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A-LevelPhysicsSuperpositionFeb/Mar 2016Paper 1 Q261 Mark

Monochromatic light of wavelength 5.30 × 10⁻⁷ m is incident normally on a diffraction grating. The first order maximum is observed at an angle of 15.4° to the direction of the incident light. What is the angle between the first and second order diffraction maxima?

A7.7°
B15.4°
C16.7°
D32.1°

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: 16.7°

📋 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 Feb/Mar 2016 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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