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

Waves

356 practice questions

Start practising (356 questions)

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Practice questions

171–180 of 356

  1. Question 171

    1 mark · Easy

    Name the line that is always drawn at right angles to the barrier when showing reflection or refraction of waves.

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  2. Question 172

    2 marks · Easy

    Describe what happens to a sound wave as it passes from warm air into cold air, and explain your answer in terms of wave properties.

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  3. Question 173

    2 marks · Easy

    (a)

    Give one example of a wave that can be reflected, and one example of a wave that can be refracted.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    State what is always true about all types of waves when they are reflected or refracted.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →

  4. Question 174

    4 marks · Normal

    The diagram below shows a wavefront striking a flat barrier at an angle.

    Geometry diagram with points A, B, C
    Wavefronts and barrier with normal
    (a)

    Mark and label the angle of incidence on the diagram.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    State the law of reflection.

    [1 mark]
    (c)

    If the angle of incidence is , what is the angle of reflection?

    [1 mark]
    (d)

    Explain why the reflected wave leaves the barrier at this angle.

    [1 mark]
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  5. Question 175

    2 marks · Normal

    Water waves pass from deep to shallow water. Describe what happens to the direction and speed of the waves. Explain briefly.

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  6. Question 176

    1 mark · Normal

    Which statement best describes refraction of light?

    1. A.Light bounces off a surface at the same angle it strikes.
    2. B.Light passes through a boundary and bends due to a change in speed.
    3. C.Light is absorbed and converted to heat.
    4. D.Light travels without changing direction.
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  7. Question 177

    2 marks · Normal

    Describe one example, other than light, where refraction occurs, and explain why refraction takes place.

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  8. Question 178

    4 marks · Normal

    A student shining a light ray into water measures the following angles for different boundaries:

    Angles measured by the student
    BoundaryAngle of IncidenceAngle of Refraction
    Air-water40°28°
    Water-glass30°22°
    (a)

    For the air-water boundary, is the light bending towards or away from the normal? Explain.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    For the water-glass boundary, which medium is slower for light: water or glass? Justify your answer using the angles.

    [2 marks]
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  9. Question 179

    2 marks · Normal

    State two scientific devices that use the refraction of light and briefly describe how refraction is useful in each.

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  10. Question 180

    1 mark · Normal

    What is always true when a wave is reflected from a flat barrier?

    1. A.The wave changes speed when reflected.
    2. B.The wave is refracted at the barrier.
    3. C.The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
    4. D.The wave leaves the surface at right angles.
    Answer and check →