Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · PHYSICS · Unit
Waves
356 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
41–50 of 181 · Normal
Question 41
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A car is moving at a high speed with its horn sounding. Compare what an observer in front of the car hears to what an observer behind the car hears. Explain your answer.
Question 42
5 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The diagram below shows a water wave produced in a ripple tank. The motor can be set to vibrate at different frequencies.
(a)[2 marks]Explain the difference between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave. Give one example of each.
(b)[2 marks]The frequency of the water waves is increased while keeping the wave speed constant. Describe and explain what happens to the wavelength.
(c)[1 mark]On a diagram of a transverse wave, label both the amplitude and the wavelength.
Question 43
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A student throws a pebble into a still pond and observes waves spreading out from the point where the pebble lands.
(a)[1 mark]State what is transferred by the water waves across the pond.
(b)[2 marks]Describe what happens to the water itself as the waves move outward from the point of impact. Do the water particles move from the centre to the edge of the pond?
(c)[1 mark]Give one example, other than water waves, where waves are used to transfer information.
Question 44
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which of the following best describes how waves transfer energy?
- A.By carrying matter from one place to another
- B.By transferring matter and energy together
- C.By vibrations or oscillations that transfer energy without overall movement of matter
- D.By creating a flow of particles in the direction of the wave
Question 45
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Sound from a loudspeaker is heard on the other side of a room. Explain, in terms of energy and matter, what happens as the sound travels from the loudspeaker to the listener.
Question 46
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A diagram below shows water waves moving from the centre outward after a small object is dropped into a pond.
Circular wavefronts after an object drops in; the object remains at the centre. Describe what the diagram shows about how energy is transferred but not matter.
Question 47
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A mobile phone sends a text message using electromagnetic waves.
(a)[1 mark]What do electromagnetic waves transfer from the phone to a nearby mast?
(b)[1 mark]Do the air molecules between the phone and mast travel the distance, yes or no?
(c)[1 mark]Explain your answer to part (b).
Question 48
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain how it is possible to listen to a concert live in a stadium but not be physically touched by the sound waves, even though energy is transferred from the speakers to your ears.
Question 49
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State two things that waves can transfer.
Question 50
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →In a demonstration, a row of dominoes are stood on end in a line. The first domino is knocked over and the fall continues in a wave down the line. A student says this is just like a water wave. Discuss whether this is a correct analogy for how waves transfer energy.