11 Waves 1

OCR Physics A Exam-style questions

1 a The term intensity has a very precise meaning when applied to waves.
Define the intensity of a wave.

(1 mark)

b Progressive waves transfer energy from one place to another.

An ideal wave may be represented as shown in Figure 1a.

Figure 1a
i Use Figure 1a to label two points on the wave, A and B, which are
exactly one wavelength apart.
(1 mark)
ii Define the term frequency and state its unit.

(2 marks)

iii Use Figure 1b to determine the wavelength and amplitude of the two
waves.

Figure 1b

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 11 Waves 1
OCR Physics A Exam-style questions

Wave 1: wavelength = m; amplitude = cm

Wave 2: wavelength = m; amplitude = cm
(4 marks)
c Sound waves are a type of progressive wave that need a medium to travel
through.
i Progressive waves are grouped into two distinct types of wave:
longitudinal and transverse. Define both types of wave and state which
type of wave a sound wave is.

(3 marks)

ii Sound waves can be detected by microphones and the electrical signal

produced can be displayed on an oscilloscope. Figure 1c shows the trace
on an oscilloscope screen when a microphone is connected. The time
base is set at 20 ms div–1. Use the trace to find the frequency of the sound
waves detected.

Figure 1c

frequency = unit = (3 marks)

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 11 Waves 1
OCR Physics A Exam-style questions

2 Light waves have properties that are common to all types of wave. Three of
these properties are reflection, refraction, and diffraction.
a Mirrors reflect light from a silvered surface on the back of a sheet of glass.
i Use Figure 2a to complete the path of the ray of light as it is reflected by
the silvered surface.

Figure 2a
(3 marks)
ii Transverse waves and longitudinal waves can be distinguished
experimentally. State how.

(1 mark)

b Diffraction is a property of waves when they pass through a gap. A student

uses the apparatus shown in Figure 2b to investigate the diffraction of sound
waves.

Figure 2b
i The signal generator produces electrical waves of frequency 1650 Hz.
Calculate the wavelength of the sound waves in air.
Speed of sound in air = 330 m s–1

wavelength = unit = (2 marks)

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OCR Physics A Exam-style questions

ii The student positions a microphone connected to an oscilloscope on the

other side of the sliding doors as shown in Figure 2b. Describe what the
oscilloscope would show as the microphone is moved from A to B if the
gap is initially 0.8 m wide.

(2 marks)

iii The student then investigates how the size of the gap affects the amount
of diffraction. Suggest how the student could take appropriate
measurements if the gap is reduced from 0.8 m to 0.1 m, and predict what
they will observe.

(4 marks)

3 All electromagnetic waves can be reflected, refracted, and diffracted.

a State one other property common to all electromagnetic waves.

(1 mark)

b State the wave in the electromagnetic spectrum that has a typical wavelength
of:
i 7.0 × 10–14 m (1 mark)
–7
ii 6.0 × 10 m (1 mark)
–10
iii 2.0 × 10 m (1 mark)
–5
iv 4.0 × 10 m (1 mark)
3
v 2.0 × 10 m (1 mark)
c Using your answer to b, calculate the frequency of the light with a
wavelength equal to that provided.

frequency = Hz (2 marks)

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OCR Physics A Exam-style questions

d Two polarising lenses are set up as shown in Figure 3 in order to investigate

polarisation.

Figure 3
i The lenses are identical and are both orientated in the same direction.
Describe what the observer would see when Lens 2 is rotated through 180°.

(2 marks)

ii Explain what this effect tells us about the nature of the waves emitted
from the lamp.

(2 marks)

4 The refractive index of a material is a measure of the speed of light in that

substance.
a Diamond is a material with an unusually high refractive index of 2.4.
Calculate the speed of light in diamond.

speed = m s–1 (2 marks)

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OCR Physics A Exam-style questions

b A diamond is being tested to find out whether or not it is genuine. The

jeweller passes a ray of light into the diamond to find out how it is affected by
the material.
i In Figure 4a a ray of light enters the diamond at 70° to the surface.
Calculate the angle of refraction in the diamond.

Figure 4a

angle of refraction = ° (3 marks)

ii Calculate the critical angle at the diamond–air boundary.

critical angle = ° (2 marks)

c Complete the path of the light ray in Figure 4b as it enters the diamond.

Figure 4b
(4 marks)

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