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O-LevelPhysicsWaves5054/22 · May/June 2025 · Q410 Marks

A sound wave from a vibrating tuning fork is displayed on the oscilloscope shown in Fig. 4.1. The sound wave is detected using a microphone. tuning fork vibrations microphone oscilloscope [Figure 4.1]

  1. (a)Describe the motion of the air particles as the sound wave passes from the tuning fork to the microphone.[2]
  2. (b)(i)Fig. 4.2 shows the trace seen on the oscilloscope when the tuning fork vibrates. 0.050 s [Figure 4.2] The frequency of the sound is constant. State what is meant by 'frequency'.[1]
  3. (b)(ii)The trace shown on Fig. 4.2 is produced in 0.050 s. Calculate the frequency of the sound wave. frequency = ....................................................Hz[2]
  4. (b)(iii)A student near the tuning fork observes the trace and listens to the sound. He notices that the amplitude of the trace decreases. State how the sound heard by the student changes.[1]
  5. (b)(iv)The tuning fork is replaced by a new tuning fork that produces a sound wave of half the frequency. The controls on the oscilloscope are not changed. On Fig. 4.3, draw the trace obtained with the new tuning fork. The trace obtained with the original tuning fork is shown. original trace [Figure 4.3][1]
  6. (c)(i)Fig. 4.4 shows three adjacent wavefronts of the sound wave as the wavefronts move towards a gap in a wall created by an open door. Another student, standing at P on the other side of the wall, hears the sound. wavefront open door P wall [Figure 4.4] On Fig. 4.4, draw the three wavefronts after they pass through the gap.[2]
  7. (c)(ii)State the name of the process involved as the wavefronts pass through the gap and reach P.[1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] (a) motion of particles: backwards and forwards / to and fro / closer and further apart
  2. [1] (a) (oscillation) in the direction of travel of the wave / to the right / in direction of microphone / longitudinal / horizontal / parallel to vibrations of tuning fork or mention of compressions and rarefactions
  3. [1] (b)(i) number of oscillations per second or number of wave(length)s (passing a point) per second
  4. [1] (b)(ii) 2.5 (waves) seen or (1 wave takes) 0.02 (s) or (f =) 1 / T or (number of) waves / time
  5. [1] (b)(ii) 50 (Hz)
  6. [1] (b)(iii) quieter / less volume
  7. [1] (b)(iv) half frequency shown and at least one complete oscillation seen
  8. [1] (c)(i) (at least) three correctly curved wavefronts centered on gap
  9. [1] (c)(i) same wavelength as on left and some curving in correct direction
  10. [1] (c)(ii) diffraction

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About this question

Topic
Waves, O-Level Physics (syllabus 5054). Structured question, 10 marks.
Source
O-Level Physics, May/June 2025 Paper 2 Variant 2, question 4.

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