A-LevelPhysicsSuperposition9702/12 · Feb/Mar 2025 · Q281 Mark

The diagram shows a water wave in a shallow tank. The wave is diffracted through a gap in a barrier and spreads. The wavelength of the wave is much smaller than the width of the gap. [Figure 28.1] The wavelength of the wave and the width of the gap are both changed by a small amount. Which combination of changes must increase the amount of spreading due to diffraction?

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Awavelength: decreases, width of gap: decreases

Bwavelength: decreases, width of gap: increases

Cwavelength: increases, width of gap: decreases

Dwavelength: increases, width of gap: increases

✓ Correct answer

C: wavelength: increases, width of gap: decreases

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Topic: Superposition, A-Level Physics (syllabus 9702). Multiple choice, 1 mark.
Source: A-Level Physics, Feb/Mar 2025 Paper 1 Variant 2, question 28.

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