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A-LevelPhysicsWavesMay/June 2016Paper 1 Q261 Mark

Which statement is an example of the diffraction of light?

Athe addition of the amplitudes of two beams of light which are in phase
Bthe change in direction of a beam of light when passing from air into water
Cthe separation of a beam of white light into a spectrum of colours using a prism
Dthe spreading of a beam of light as it passes through a small hole

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: the spreading of a beam of light as it passes through a small hole

📋 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 Waves in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics May/June 2016 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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