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A-LevelPhysicsSuperpositionOct/Nov 2017Paper 1 Q241 Mark

A vibrating tuning fork is held above a glass cylinder filled to the top with water. The water level is steadily lowered. A loud sound is first heard when the water level is 83.5 cm above the bench. The next loud sound is heard when the water level is 17.1 cm above the bench. [Figure showing a tuning fork above a resonance tube with water, indicating water levels 83.5 cm and 17.1 cm] The speed of sound in air is 340 m s⁻¹. What is the frequency of the tuning fork?

A128 Hz
B256 Hz
C384 Hz
D512 Hz

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is B: 256 Hz

📋 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 2017 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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