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A-LevelPhysicsWavesMay/June 2010Paper 1 Q231 Mark

Diagram 1 shows a ripple tank experiment in which plane waves are diffracted through a narrow slit in a metal sheet. Diagram 2 shows the same tank with a slit of greater width. In each case, the pattern of the waves incident on the slit and the emergent pattern are shown. [Figure 23.1] Which action would cause the waves in diagram 1 to be diffracted less and so produce an emergent pattern closer to that shown in diagram 2?

Aincreasing the frequency of vibration of the bar
Bincreasing the speed of the waves by making the water in the tank deeper
Creducing the amplitude of vibration of the bar
Dreducing the length of the vibrating bar

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The correct answer is A. This question tests the candidate's understanding of waves within the Physicssyllabus. The examiner's mark scheme requires...

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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...

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About This A-Level Physics Question

This multiple-choice question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics (9702) May/June 2010 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2. It tests the topic of Waves and is worth 1 mark.

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