Skip to main content
A-LevelPhysicsWavesMay/June 2018Paper 5 Q115 Marks

A student is investigating the reflection of light from a compact disc (CD), as shown in Fig. 1.1. [Figure 1.1] The student observes on the screen a pattern of maxima and minima which is similar to that produced by a diffraction grating. The distance h is measured to one of the maxima. It is suggested that the relationship between h and the wavelength λ of the incident light is h = nλ/d + B where n is the order of the maximum and d and B are constants. Design a laboratory experiment to test the relationship between h and λ. Explain how your results could be used to determine values for d and B. You should draw a diagram, on page 3, showing the arrangement of your equipment. In your account you should pay particular attention to • the procedure to be followed, • the measurements to be taken, • the control of variables, • the analysis of the data, • any safety precautions to be taken.

📋 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.

🔒

Unlock the Examiner's Analysis

Sign up for free to reveal the full examiner report, trap analysis, and mark scheme breakdown for this question.

Sign Up Free to Unlock →

Join thousands of Cambridge students already using Oracle Prep

About This A-Level Physics Question

Topic

This structured question tests Waves in A-Level Physics (syllabus code 9702). It is worth 15 marks.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Physics May/June 2018 examination, Paper 5 Variant 2.

Practice on Oracle Prep

Oracle Prep provides AI-powered practice for all Cambridge O-Level and A-Level subjects. Our platform includes topic predictions with 87.7% accuracy, AI essay grading, and a comprehensive question bank spanning 25 years of past papers across 29 subjects.

Related Physics Questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep — The AI-Powered Cambridge Exam Engine