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Question 55 of 356 in Waves

Refraction

2 marks · Easy

When water waves pass into a region where the water is deeper, describe what happens to the speed and direction of the waves.

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The waves speed up in deeper water and their direction changes (they bend) due to refraction.

Also accept: Speed increases and direction changes/bends.

Common mistakes: Saying speed decreases

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · States speed increases in deeper water.

B2 · 1 mark · Mentions direction changes/bending/refraction.

Worked solution

The waves travel faster (speed up) in deeper water and their direction changes due to refraction.

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