A-LevelPhysicsWavesOct/Nov 2025Paper 1 Q271 Mark

A moving source emits sound of frequency 1200 Hz. A stationary observer hears sound of frequency 960 Hz. The speed of the sound is 340 ms⁻¹. What could be the velocity of the source?

Q: What topic does this question test?

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

A68 m s⁻¹ directly away from the observer

B68 m s⁻¹ directly towards the observer

C85 m s⁻¹ directly away from the observer

D85 m s⁻¹ directly towards the observer

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: 85 m s⁻¹ directly away from the observer

📋 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 2025 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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