ANDERSON SERANGOON JUNIOR COLLEGE

PHYSICS 9749

Name: ________________________________ ( ) Class: 23 / ___

Tut Qn SLS
A1: videos in A
Topic 12: Superposition B2 to B4: videos in B
C5 to C7: videos in C
Principle of Superposition D8: videos in D
E9 to E12: videos in E

A1 A particle in a medium is oscillating because of the passage of a transverse wave T1 of intensity

I. The figure below shows the variation with time t of the displacement of x of the particle. The
amplitude of the oscillation is A.

A second, similar transverse wave T2 which is travelling in the same direction has the same
frequency but the amplitude of oscillation due to T2 alone is 3A/2.
x

3
A T2
2
A Q1 Concepts:
• POS
1 t/s • I  A2
A 2.5 5.0 7.5 10.0
2

Fig. 1

(a) Calculate
(i) the frequency of the waves, [0.20 Hz]

Frequency = 1/T = 1/5.0 = 0.200 Hz

(ii) the intensity, in terms of I, of the wave T2. [2.25 I]

Intensity  (Amplitude)2
2
Intensity of T2  3 A / 2 
=
Intensity of T1  A 
Therefore, Intensity of T2 = 9 I /4 = 2.25I

(b) (i) Sketch in Fig. 1 above how T1 and T2 must superpose if they are to produce a resultant
wave with the minimum intensity.

(ii) Calculate in terms of I, this minimum intensity. [0.25 I]

(i) Minimum intensity will occur when the two waves superpose to give the smallest
possible amplitude for the resultant wave. This occurs when the crest of one wave
meets the trough of the other. The resultant amplitude of this wave is A/2.

(ii) The resultant wave’s amplitude is now A/2

Using the relationship that Intensity  (Amplitude)2
2
I min  A / 2 
= 
I  A 
Minimum Intensity I min = I /4 = 0.250 I
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PHYSICS 9749

Two-Source Interference

B2 Two point sound sources S1 and S2 are located at 0.85 m and 1.45 m from P respectively, as
shown in the figure below. The sources produced tones with the same phase and amplitude.
They are also connected by a common generator, and have the same frequency which can be
varied. The speed of sound in air is 330 m s-1.
A
0.85 m
P Q2 Concepts:
S1 • Path difference
• Vary freq to vary
interference at a
point
1.45 m

S2

B
(a) Explain how interference fringes are formed along the line AB.

• The two speakers emit coherent waves, the waves overlap and interfere with each other
along AB.
• At positions where path difference is n, the waves arrive in phase, so there is constructive
interference and maximum loudness of sound is detected.
• At positions where path difference is (n+ ½ ) , the waves arrive in antiphase, so there is
destructive interference and minimum loudness of sound is detected. n is integer.

(b) Calculate the minimum frequency at which a minimum intensity is heard at P. [275 Hz]

For destructive interference of in phase sources,

 1  1  v 
Path difference =  n +   =  n +   (For minimum freq, n = 0 )
 2  2  f 
1 v 
1.45 − 0.85 =  
2  fmin 
1  330 
fmin =
2  0.60 
= 275Hz

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PHYSICS 9749

(c) The frequency of the speakers is slowly varied together from 175 Hz to 1000 Hz. By making
suitable calculations, explain and describe what would be observed at P.

As the frequency slowly increases, a series of fluctuating minimum and maximum intensities are
heard according to the corresponding frequencies below.

Minimum intensity is observed when path difference is 0.5,1.5

With frequencies corresponding to 275 Hz, 825 Hz

Maximum intensity is observed when path difference is 1 Q3 Concepts:

With frequencies corresponding to 550 Hz • Young’s double slit
• Effect of varying
one of the factors
B3 (a) A condition for observable interference between waves from two sources is that the sources
should be coherent. Explain what is meant by coherent.

Coherent means the phase difference between the waves from the sources remains constant
with time.

(b) Young’s experiment is performed with sodium light of wavelength 589 nm. Fringes are
measured carefully on a screen 2.00 m away from the double slits. The centre of the 10th fringe
is found to be 3.44 cm away from the centre of the zeroth fringe. Determine the separation of
the slits. [3.42  10−4 m]

x = 3.44/10 = 0.344 cm
a = D/x = (5.89×10–7)(2.00)/(0.344x10–2) = 3.42×10–4 m

(c) Suggest changes to the appearance of the fringes when each of the following changes is made
separately.
1. The intensity of light on one of the slits is reduced.
2. The width of both slits is reduced without altering their separation.
3. The screen is rotated so that it is no longer parallel to the plane of the two slits.
4. One of the slits is covered. (Concept C required)

1. The fringe separation remains unchanged since the wavelength, distance between slit and
screen and slit separation remains unchanged.
Bright fringes will become less bright while dark fringes will become brighter
Thus, contrast between the bright and dark fringes will decrease

2. The fringe separation remains unchanged since the wavelength, distance between slit and
screen and slit separation remains unchanged.

The intensity of the bright fringe decreases while the intensity of the dark fringe remains dark.
Hence, contrast of the fringe pattern decreases.

(Additional possible answer: more fringes can be observed)

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3. Assuming the screen is rotated clockwise about the central bright fringe O.

At positions below O, the separation of the fringes will decrease.

At positions above O, the separation of the fringes will increase.

(Not significant: The intensity of the bright fringes below O will be greater and that above O will
be lower. The intensity of the dark fringes remains unchanged.)

antinodal
lines A’

coherent
monochromatic
light

4. single slit diffraction pattern will be observed.

B4 Coherent light is incident normally on a double slit, as shown in the figure below (not drawn to
scale).

The separation of the slits in the double-slit arrangement is 0.75 mm.

A screen is placed parallel to, and at a distance of 2.8 m from, the double slit. P is a point on the
screen that is equidistant from the two slits.

The graph below shows the variation with distance from P of the intensity I of the light on the
screen.
Q4 Concepts:
• Phase difference
• Single slit
diffraction pattern
on double slit

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PHYSICS 9749

(a) Calculate the wavelength, in nm, of the coherent light. [590 nm]

fringe separation, x = 2.2 mm (from graph)

Using x = D / d, we have
2.2 x 10–3 =  (2.8) / (0.75 x 10–3)
➔  = 589 nm = 590 nm (2 s.f.)
(b) Points Q and R are points on the screen. Their positions are indicated on the above graph.
Determine the phase angle between the waves from the double slit when the waves meet
at
(i) Point Q, Note: can bring students’ attention to the [3.14 rad]
path diff at bright and dark fringes
(ii) Point R. [8.0 rad]
showing the linear relationship.

(i) Intensity at Q is zero and it is the first dark fringe from P (centre bright fringe).
Hence the phase difference at Q is  rad.

(ii) From graph, PR = 2.8 mm

Hence phase angle = (2.8/2.2) x 2 = 8.0 rad which is equivalent to 1.71 rad

(c) Suggest why the maxima on the graph are not all of the same intensity. (Concept C
required) [N2006/II/6]

Since the single slit diffraction envelope modulates the intensity distribution of the
interference pattern, the intensity decreases as the angle of diffraction of light at the
slits increases.

Note: The path difference is only a few

 of light, hence negligible for to
account for variation of intensity
of maxima.

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PHYSICS 9749

Single Slit Diffraction Q5 Concepts:

• Rayleigh’s criterion
C5 (a) Explain what is meant by “diffraction of waves”.

Diffraction is the spreading of waves when they pass through an opening or round an
obstacle. The diffraction effects are the greatest when the width of the opening is
comparable with the wavelength of the waves.

(b) Using the diffraction phenomenon, explain why sound wave can reach us from behind a huge
obstacle but light wave cannot.

The dimension of a large obstacle is about the same order of the wavelength of sound
waves, hence diffraction effect is observed. In the case of light, the wavelength is very
small as compared to the dimension of the obstacle, hence the diffraction effect is not
observed.

(c) A slit of width 32 mm forms sharp images of distant objects at a distance 24 cm from the slit.
Light of wavelength  = 550 nm is used.

(i) Considering diffraction by the slit, determine the minimum angular separation two such
objects should have such that they can just be distinguished. [1.7 x 10-5 rad]

If the images are to satisfy Rayleigh’s criterion for resolvability, the angular separation on
both sides of the slit is given by
 =/b
= (550 x 10–9) / 32 x 10-3 = 1.7 x 10–5 rad

(ii) Determine the separation of the centres of the images. [4.1 x 10-6 m]

Note:

Students can also

solve tan = x/L

For small ,  = x/L

 x =  (24 x 10–2)
= (1.7 x 10–5) (24 x 10–2)
= 4.1 x 10–6 m

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PHYSICS 9749 Q6 Concepts:
• Single slit diffraction
C6* A slit of width b is illuminated by white light. general equation

(a) Determine the value of b such that the first minimum for red light of  = 650 nm is at  = 15°.
[2500 nm]
(b) Determine the wavelength ’ of the light whose first side (secondary) diffraction maximum is at
15°, thus coinciding with the first minimum for the red light. [430 nm]

(a) At the first minimum b sin  = (m) .

Solving for b

b = (m)  / sin  = (1)(650 nm) / sin 15° = 2500 nm = 2.5 m.

(b)The first side maximum is half-way between the first (m = 1) and second (m=2) minima
produced by the wavelength ’. We can find it by putting m = 1.5, obtaining b sin  = (1.5)’,
and  = 15°.
Hence ’ = (2500 nm) sin 15° / 1.5 = 430 nm.
 = 15o
 bsin = 1

’
bsin = 1.5’
Q7 Concepts:
• Computing bright
fringes within
central maximum
C7 In a double-slit experiment, the wavelength of the light source is 405 nm, the slit separation is
20.15 m, and the slit width is 4.050 m. Calculate the number of fringes that are within the
central maximum produced by single-slit diffraction.

The limits of the central maximum by single-slit diffraction are the first diffraction minima, each of
which is located at the angle  given by b sin  = .  = sin–1(405 × 10–9 / 4.050 × 10–6) = 5.739°
.
tan  = PQ/D
P
m number Width of the central peak of the diffraction
of bright envelope = 2PQ = 2D tan 
θ fringes
a Q Number of bright fringes within the central
peak of the diffraction envelope
D = width of central peak / fringe separation
coherent = 2D tan  / [D/a]
monochromatic = 2a tan  / 
light = 2 × 20.15 ×10–6 tan (5.739°) / 405 × 10–9
= 10

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Alternative method: Assuming from angular position of 0 to  (between PQ), there are m number of
bright fringes
Fringe separation x = D/a, so x / D = /a.
Length PQ = mx,
tan  = mx / D = m / a, so
m = tan (5.739) × 20.15 × 10–6 / 405 × 10–9 = 5.00
This tells us that the first diffraction minimum occurs at the bright fringe for m = 5. So the bright fringe
for m = 5 is not observed. Within the central diffraction maximum we will observe the central bright
fringe (m= 0) and 4 bright fringes (up to m=4) on each side of it.
Thus a total of 9 bright fringes of the double-slit interference pattern are within the central maximum of
the diffraction envelope.

Multiple slit diffraction – diffraction grating

D8 A parallel beam of white light with range of wavelengths between 4.5  10-7 m to 7.5  10-7 m is
incident normally on a diffraction grating. The most deviated wavelength in the second order
spectrum is diffracted through an angle of 60 from the direction of the incident beam.

(a) Determine the number of lines per metre on the grating. [5.8  105 lines / m]

Using d sin  = n ,  = 600, n = 2,  = 7.5 10-7 m (most deviated),

d = 1.73  10-6 m
Therefore, no. of lines per metre = 1/d = 5.8  105

(b) Suggest an advantage and a disadvantage of obtaining the wavelength by using

observations of the second-order diffracted light rather than the first-order diffracted light.

Advantages: bigger angle, lower fractional (or %) error

Disadvantages: less bright, more difficult to see clearly

(c) Describe what would be observed at the straight-through position (zeroth order maxima).

White line

(d) Explain if it is possible to observe the third order spectrum.

Let sin  < 1 for maximum order. d = n

Using the lowest wavelength, n < d/ = 1.73 x 10-6 / 4.510–7 = 3.8, thus 3rd order is
observable.
Using the highest wavelength, n < d/ = 1.73 x 10-6 / 7.510–7 = 2.3, thus 3rd order
not observable.
Hence, only a part of the third order spectrum is observable.

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PHYSICS 9749

Stationary Waves

E9 A student sets up the apparatus as shown below to investigate longitudinal stationary waves in
an open-end pipe.

Open-end pipe

Speaker emitting sound of Teaching notes:

a single frequency To identify source of driving frequency
and what the resonant frequency
depends on.
(a) Explain why it is necessary to adjust either the length of the pipe or the frequency of the
sound in order to obtain a stationary wave in the pipe.

To obtain observable stationary waves in a pipe, resonance must occur, where the
driving frequency of the speaker is equal to the resonant frequencies of the pipe.
- The resonant frequencies depend on the length of the pipe.
- The ends of the pipe are antinodes. Antinodes can also form along the pipe but at
multiples of half wavelength from the ends of the pipe. (This point is optional; good
for a higher marks qns)
- Adjusting the length of the pipe changes the resonant frequencies of the pipe until it
matches the driving frequency of the speaker.
- While adjusting the frequency of speaker allows the driving frequency to match the
resonant frequencies of the pipe.

(b) Given that the length of the pipe is 1.5 m, find the frequency of the sound in order to obtain
the note with the lowest frequency (ignore end-effects). [Speed of sound in air = 330 m s–1]
[110 Hz]

For the lowest frequency note,

 = 2 x 1.5 = 3.0 m
f0 = c /  = 330 / 3 = 110 Hz

(c) Draw a labelled sketch showing the positions of the displacement nodes and anti-nodes for
the resonant frequency of 330 Hz.

A N A N A N A
f = 3f0 A = Anti-node
N = Node

(d) Determine the frequency of the fundamental note when one of the ends is now closed.

 = 4 x 1.5 = 6.0 m
f0 = 330 / 6 = 55 Hz

Why does sound wave reflect at the open end of a tube?

Sound can be represented as a pressure wave and a compression region of the sound wave is constrained by the sides of the
pipe as long as the region is inside the pipe. As the compression region exits at the open end of the pipe, the constraint of the
pipe is removed and the compressed air is free to expand into the atmosphere. Therefore, there is a change in the character of
the medium between the inside of the pipe and the outside 12-9
even though there is no change in the material of the medium. This
change in character is sufficient to allow some reflection.
Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Volume 1 by Raymond Serway, John Jewett
 ANDERSON SERANGOON JUNIOR COLLEGE
PHYSICS 9749

E10* In order to investigate stationary waves on a stretched string, a student set up the apparatus
illustrated below.
pulley

weights
vibrator

(a) Explain why it is usually necessary to adjust either the vibrating length of the string or the
frequency of the vibrator in order to obtain observable stationary waves on the string.

To obtain observable stationary waves on a string, resonance must occur, where the driving
frequency of the vibrator is equal to the resonant frequencies of the string.
- The resonant frequencies depend on the length of the string.
- The ends of the vibrating string in the set-up are nodes. Nodes can also form along the
string but at multiples of half wavelength from the ends of string. (This point is optional;
good for a higher marks qns)
- Adjusting the length of the string changes the resonant frequencies of the string until it
matches the driving frequency of vibrator.
- While adjusting the frequency of vibrator allows the driving frequency to match the
resonant frequencies of the string.

(b) Explain what is meant by a node and why a node must exist at the pulley.

A node is a point along a stationary wave with no oscillation or its amplitude is

permanently zero.
The string is tightly adhered to the pulley due to the weights, so there is no displacement (a
node has to be there).
OR
When waves are reflected at a “hard” barrier, a phase change of  radians occur. Thus, a
direct wave superposed with a reflected wave at a “hard” barrier, such as the pulley, will
always interfere destructively, resulting in a node.

(c) The distance between successive nodes on the string is 16.0 cm when the frequency of the
vibrator is 75 Hz. Calculate the speed of the wave on the string. [N95P3Q3(part)]

Wavelength  = 2 (distance between successive nodes) = 32.0 cm = 0.320 m

Speed of wave = frequency (wavelength) = (75)(0.320) = 24 m s–1

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PHYSICS 9749

E11 S1 and S2 are loudspeakers emitting continuous sound waves of frequency

1100 Hz. The intensity of the sound waves from both speakers are the same. M is a small
microphone which runs on a straight track between S1 and S2. As M is shifted along the track,
signals of loud and soft signals are picked up at different locations.

The speed of sound is 330 m s−1.

(a) Microphones are devices that detect variations of air pressure. By describing the
movement of molecules in a stationary sound wave, explain where the air pressure varies
most and where it varies least.

At the displacement node, the air molecules will be alternately squeezing toward that
point in one part of the cycle and expanding away from it in another part of the cycle.
Thus the pressure variation at that point is maximum (pressure antinode).

At the displacement antinode, the air molecules in the region will be moving maximum
displacement in the same direction with surrounding molecules, they are not changing
their separation.
Thus the pressure variation at that point is minimum (pressure node).

(b) Starting from a position where the microphone picks up a loud signal, determine the
distance which the microphone must move to reach another position of loud signal.

The wavelength of the sound waves  = 330/1100 = 0.300 m

The distance which the microphone must shift to move from a position of loud signal
to another loud signal is that from one antinode to another antinode.
Distance between 2 antinodes = ½
= 0.150 m.

(c) M is set to move along the track with a speed of 30 m s−1. The sound received by M
fluctuates regularly. Calculate the frequency of the fluctuations in the sound received by M.

Frequency of fluctuations = rate of antinodes encountered

= speed of microphone / distance between consecutive
antinodes
= (30/0.150) = 200 s−1

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PHYSICS 9749

E12 The diagram shows an experiment to produce a stationary wave in an air column. A tuning
fork, placed above the column, vibrates and produces a sound wave. The length of the air
column can be varied by altering the volume of the water in the tube.

The tube is filled to the top and then water is allowed to run out of it. The first two resonances
occur when the air column lengths are 0.14 m and 0.46 m.

Tuning fork

0.14 m Air column Air column

0.46 m
water water

(a) In the diagram above, draw the standing wave pattern for each length of air column.
(b) Calculate the wavelength of the sound wave. [0.64 m]

1st resonance
¼  = 0.14 + c ………(1)

2nd resonance
¾  = 0.46 + c ………(2)

(2) – (1): ½  = 0.32

  = 0.64 m

Related TYS Questions (to be submitted two weeks after completion of tutorial)

Main Concepts Related TYS Questions (PYYQQ)

Two-source interference 11223, 11322 31908 (Paper 3, Year 19,
Single slit diffraction 11920, 12019, 31705 Question 8)
Multiple-slit diffraction 11224, 11716
Stationary Waves 11220, 11818

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Additional Questions
1 Two wave generators S1 and S2 produce water-waves of wavelength 4 m. They are placed 4 m
apart in a water tank. Point P is 3 m from S1, as shown below.

When operated alone, each generator produces a wave at P which has amplitude A. Determine,
in terms of A, the resultant amplitude at P when both generators are operating together and in
phase.

S2P = 5 m (using Pythagora’s Theorem)

Path difference at P = S2P – S1P = 5 – 3 = 2 m = 0.5 , giving rise to destructive interference at P.
Resultant amplitude = A – A = 0.

2 Suggest a reason for each of the scenarios below :

(a) When the light beams from the two headlamps of a car overlap, explain why it is not
possible to have an observable interference pattern.

Headlamps are not coherent sources as the waves from the two headlamps do not have
the same phase difference, and therefore they are incapable of producing stable
interference patterns.

(b) A source producing sound waves of wavelength 5.0 m is connected to two loudspeakers
acting as point sources placed 2.0 m apart. Explain why it is not possible to locate a
position along the line joining both loudspeakers where there will be a minima.

In between the two speakers, the path difference is always less than 2 m, which is less
than half a wavelength (2.5 m).
On the line outside the two speakers, the path difference is always 2 m, which is less
than half a wavelength.
Hence, it is not possible to find a position where destructive interference will take place
and hence a minima.

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(c) Two small coherent sound sources S1 and S2 are set up as shown in the diagram below. A
sound detector is moved along a line AB that is parallel to S1S2. N is the point on AB such
that S1N = S2N. The sound wave from S1 and S2 has frequency 2.80 kHz and speed
336 m s-1.

A
-P Sound detector

S1
-N
S2

(i) Show that the wavelength of the waves is 12.0 cm.

v = f
 = v/f = (336) / (2.80x103) = 0.120 m = 12.0 cm

(ii) The detector, when placed at N, indicates a maximum intensity of sound. As it is

moved from N to a point P, the intensity varies between high and low values. At P, the
distance S1P is 372 cm and S2P is 402 cm.

Determine, with suitable explanation,

1. whether the intensity of sound at P is high or low
2. the number of high intensity regions that are found between N and P. Do not
include maximum at N.

Since the separation between S1 and S2 is not given, it is not possible to use x =
λD/a (only applicable when slit separation a between the two sources is much
smaller than distance to the screen D.) Instead, use the concept that path
difference affects the phase difference.
1. At N, the path difference is 0 and the intensity of sound is maximum, implying
that the sources S1 and S2 are in phase.
At P, path difference = S2P – S1P = 402 – 372 = 30 cm = 2.5 .
Since the sources are in phase and the path difference is (n+1/2)  where n
= 2, the waves will arrive in antiphase at P and the intensity of sound is low.
2. Since path difference at P = 2.5 ., from N to P, there are two points where
path difference = 1 . and 2 respectively. Hence there are 2 high intensity
regions.

(iii) The intensity of sound produced at N by S1 alone or by S2 alone is I. Calculate the

intensity at N, in terms of I when both S1 and S2 are producing sound.
Suppose sound wave amplitude at N due to S1 or S2 alone is A, when
constructive interference occurs at N, resultant amplitude = 2A,

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3(a) Sketch the appearance of the diffracted waves when plane waves pass through a slit of width
(i) very much larger than the wavelength
(ii) about five times the wavelength
(iii) about equal to the wavelength

(b) For singe-slit diffraction, describe what happens to the intensity pattern when the size of the
slit is reduced.

(a)(i) (ii) (iii)

(b) When the slit width decreases,

• the degree of spreading of the waves as it passes through the slit becomes larger, and
hence the angle of the 1st order minimum increases.
• The maximum intensity decreases

4 A diffraction grating with 250 lines per mm is placed in front of a monochromatic source of red
light. A screen placed 200 cm beyond the grating has red images measured at certain
positions on a scale on the screen, as shown below.

diffraction 145.4 cm
grating
107.3 cm

red light
72.7 cm

37.9 cm

0.0 cm
200 cm
(a) Use the first order spectrum to deduce a value for the wavelength of red light.
(b) Describe and explain the changes in the pattern obtained when blue light were used
instead of red light.
(c) State the main problem that would arise when the experiment were repeated with infra-
red radiation. Suggest how this problem could be overcome.

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(a) Separation between central maxima and the first order maxima = (107.3 – 37.9) /2
= 34.7 cm

d = 1 x 10-3/ (250) = 4 x 10-6 m

sin  = 34.7 / 34.72 + 2002
Using d sin  = n  = (d /n) sin 

 = 4 x 10-6 ( 34.7 / 34.72 + 2002 ) = 684 nm

(b) As d sin  = n  is proportional to 

• Blue light has a shorter wavelength.
• Angle between the nth order maxima and the normal to the grating will be
smaller.

(c) Infra red is invisible to the eye.

There is a need to use an infra-red detector.

5 Two sources of sound waves S1 and S2 are placed a distance of 3.00 m apart at either end of
a narrow pipe. Both sources are emitting waves of wavelength 1.20 m and of similar amplitude,
which travel along the pipe as shown.

S1 S2

3.00 m

(a) Draw on the figure given above to show how the amplitude of the resultant
displacement wave will vary along the line S1S2.
(b) State two ways how the resultant wave in (a) would be different if the sources were
replaced with sources of microwaves while a stationary wave is still formed.

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PHYSICS 9749

(a) Thinking Process:

• As the ends are open, there will be the formation of antinodes. (Drawn correctly)
• Since the wavelength of the waves are 1.2 m, ½ λ = 0.6 m
• Number of consecutive nodes (or antinodes) = 3.0/0.6 = 5
(Correct number of loops drawn)

3.00 m

(b) When microwave is used in the formation of stationary wave:

• There are more nodes and antinodes due to shorter wavelength of microwave.
• The stationary wave formed is a transverse wave instead of a longitudinal one.

12-17