Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Section
Describing waves
16 practice questions
Practice questions
1–10 of 16
Question 1
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →State the SI unit of frequency.
Question 2
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →What is meant by the ‘wavelength’ of a wave?
Question 3
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →Which of the following best describes a transverse wave?
- A.The vibrations are perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.
- B.The vibrations are parallel to the direction of wave travel.
- C.The vibrations move around in circles.
- D.The vibrations only occur at the crests.
Question 4
3 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →The diagram below shows a wave.
Diagram of a wave showing amplitude and wavelength. (a)[1 mark]Label the amplitude and the wavelength on the diagram.
(b)[1 mark]State what is meant by 'amplitude'.
(c)[1 mark]State what is meant by 'wavelength'.
Question 5
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →A student creates a wave by quickly moving one end of a rope up and down.
(a)[1 mark]State the type of wave produced in the rope.
(b)[1 mark]Give one example of another transverse wave.
Question 6
1 mark · Easy
Answer and see the solution →State what is meant by a 'wavefront' in physics.
Question 7
2 marks · Easy
Answer and see the solution →A spring is pushed and pulled along its length to produce a wave.
(a)[1 mark]Name the type of wave produced.
(b)[1 mark]Give one example of another longitudinal wave.
Question 8
1 mark · Easy
Answer and check →Which statement is true for a longitudinal wave?
- A.The vibrations are parallel to the direction in which the wave travels.
- B.The vibrations are perpendicular to the direction of the wave.
- C.The wavefront moves at right angles to the direction of vibration.
- D.The amplitude is the distance between two troughs.
Question 9
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which of the following is the correct definition of amplitude in a wave?
- A.The maximum displacement of the particles from their resting position
- B.The number of waves passing a point per second
- C.The distance between two crests
- D.The time taken for one full wave to pass a point
Question 10
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A source vibrates and produces 15 waves in 3 seconds.
(a)[2 marks]Calculate the frequency of the wave.
(b)[1 mark]State the unit of frequency.