A-LevelPhysicsSuperpositionMay/June 2015Paper 1 Q261 Mark

What is not an essential condition for an observable interference pattern to occur between the waves from two sources?

Q: What topic does this question test?

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

AThe frequencies of the two sources must be equal.

BThe sources must be coherent.

CThe sources must emit waves of equal amplitude.

DThe waves from the two sources must overlap.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: The sources must emit waves of equal amplitude.

📋 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 May/June 2015 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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