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A-LevelPhysicsSuperpositionFeb/Mar 2024Paper 1 Q311 Mark

A student sets up an experiment to investigate double-slit interference. The student uses light of a single wavelength from a laser to illuminate a double slit so that a pattern of interference fringes is observed on the screen. [Figure showing a double-slit experiment setup with laser, double slit, screen, and distances p, r, q] The student finds that the fringes are very close together. What could the student decrease in order to increase the separation of the fringes on the screen?

Athe distance p from the laser to the double slit
Bthe distance q from the double slit to the screen
Cthe separation r of the slits
Dthe wavelength of the light from the laser

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: the separation r of the slits

📋 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 2024 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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