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A-LevelPhysicsWavesOct/Nov 2017Paper 1 Q291 Mark

A hill stands between a radio transmitter and a house, as shown. [Figure showing a hill between a radio transmitter and a house] The radio transmitter cannot be seen from the house, but radio waves from the transmitter are received at the house. Why is this?

AThe wavelength of light is longer than the wavelength of radio waves so there is more diffraction of light over the hill.
BThe wavelength of light is shorter than the wavelength of radio waves so there is more diffraction of light over the hill.
CThe wavelength of radio waves is longer than the wavelength of light so there is more diffraction of radio waves over the hill.
DThe wavelength of radio waves is shorter than the wavelength of light so there is more diffraction of radio waves over the hill.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: The wavelength of radio waves is longer than the wavelength of light so there is more diffraction of radio waves over the hill.

📋 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 2017 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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