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A-LevelPhysicsSuperpositionOct/Nov 2015Paper 1 Q291 Mark

White light consists of many wavelengths. The wavelength of red light R is approximately twice the wavelength of violet light V. When white light is incident normally on a diffraction grating, several spectra can be formed. Which diagram shows the possible distributions of light in the first order and the second order spectra?

ADiagram A showing two spectra, the first order with violet and red, and the second order also with violet and red. The red end of the first order spectrum appears to align with the violet end of the second order spectrum, with the second order spectrum being wider.
BDiagram B showing two spectra, first and second order. The second order spectrum is entirely separate from and at greater angles than the first order spectrum.
CDiagram C showing two spectra, the first order with violet and red, and the second order also with violet and red. The red end of the first order spectrum appears to align with the violet end of the second order spectrum, with the second order spectrum being wider.
DDiagram D showing two spectra, first and second order. The red end of the first order spectrum starts at a smaller angle than the violet end of the second order spectrum, and they are distinct.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: Diagram C showing two spectra, the first order with violet and red, and the second order also with violet and red. The red end of the first order spectrum appears to align with the violet end of the second order spectrum, with the second order spectrum being wider.

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Physics Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Superposition in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics Oct/Nov 2015 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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