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A-LevelPhysicsWaves9702/22 · Oct/Nov 2018 · Q47 Marks

(a) Sound waves are longitudinal waves. By reference to the direction of propagation of energy, state what is meant by a longitudinal wave. (b) A stationary sound wave in air has amplitude A. In an experiment, a detector is used to determine A². The variation of A² with distance x along the wave is shown in Fig. 4.1. [Figure 4.1]

  1. (a)Sound waves are longitudinal waves. By reference to the direction of propagation of energy, state what is meant by a longitudinal wave.[1]
  2. (b)(i)State the phase difference between the vibrations of an air particle at x = 25 cm and the vibrations of an air particle at x = 50 cm. phase difference = °[1]
  3. (b)(ii)The speed of the sound in the air is 330 ms⁻¹. Determine the frequency of the sound wave. frequency = Hz[3]
  4. (b)(iii)Determine the ratio amplitude A of wave at x = 20 cm -------------------------------------------------------------- amplitude A of wave at x = 25 cm ratio = [2]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [B1] vibration(s)/oscillation(s) (of particles) parallel to direction of propagation of energy
  2. [A1] phase difference = 180°
  3. [C1] v = fλ
  4. [C1] λ/2 = 25 (cm) or 0.25 (m)
  5. [A1] f = 330/0.50
  6. [A1] = 660 Hz
  7. [C1] (readings from graph =) 2.6 and 4.0
  8. [C1] ratio = (2.6/4.0)¹/²
  9. [A1] = 0.81

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About this question

Topic
Waves, A-Level Physics (syllabus 9702). Structured question, 7 marks.
Source
A-Level Physics, Oct/Nov 2018 Paper 2 Variant 2, question 4.

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