Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Section
Describing waves
16 practice questions
Practice questions
1–8 of 8 · Normal
Question 1
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 2
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.
Question 3
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State the difference between the direction of vibration of particles in a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave.
Question 4
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The diagram shows a wave on a spring.
A transverse wave (a)[1 mark]On the diagram, clearly label the wavelength.
(b)[1 mark]Mark and label the amplitude.
(c)[1 mark]Explain what is meant by wavelength.
(d)[1 mark]State the symbol for wavelength.
Question 5
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A sound wave has a frequency of 440 Hz. Calculate the time period of this wave. Show your working.
Question 6
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A student uses a slinky spring to demonstrate waves.
(a)[2 marks]Describe how the student could produce a transverse wave using the slinky.
(b)[2 marks]Describe how the student could produce a longitudinal wave using the slinky.
Question 7
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →What is meant by the phase of a wavefront?
Question 8
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The graph below shows the displacement of a point in a wave against time.
Wave displacement vs time (a)[1 mark]State the amplitude of the wave.
(b)[2 marks]Determine the time period of the wave.
(c)[1 mark]Calculate the frequency.