Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Chapter
Light and Sound
70 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
31–34 of 34 · Easy
Question 31
4 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Light and sound are both types of waves used for communication in different ways.
(a)[2 marks]State whether light and sound waves are transverse or longitudinal. Give one example of how each is used in daily life.
(b)[2 marks]Sound is reflected off a flat wall and returns to a listener as an echo. Light is reflected from a mirror.
Question 32
4 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →A student uses a ray box and a rectangular glass block to investigate how light travels through glass and how sound travels through air.
(a)[2 marks]Draw and label a simple ray diagram to show the path of a ray of light entering and leaving a rectangular glass block. Mark the normal, angle of incidence and angle of refraction.
(b)[2 marks]The student claps blocks of wood at a known distance from a wall. The time between clapping and hearing the echo is measured as 2.0 s, and the distance to the wall is 170 m. Calculate the speed of sound in air.
Question 33
4 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →Optical fibres use total internal reflection to transmit light signals, and sound waves can also be used in medicine.
(a)[2 marks]Explain how total internal reflection allows light to travel through an optical fibre without escaping.
(b)[2 marks]Doctors use optical fibres in endoscopes to see inside the body. State one reason why this is better than traditional surgery. Give one way sound is used in medicine.
Question 34
4 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →A student studies wave properties using a sound wave and a light wave.
(a)[2 marks]The student sets up a sound wave with a frequency of 100 Hz and speed 340 m/s. Calculate its wavelength.
(b)[2 marks]On an oscilloscope, the student sees two traces: - Trace A has high frequency and large amplitude. - Trace B has low frequency and small amplitude. Explain the difference in pitch and loudness between the two traces.