 1 580 10 m
sin
sin 0.0132,
0.0132, so 0.755 ..
1.619 1minsin 34.10
1min
DD 1.00 sin
0.0440 10 3 , which
d3m givesso 1min 0.755
1min 65.2 from the normal.
0.0440 10 m 2 d2

Thus
Thus thethe angular
angular width width of of the
the central
central diffraction
diffraction peakpeak isis
17. We find the2 angle to 2 the first
0.755 minimum
1.51 . from
1 2 1min 2 0.755 1.51 .
1 1min
m 1 580 10 9 m
sin 1min 0.0132, so 1min 0.755 .
18.
18. The
The angle
angle from fromDthe the central
0.0440
central maximum
10 m to
maximum
3
to the
the first
first minimum
minimum is is 17.5
17.5 ..
2. Monochromatic light falls on a slit that is 2.60x10-3mm wide. If the angle between the first dark fringes
We
We find
Thus find the
the wavelength
the angular wavelength from
width offrom the central diffraction peak is
on either side of the central maxim um is 35.0° (dark fringe to dark fringe), what is the wavelength of
D D sin
sin 1min mm ;;
light used? 1 21min
1min6 2 0.755 1.51 . 7
2.60
2.60 10 10 6m m sinsin 17.5
17.5 11 ,, which which gives
gives 7.82
7.82 10 10 7m m 782 782nm.
nm. [2 Marks]
18. The angle from the central maximum to the first minimum is 17.5 .
19. For
19. We constructive
Forfind the wavelength
constructive interferencefrom from
interference from the the single
single slit,
slit, the
the path
path difference
difference is is
DDsin m m 1
; , m
sin 1min m 22 , m 1, 2, 3, ... .
1 1, 2, 3, ... .
For the2.60
For the first
first10fringe
6
fringem away
sin 17.5
away from
from thethe1central , which
central maximum,
gives we
maximum, have
we7.82
7
have 10 m 782 nm.
6 9
3.20
3.20 10 10 6m m sinsin 11 232 520
3
520 10 10 9m m ,, which
which gives
gives 11 14.114.1 ..

19. A single slit, 1.0mm wide, is illuminated by a 450-nm light. What is the width of the central maximum
3. For
We constructive
We find
find the the distance
interference
distance on
on the
from the
the screen
screen from from
single slit, the path difference is
Dyy1sinLLtan m 2 ,m 1
m 1, 2, 3, ... . 2.51m.
(in cm) in the diffraction pattern on a screen 5.0m away?
1 tan 11 10.0 10.0 m tan14.1
tan14.1 2.51m.
For the first fringe away from the central maximum, we have [3 Marks]
20.
20. WeWe24 find
3.20the
find the10 angle
6
m to
angle sin
to the
the1 first
first2 minimum
3
520 10from
minimum
9
m , which gives 1 14.1 .
from
Chapter 9
The Wave Nature of Light
We find the distance m 1 450 10 9m
sin m on1the450 screen 10 from m 0.00045.
sin 1min
D
y1 L tan 1 D 10.0 m1.0tan14.1
1min 1.0 10 3
3 m 0.00045.
2.51m.
Thus the width of the central maximum is 10 m
We
We find
find the distance
distance on the
the screen
screen from
2y y the
L 0.0045m
tan .
on0.45cm. from
20. We find y the angle
L tan . to the first minimum from
For
For small
small angles,
angles, we
we have1 450 10 9 m
have
21. The angle from mthe central maximum to the first bright fringe is 16 .
sin tan ,
sin 1min tan D, which which gives 0.00045.
For constructive interference 1.0gives 10 3 m
from the single slit, the path difference is
yy LLsin sin 5.0
5.0 mm 0.00045
0.00045 0.00225m.
0.00225m.
We findD sinthe distance
m 2 on, the
1
m screen
1, 2, 3,from... .

y L tan .
For the first fringe away from the central maximum, we have
4. How wide is the central diffraction peak on a screen 2.30m behind a 0.0348mm wide slit illuminated by
© 2005For small
Pearson angles,Inc.,
Education, we haveSaddle River,
3 Upper
D sin
a 589nm light?
© 2005 Pearson 16 ofInc.,
Education, 653Saddle
2 Upper 10 be 9
may River,
,NJ.
mreproduced,
NJ.
All rights reserved. This material6is protected under all copyright laws as they
which gives
All rights D This
in anyreserved.
3.6 10 ismprotected
anymaterial
3.6 m. allincopyright
under lawsthe
as publisher.
they
currently sin
exist. No tan
portion , which
this materialgives form or by means, without permission writing from
currently exist. No portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.[3 Marks]
209
y L sin 5.0 m 0.00045 0.00225m. 209
22. We find the angle to the first minimum from
m 1 589 10 9 m
sin 1min
© 2005 Pearson Education,
0.0169, so This material
Inc., Upper Saddle River,3NJ. All rights reserved. 1min
0.970is protected
. under all copyright laws as they
D 0.0348 10 m
currently exist. No portion of this material may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.
We find the distance on the screen from 209
y1 L tan 1 2.30 m tan 0.970 3.89 10 2 m 3.89cm.

Thus the width of the peak is

y1 2 y1 2 3.89cm 7.79cm.

23. We find the angular half-width of the central maximum from
sin ;
D
Topic 4 (New) [64 marks]
A beam of coherent monochromatic light from a distant galaxy is used in an optics experiment
on Earth.

The beam is incident normally on a double slit. The distance between the slits is 0.300 mm. A
screen is at a distance D from the slits. The diffraction angle θ is labelled.

1a. A series of dark and bright fringes appears on the screen. Explain how a dark fringe is [3 marks]
formed.

Markscheme
superposition of light from each slit / interference of light from both slits
with path/phase difference of any half-odd multiple of wavelength/any odd multiple of π (in
words or symbols)
producing destructive interference

Ignore any reference to crests and troughs.

[3 marks]

1b. The wavelength of the beam as observed on Earth is 633.0 nm. The separation [2 marks]
between a dark and a bright fringe on the screen is 4.50 mm. Calculate D.

Markscheme
evidence of solving for D «D = sd
λ
»
−3
×10−3
« 4.50×10 ×0.300
−9
× 2» = 4.27 «m»
633.0×10

Award [1] max for 2.13 m.

[2 marks]

The air between the slits and the screen is replaced with water. The refractive index of water is
 The air between the slits and the screen is replaced with water. The refractive index of water is
1.33.

1c. Calculate the wavelength of the light in water. [1 mark]

Markscheme
633.0
1.33
= 476 «nm»

[1 mark]

1d. State two ways in which the intensity pattern on the screen changes. [2 marks]

Markscheme
distance between peaks decreases
intensity decreases
[2 marks]

A loudspeaker emits sound towards the open end of a pipe. The other end is closed. A standing
wave is formed in the pipe. The diagram represents the displacement of molecules of air in the
pipe at an instant of time.

2a. Outline how the standing wave is formed. [1 mark]

Markscheme
the incident wave «from the speaker» and the reflected wave «from the closed end»
superpose/combine/interfere

Allow superimpose/add up
Do not allow meet/interact
[1 mark]
 X and Y represent the equilibrium positions of two air molecules in the pipe. The arrow
represents the velocity of the molecule at Y.

2b. Draw an arrow on the diagram to represent the direction of motion of the molecule at X. [1 mark]

Markscheme
Horizontal arrow from X to the right

MP2 is dependent on MP1

Ignore length of arrow
[1 mark]

2c. Label a position N that is a node of the standing wave. [1 mark]

Markscheme
P at a node

[1 mark]

2d. The speed of sound is 340 m s –1 and the length of the pipe is 0.30 m. Calculate, in Hz, [2 marks]
the frequency of the sound.

Markscheme
wavelength is λ = « 4×0.30
3
=» 0.40 «m»
340
f = « 0.40 » 850 «Hz»

Award [2] for a bald correct answer

Allow ECF from MP1
[2 marks]

The loudspeaker in (a) now emits sound towards an air–water boundary. A, B and C are parallel
 The loudspeaker in (a) now emits sound towards an air–water boundary. A, B and C are parallel
wavefronts emitted by the loudspeaker. The parts of wavefronts A and B in water are not shown.
Wavefront C has not yet entered the water.

2e. The speed of sound in air is 340 m s –1 and in water it is 1500 m s –1. [2 marks]
The wavefronts make an angle θ with the surface of the water. Determine the maximum angle,
θmax, at which the sound can enter water. Give your answer to the correct number of significant
figures.

Markscheme
sin θ c 1
340
= 1500
θc = 13«°»

Award [2] for a bald correct answer

Award [2] for a bald answer of 13.1

Answer must be to 2/3 significant figures to award MP2

Allow 0.23 radians
[2 marks]

2f. Draw lines on the diagram to complete wavefronts A and B in water for θ < θmax. [2 marks]
 Markscheme
correct orientation
greater separation

Do not penalize the lengths of A and B in the water

Do not penalize a wavefront for C if it is consistent with A and B
MP1 must be awarded for MP2 to be awarded

[2 marks]

A large cube is formed from ice. A light ray is incident from a vacuum at an angle of 46˚ to the
normal on one surface of the cube. The light ray is parallel to the plane of one of the sides of the
cube. The angle of refraction inside the cube is 33˚.

3a. Calculate the speed of light inside the ice cube. [2 marks]

Markscheme
3×108×sin(33)
«v = c sin i
sin r
=» sin(46)

2.3 x 10 8 «m s–1»

3b. Show that no light emerges from side AB. [3 marks]

 Markscheme
light strikes AB at an angle of 57°
critical angle is «sin –1( 2.3
3
) =» 50.1°
49.2° from unrounded value
angle of incidence is greater than critical angle so total internal reflection
OR
light strikes AB at an angle of 57°
calculation showing sin of “refracted angle” = 1.1
statement that since 1.1>1 the angle does not exist and the light does not emerge
[Max 3 marks]

3c. Sketch, on the diagram, the subsequent path of the light ray. [2 marks]

Markscheme
total internal reflection shown
ray emerges at opposite face to incidence
Judge angle of incidence=angle of reflection by eye or accept correctly labelled angles
With sensible refraction in correct direction

Each side of the ice cube is 0.75 m in length. The initial temperature of the ice cube is –20 °C.

3d. Determine the energy required to melt all of the ice from –20 °C to water at [4 marks]
a temperature of 0 °C.
Specific latent heat of fusion of ice = 330 kJ kg –1
Specific heat capacity of ice = 2.1 kJ kg –1 k–1
Density of ice = 920 kg m –3

Markscheme
mass = «volume x density» (0.75)3 x 920 «= 388 kg»
energy required to raise temperature = 388 x 2100 x 20 «= 1.63 x 10 7 J»
energy required to melt = 388 x 330 x 10 3 «= 1.28 x 108 J»
1.4 x 108 «J» OR 1.4 x 105 «kJ»
Accept any consistent units
Award [3 max] for answer which uses density as 1000 kg –3 (1.5× 108 «J»)

3e. Outline the difference between the molecular structure of a solid and a liquid. [1 mark]
 Markscheme
in solid state, nearest neighbour molecules cannot exchange places/have fixed
positions/are closer to each other/have regular pattern/have stronger forces of attraction
in liquid, bonds between molecules can be broken and re-form
OWTTE
Accept converse argument for liquids
[Max 1 Mark]

4a. Outline what is meant by the principle of superposition of waves. [2 marks]

Markscheme
when 2 waves meet the resultant displacement
is the «vector» sum of their individual displacements

Displacement should be mentioned at least once in MP 1 or 2.

4b. Red laser light is incident on a double slit with a slit separation of 0.35 mm. [3 marks]
A double-slit interference pattern is observed on a screen 2.4 m from the slits.
The distance between successive maxima on the screen is 4.7 mm.

Calculate the wavelength of the light. Give your answer to an appropriate number of significant
figures.

Markscheme
−3
0.35×10−3
λ = 4.7×10 ×2.4
= 6.9 x 10 –7 «m»
answer to 2 SF

Allow missed powers of 10 for MP1.

Explain the change to the appearance of the interference pattern when the red-light
4c. Explain the change to the appearance of the interference pattern when the red-light [2 marks]
laser is replaced by one that emits green light.

Markscheme
green wavelength smaller than red
fringe separation / distance between maxima decreases

Allow ECF from MP1.

4d. One of the slits is now covered. [2 marks]

Describe the appearance of the pattern on the screen.

Markscheme
bright central maximum
subsidiary maxima «on either side»

the width of the central fringe is twice / larger than the width of the subsidiary/secondary
fringes/maxima
OR
intensity of pattern is decreased

Allow marks from a suitably labelled intensity graph for single slit diffraction.

A student investigates how light can be used to measure the speed of a toy train.
 A student investigates how light can be used to measure the speed of a toy train.

Light from a laser is incident on a double slit. The light from the slits is detected by a light
sensor attached to the train.
The graph shows the variation with time of the output voltage from the light sensor as the train
moves parallel to the slits. The output voltage is proportional to the intensity of light incident on
the sensor.

5a. Explain, with reference to the light passing through the slits, why a series of voltage [3 marks]
peaks occurs.

Markscheme
«light» superposes/interferes
pattern consists of «intensity» maxima and minima
OR
consisting of constructive and destructive «interference»
voltage peaks correspond to interference maxima

5b. The slits are separated by 1.5 mm and the laser light has a wavelength of 6.3 x 10 –7 m. [1 mark]
The slits are 5.0 m from the train track. Calculate the separation between two adjacent
positions of the train when the output voltage is at a maximum.
 Markscheme
6.3×10−7×5.0
«s = λD = =» 2.1 x 10 –3 «m»
d 1.5×10−3

If no unit assume m.
Correct answer only.

5c. Estimate the speed of the train. [2 marks]

Markscheme
correct read-off from graph of 25 m s
−3
v = « xt = 2.1×10−3 =» 8.4 x 10 –2 «m s –1»
25×10

Allow ECF from (b)(i)

5d. In another experiment the student replaces the light sensor with a sound sensor. The [2 marks]
train travels away from a loudspeaker that is emitting sound waves of
constant amplitude and frequency towards a reflecting barrier.

The sound sensor gives a graph of the variation of output voltage with time along the track that
is similar in shape to the graph shown in the resource. Explain how this effect arises.

Markscheme
ALTERNATIVE 1
«reflection at barrier» leads to two waves travelling in opposite directions
mention of formation of standing wave
maximum corresponds to antinode/maximum displacement «of air molecules»
OR
complete cancellation at node position

Two microwave transmitters, X and Y, are placed 12 cm apart and are connected to
6a. Two microwave transmitters, X and Y, are placed 12 cm apart and are connected to [4 marks]
the same source. A single receiver is placed 54 cm away and moves along a line AB
that is parallel to the line joining X and Y.

Maxima and minima of intensity are detected at several points along AB.
(i) Explain the formation of the intensity minima.
(ii) The distance between the central maximum and the first minimum is 7.2 cm. Calculate the
wavelength of the microwaves.

Markscheme
i
minima = destructive interference
Allow “crest meets trough”, but not “waves cancel”.
Allow “destructive superposition” but not bald “superposition”.

at minima waves meet 180° or π out of phase

Allow similar argument in terms of effective path difference of λ2 .
Allow “antiphase”, allow “completely out of phase”
Do not allow “out of phase” without angle. Do not allow
nλ
2
unless qualified to odd integers but accept
(n + 12 ) λ

ii
λ= sd
D
or λ = 12×54 2×7.2
= or λ = 12×
54
7.2
= seen
Award [2] for a bald correct answer.

λ = « 12×54
2×7.2
=» 3.2 «cm»
Award [1 max] for 1.6 «cm»
Award [2 max] to a trigonometric solution in which candidate works out individual path
lengths and equates to
λ
2
.

Radio waves are emitted by a straight conducting rod antenna (aerial). The plane of
6b. Radio waves are emitted by a straight conducting rod antenna (aerial). The plane of [2 marks]
polarization of these waves is parallel to the transmitting antenna.

An identical antenna is used for reception. Suggest why the receiving antenna needs to be be
parallel to the transmitting antenna.

Markscheme
ALTERNATIVE 1
the component of the polarized signal in the direction of the receiving antenna
is a maximum «when both are parallel»
ALTERNATIVE 2:
receiving antenna must be parallel to plane of polarisation
for power/intensity to be maximum
Do not accept “receiving antenna must be parallel to transmitting antenna”
ALTERNATIVE 3:
refers to Malus’ law or I = I 0 cos2θ
explains that I is max when θ = 0
ALTERNATIVE 4:
an electric current is established in the receiving antenna which is proportional to the
electric field
maximum current in receiving antenna requires maximum field «and so must be parallel»

The receiving antenna becomes misaligned by 30° to its original position.

6c. The receiving antenna becomes misaligned by 30° to its original position. [3 marks]

The power of the received signal in this new position is 12 µW.

(i) Calculate the power that was received in the original position.
(ii) Calculate the minimum time between the wave leaving the transmitting antenna and its
reception.

Markscheme
i
I0 = I
or cos12230 seen
cos2θ
Award [2] for bald correct answer.
Award [1 max] for MP1 if 9 x 10 -6W is the final answer (I and I 0 reversed).
Award [1 max] if cos not squared (14 µW).
1.6 × 10 -5«W»
Units not required but if absent assume W.

ii
1.9 × 10 –4 «s»

A longitudinal wave is travelling in a medium from left to right. The graph shows the variation
 A longitudinal wave is travelling in a medium from left to right. The graph shows the variation
with distance x of the displacement y of the particles in the medium. The solid line and the
dotted line show the displacement at t=0 and t=0.882 ms, respectively.

The period of the wave is greater than 0.882 ms. A displacement to the right of the equilibrium
position is positive.

7a. State what is meant by a longitudinal travelling wave. [1 mark]

Markscheme
a wave where the displacement of particles/oscillations of particles/movement of
particles/vibrations of particles is parallel to the direction of energy transfer/wave
travel/wave movement
Do not allow “direction of wave”.

7b. Calculate, for this wave, [4 marks]

(i) the speed.
(ii) the frequency.
 Markscheme
(i)
ALTERNATIVE 1
«distance travelled by wave =» 0.30 m
distance
v =≪ time
=≫ 340ms−1
ALTERNATIVE 2
10−3×1.6
evaluates T = 0.882×0.3 «=4.7ms» to give f = 210 or 212 Hz

uses λ=1.6 m with v=fλ to give 340ms –1

(ii)
ALTERNATIVE 1
λ=1.60m
340
f= 1.60 =212 or 213Hz

ALTERNATIVE 2
0.882×10−3×1.6
T= 0.3
«=4.7ms»
1
F =≪ T
=≫ 210Hz

7c. The equilibrium position of a particle in the medium is at x=0.80 m. For this particle at [4 marks]
t=0, state and explain
(i) the direction of motion.
(ii) whether the particle is at the centre of a compression or a rarefaction.

Markscheme
(i)
the displacement of the particle decreases OR «on the graph» displacement is going in a
negative direction OR on the graph the particle goes down
to the left
Do not allow “moving downwards” unless accompanied by reference to graph.
(ii)
molecules to the left of the particle have moved left and those to the right have moved right
«hence» the particle is at the centre of a rarefaction

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2019

International Baccalaureate® - Baccalauréat International® - Bachillerato Internacional®

Printed for Concordian International School

 Markscheme-Topic 4.1: Waves-Oscillation
Markscheme-Topic 4.1: Waves-Oscillations
1. A
2. B
3. D
4. C
5. C
6. C

Short answer questions

7. (a) the force acting/accelerating (on the body) is directed towards

equilibrium (position);
and is proportional to its/the bodies displacement from equilibrium; 2

(b) (i) 1.5 × 10−10 m; 1

(ii) T = 1.1 × 10−14 s;
f=1/(1.1 × 10−14 s)
= 9.1 × 1013 Hz 2
[5]

8.

9.

1
 Markscheme-Topic 4.1: Waves-Oscillation
10.
a) (0.25±0.01) s
b) 0.79 radians
c) 45°

1
 Markscheme_Topic 4.2: Waves- Travelling waves

Markscheme-Topic 4.2: Waves-Travelling waves

1. D
2. C
3. C
4. B
5. D
6. A
7. D
8. B
9. B
10. A
Short answer questions
1. Waves on a string
(a) (i) wavelength = 3.0cm; 1
(ii) period 0.25 ms;
hence frequency = 4000Hz; 2
(Bald answer 4000 Hz scores [2])
⎛ 0.03 ⎞
(iii) c = ⎜⎜ ⎟ = 0.03× 4000 =120 ms −1 ;
−3 ⎟
1
⎝ 0.25 ×10 ⎠
Watch ecf from (i) and (ii)

(b) (i) correct labelling of amplitude of 2.0 mm; 1

(Any line from equilibrium to crest or trough)
(ii) cosine wave from x = 0;
period constant throughout; 2
[7]
2. Wave properties
(a) (i)

(ii)
1
 Markscheme_Topic 4.2: Waves- Travelling waves
(b)

A
M

(i) downwards; 1
(ii) correct marking of A; 1
(iii) correct marking of λ; 1
(iv) +ve sine curve;
correct position of N; 2
Watch for ecf from (i).
v
(c) (i) f= to give 2.0 Hz; 1
λ

(ii) T = 0.5 s;
vT
s= = 1.25 (1.3) cm;
4
or
T
in wave moves forward 1
4 λ;
4
5
= = 1.25 (1.3) cm; 2 max
4

[10]
3. (a) longitudinal; 1
(b) (i) wavelength = 0.5 m; 1
(ii) amplitude = 0.5 mm; 1
(iii) correct substitution into speed = frequency × wavelength;
to give v = 660 × 0.5 = 330 m s–1; 2 max
[5]
 Markscheme-Topic 4.3: Waves- Wave characteristics

Markscheme-Topic 4.3: Waves-Wave characteristics

1. C
2. C
3. A
4. B
5. B
6. B
7. A
8. A
9. D
10. C

Short answer questions

!
1. (a) using the equation ! = so !! !!! = !! !!! 2
!!! !

!! !!! !! !!
(b) = = =8.0 2
!! !!! !! !!
[4]

2. (a) the net displacement of the medium / particles (through which waves travel);
is equal to the sum of individual displacements (produced by each wave); 2 max
Award a good understanding [2 max] and a reasonable one [1 max].
(b) Wave X and wave Y should be identical.

X and Y

A B

correct phase for wave X;

correct phase for wave Y;
amplitudes the same for each wave;
amplitude for each wave is two divisions; 4 max
[6]
3. (a) in unpolarized light the electric field vector may vibrate in any
plane (normal to the direction of propagation);
in polarized light the vector/electric field vibrates in one plane only;

1
 Markscheme-Topic 4.3: Waves- Wave characteristics
To award [2 max] reference must be made to “electric field vector”
at least once. Award [2 max] for any relevant correctly labelled diagram. 2

(b) cos2θ graph; (judge shape by eye)

max I0 at 0° and 180° and zero at 90°; 2
[4]

1
 Markscheme-Topic 4.4: Waves-Wave behavior

Markscheme-Topic 4.4: Waves-Wave behavior

1. D
2. A
3. C
4. B
5. A
6. A
7. C
8. D
9. D
10. A
11. C
12. A
13. C
14. C
15. A
Short answer questions
1. (a) (i) when the (transmitted) ray/light in medium 2 is along the
boundary/refracted at 90°;
the angle of incidence in medium 1 is the critical angle; 2
or
when a ray/light is incident on the boundary at an angle
greater than the critical angle;
the ray is not transmitted / no light is transmitted but is totally
reflected at the boundary / is totally internally reflected;
(ii) reflected ray with angle of reflection = angle of incidence;
transmitted ray with angle of refraction greater than angle of incidence; 2
Judge both by eye.
(b) n1 sin θ = n2 sin θ2
θ1 = φc and θ2 = 90°;
n1 sin φc = n2; 2
[6]
2. (a) light incident from glass;
emergent ray along boundary;
c marked correctly; 3
1
(b) sin c = ;
1 .5
for every 1.0 mm length, light travels 1.5 mm;
path length = 1.2 × 108 × 1.5
= 1.8 km; 4
Award [4] for any correct calculation that leads to 1.8 km.
 Markscheme-Topic 4.4: Waves-Wave behavior

1200
(c) (i) time = = 6.0 µs; 1
2.0 × 108
(ii) time = 9.0 µs; 1
[9]
3. (a) medium 1;
wavelength is greater than in medium 2;
and c = fλ and frequency is same in both media; 3
Award [1] if the candidate answers medium 2, because wavelength is greater.
Award [1] for correct medium and mention of bending towards normal when
entering medium 2. Award [0] for correct medium but incorrect or no
explanation.
(b) measurement of wavelength:
λ1 = 2.5cm;
λ2 =1.0cm;
c1 λ1
= = 2.5 (± 0.2 );
c 2 λ2
or
measurement of incident and refraction angles:
θ1 = 600;
θ2 = 200;
c1 sin θ1
= = 2.5 ; 3
c 2 sin θ 2
Award [2] if the candidate gets it the wrong way round in either method,
but they must have answered medium 2 in (a).
[6]
4. (a) (i) wavefront parallel to D; 1
(ii) frequency is constant;
since, v = f λ, v ∝ λ
wavelength larger in medium I, hence higher speed in medium I; 3
Allow solution based on angles marked on the diagram or
speed of wavefronts.
(b) (i) velocity / displacement / direction in (+) and (–) directions;
idea of periodicity; 2
(ii) period = 3.0 ms;
1
frequency = = 330 Hz; 2
T
(iii) Accept any one of the following.
at time t = 0 / 1.5 ms / 3.0 ms / 4.5 ms etc; 1 max
(iv) area of half-loop = 140 squares × 10 / mean v = 4.0 m s–1 × 0.2;
–3
= 140 × 0.4 × 0.1 × 10 / 4.0 × 1.5 × 10–3;
= 5.6 × 10–3 m / 6.0 × 10–3 m; 2 max
Award [1] for area of the triangle.
 Markscheme-Topic 4.4: Waves-Wave behavior

(v) (twice) the amplitude; 1

Allow distance moved in 1.5 m s.
(c) (i) when two (or more) waves meet;
resultant displacement is the sum of the individual displacements; 2
(ii) at M, it is loud;
at P, minimum / not so loud;
at P, path difference is ½λ and at M, no path difference;
at P, destructive interference and at M, constructive; 4
(iii) because adding in a larger amplitude;
sound is louder at M;
because wave amplitudes no longer equal;
sound louder at P; 4
Award [1] for louder at M and at P.
(iv) sources are not coherent 1
c
(d) (i) wavelength = ; 1
f

(ii) speed relative to observer = (c + v); 1

[25]
5. (a) each element of the slit acts as a point source of light;
the light from these sources interfere;
there will be a zero of intensity (on the screen) when the sum of the
path differences between the sources is an integral number of half
wavelengths / a maximum when an integral number of wavelengths; 3

(b) θ= d = λ ;
D b

rearrange to get d = Dλ ; 2
b
(c)

central maximum same intensity as single slit maximum;

two other maximum either side about half-intensity of central maximum; 2
Award [1 max] if lines do not touch x-axis.
There is no need to show maxima within secondary maxima. Do not penalize
responses if more than two maxima are shown but they must be symmetrical
and with realistic relative intensities.
[7]
 Markscheme-Topic 4.4: Waves-Wave behavior
6. (a) wider slit gives narrower single-slit diffraction pattern;
so fewer fringes observed; 2
(b) greater amplitude / intensity from both slits;
bright fringes are brighter;
dark fringes are unchanged; 3
[5]
λD
7. (a) d= ;
s
λ
= ;
θ
6.33 ×10 −7
= =1.58 mm ;
4.00 ×10 −4
or
accept use of d sinθ = nλ with n = 1;
sinθ = θ;

6.33 ×10 −7
d= =1.58 mm ; 3
4.00 ×10 −4
 Markscheme-Topic 4.4: Waves-Wave behavior
(b) same number of maxima at the same place but much sharper;
greater intensity than double slit; 2

(c) fringes are coloured;

blue on the inside / red on the outside;
also accept:
no fringes will be seen;
light is not coherent; 2
[7]
 Markscheme-Topic 4.5: Waves-Standing waves
Markscheme-Topic 4.5: Waves-Standing waves
1. A
2. B
3. B
4. D
5. A
6. A
7. A
8. B
9. B
10. D
11. A
12. C
Short answer questions
1. Waves
(a) no energy is transferred;
variable amplitude / variable maximum displacement of particles / OWTTE;
points along the wave where amplitude is always zero / reference to phase
/ OWTTE; 2
(b) if two or more waves overlap / OWTTE;
the resultant displacement at any point is found by adding the displacements
produced by each individual wave / eg peak / trough meets peak / trough to
give maximum / minimum / OWTTE; 2
T
(c) (i) t= : straight-line; (a line must be drawn on the diagram)
4
T
t= : negative sine; 2
2
(ii) the points of no displacement / nodes (at middle and ends) do not change
with time;
therefore, the wave cannot be moving forward / does not progress; 2
[8]
2. (a) (i) C shown where graph line cuts x-axis; 1
(ii) time period = 0.30 ms;
1 λ
use of v = fλ and f = or v = ;
T T
λ = 380 × 0.30 × 10–3 = 0.11 m; 3
ECF if time period misread.
(b) (i) superposition of two waves / OWTTE;
of same frequency and amplitude travelling in opposite directions; 2

(ii) stationary/standing wave is set up in the tube;

heaps form at the (displacement) nodes / powder pushed
away from antinodes; 2
 Markscheme-Topic 4.5: Waves-Standing waves
(iii) wavelength = (2 × 9.3 =) 18.6 cm;
speed = (1800 × 0.186 =) 330 m s–1; 2
ECF if value of wavelength wrong.
(c) heaps further apart means longer wavelength;
hence speed increases (as temperature rises);
Do not award if there is no reasoning or reasoning is
fallacious or misleading. 2
(d) (i) when two waves meet;
resultant displacement found by summing individual displacements;
to give maximum displacement / displacement greater than
that of an individual wave; 3
(ii) line in correct position, labelled C; 1
(iii) line in correct position, labelled D; 1
[17]
3. (a) no energy is propagated along a standing wave / OWTTE;
the amplitude of a standing wave varies along the wave / standing wave
has nodes and antinodes;
in standing wave particles are either in phase or in antiphase / OWTTE; 2
(b) medium 1;
wavelength is greater than in medium 2;
and c = fλ and frequency is same in both media; 3
Award [1] if the candidate answers medium 2, because wavelength is greater.
Award [1] for correct medium and mention of bending towards normal when
entering medium 2. Award [0] for correct medium but incorrect or no
explanation.
(c) measurement of wavelength:
λ1 = 2.5cm;
λ2 = 1.0cm;
c1 λ1
= = 2.5 (± 0.2);
c 2 λ2
or
measurement of incident and refraction angles:
θ1 = 600;
θ2 = 200;

c1 sin θ1
= = 2.5 ; 3
c 2 sin θ 2
Award [2] if the candidate gets it the wrong way round in either method,
but they must have answered medium 2 in (b).
(d) Look for these main points.
when the tube is vibrated, a wave travels along the tube and is reflected at B;
the wave is inverted on reflection;
the reflected wave interferes with the forward wave;
the maximum displacements occurs midway between A and B;
since there is always a node at A and B, then the pattern shown will be
produced / OWTTE; 5
Award [1] for essentially two waves in opposite directions, [1] for π out of
phase, [1] for interference and [2] for condition to produce shape.
 Markscheme-Topic 4.5: Waves-Standing waves

(e) (i) f=v ;

λ
to get f = constant T since λ constant;
therefore, a plot of f 2 against T or f against T;
should produce a straight-line through the origin / OWTTE; 4
(ii) λ = 4.8m;
v = fλ = 1.8 × 4.8 = 8.6ms−1;

k = v = 8.6 = 2.9 ; 3
T 3
Ignore any units.

[20]