SubjectCover

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Section

The wave equation

16 practice questions

Start practising (8 questions)

Practice questions

1–8 of 8 · Normal

  1. Question 1

    4 marks · Normal

    A student uses a ripple tank to produce water waves. The motor is set so that the frequency of the waves is 5 Hz, and each wave has a wavelength of 0.18 m.

    (a)

    State the equation linking wave speed, frequency, and wavelength.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Calculate the speed of these water waves.

    [2 marks]
    (c)

    Give the unit for wave speed.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →

  2. Question 2

    3 marks · Normal

    A sound wave has a time period of 0.005 s.

    (a)

    State the relationship between frequency and time period.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Calculate the frequency of the sound wave.

    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →

  3. Question 3

    3 marks · Normal

    A tuning fork produces sound waves in air with a frequency of 440 Hz. The speed of sound in air is 330 m/s. Calculate the wavelength of the sound waves.

    Answer and see the solution →

  4. Question 4

    3 marks · Normal

    Describe what happens to the wavelength of water waves in a ripple tank if the frequency of the waves is increased while the wave speed remains the same.

    Answer and see the solution →

  5. Question 5

    4 marks · Normal

    A student investigates water waves using a ripple tank. The student measures that 12 complete waves pass a point in 6.0 s. The wavelength of each wave is 25 cm.

    (a)

    Calculate the frequency of the waves.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    Calculate the speed of the waves. Give your answer in m/s.

    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →

  6. Question 6

    3 marks · Normal

    In a laboratory experiment, a student uses a ripple tank to measure the wavelength and speed of water waves. Describe a method the student could use to measure the frequency of the waves.

    Answer and see the solution →

  7. Question 7

    2 marks · Normal

    The table shows properties of three waves traveling with the same speed.

    Wave properties
    WaveFrequency (Hz)Wavelength (m)
    A102.0
    B45.0
    C201.0
    (a)

    Which two waves have the same wave speed? Give your answer using wave letters.

    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →

  8. Question 8

    1 mark · Normal

    Which change below would double the wave speed if the frequency of a wave stays the same?

    1. A.Double the wavelength.
    2. B.Halve the wavelength.
    3. C.Double the frequency.
    4. D.Halve the frequency.
    Answer and check →