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A-LevelPhysicsSuperpositionOct/Nov 2016Paper 1 Q271 Mark

Observable interference fringes are produced using light from a double slit. The intensity of the light emerging from each slit is initially the same. The intensity of the light emerging from one of the slits is now reduced. How does this affect the interference pattern?

AThe bright fringes and the dark fringes all become brighter.
BThe bright fringes and the dark fringes all become darker.
CThe bright fringes become brighter and the dark fringes become darker.
DThe bright fringes become darker and the dark fringes become brighter.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: The bright fringes become darker and the dark fringes become brighter.

📋 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 2016 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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