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A-LevelPhysicsWavesOct/Nov 2016Paper 1 Q231 Mark

High-frequency sound waves with frequency 2.0 MHz travel with a speed of 2.0 km s⁻¹ through a liquid. What is the shortest distance between a compression and a rarefaction (expansion) in the liquid?

A0.5 mm
B1.0 mm
C5.0 mm
D10.0 mm

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is A: 0.5 mm

📋 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 Waves in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics Oct/Nov 2016 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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