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

Units (Waves)

82 practice questions

Topics covered

Practice questions

21–30 of 42 · Normal

  1. Question 21

    2 marks · Normal

    Describe what is meant by the frequency of a wave.

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  2. Question 22

    2 marks · Normal

    A student uses a ripple tank to produce waves with a wavelength of 0.04 m. The tank's motor produces 25 waves every second. Calculate the speed of the water waves.

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  3. Question 23

    2 marks · Normal

    A radio wave has a frequency of 6 × 10^8 Hz and travels at a speed of 3 × 10^8 m/s. Calculate its wavelength.

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  4. Question 24

    3 marks · Normal

    A student states, 'If the frequency of water waves in a ripple tank is doubled, the speed of the waves will also double.'

    Explain whether this statement is correct.

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  5. Question 25

    2 marks · Normal

    Describe two observations that show how increasing the frequency of a ripple tank motor changes the pattern of waves seen.

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  6. Question 26

    2 marks · Normal

    State what is meant by refraction and explain why refraction occurs when a light ray passes from air into water.

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  7. Question 27

    3 marks · Normal

    A ray of light passes from air into a block of glass. The diagram below shows the path of the ray.

    Geometry diagram with points A (air), B (on boundary), C (in glass), NormalA (air)B (on boundary)C (in glass)
    Ray of light entering glass
    (a)

    On the diagram, clearly label the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    State which of the two angles (angle of incidence or angle of refraction) is larger and explain why.

    [1 mark]
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  8. Question 28

    4 marks · Normal

    The diagram shows the direction of a wave as it passes from shallow water into deep water at an angle. The wave changes speed and is refracted.

    Geometry diagram with points Shallow, Deep, Wavefront 1, Wavefront 2, Normal
    Wave passing from shallow to deep water
    (a)

    Describe what happens to the speed and direction of the wave as it passes from shallow to deep water.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    Explain why the direction of the wavefront changes.

    [2 marks]
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  9. Question 29

    1 mark · Normal

    Which statement explains why a pencil appears bent when placed in a glass of water?

    1. A.Light is absorbed by the water.
    2. B.Light is reflected off the pencil.
    3. C.Light travels at the same speed in water and air.
    4. D.Light is refracted as it passes from air to water.
    Answer and check →
  10. Question 30

    2 marks · Normal

    Explain how the path of a sound wave changes as it moves from warm air into cold air at an angle.

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