March test 2011 answers scheme

1. Diagram 1 shows the displacement-distance graph of a wave.

Diagram 6.1

a) What is meant by wavelength?

Wavelength, λ is the distance between any two consecutive points of the same phase
in a wave.
[1 mark]

b) From the displacement-distance graph in Diagram 1.1, determine the wavelength of the
wave. [1 mark]
0.04 m Show correct unit.

c) (i) Given that the wave has a period of 0.1 s, calculate the frequency of the wave.

f = 1 = 1 = 10 Hz
T 0.1 [2 marks]
Show calculation and state
(ii) the wave speed correct unit.
v=fλ = 10 (0.04)
= 0.4 ms-1 [2 marks ]

d) Diagram 1.1a shows waves passing through a wide gap and Diagram 1.1b shows waves
passing through a narrow gap.

Diagram 1.1a Diagram 1.1b

(i) Give the name of the phenomenon shown in Diagram 1.1a and Diagram 1.1b.

Diffraction Spell relevant scientific term correctly. [1 mark]

(ii) State the relationship between the size of the gap and the curving effect of the waves.

The smaller the size of the gap is, the greater the curving effect on the waves.
[1 mark]

2. A student carries out an experiment to study the interference of sound waves. He wants to
investigate the relationship of the distance between two coherent sources of sound waves, a, and
the distance between two consecutives of constructive interference, x. The distance between the

1
March test 2011 answers scheme

sources and the location where the sound is detected, D, is 5 m. The results of the experiment is
1
shown in the graph of x against as in Diagram 2.1.
a

(a) Based on the graph in diagram 2.1.

(i) State the relationship between x and 1/a.

x is directly proportional to 1/a. The linear graph cut origin (0,0)

[ 1 mark]
(ii) Determine the value of x if a = 1.25 m.





 0.8 m-1
Substitute a= 1.25 into question. .

.

Draw line on graph with 2B pencil.
From graph , x = 2 m
State unit.
[3 marks]
(iii) Determine the value of a if x = 1.5 m


 0.63 m-1
draw line on the graph to find out value of 1/a.


  1.59 m

[3 marks]
(b) The wavelength of sound waves, λ, is given by the equation
ax
λ=
D
1
(i) Calculate the gradient of the graph x against . [ 3 marks]
a

Gradient ,  

/
Draw triangle at least 3 x 4 to
 calculate gradient.
=
.

= 2.5 m -2

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March test 2011 answers scheme

ax
(ii) By using equation λ = and the value of the gradient obtained in b (i), calculate the
D
wavelength of sound waves, λ, used in this experiment.

ax
λ=
D

gradient
λ=
D

2 .5
λ=
5 = 0.5 m

[2 marks]
(c) State one precaution that should be taken to improve the results of this experiment.
Experiment must carry out at open space to avoid echo. 1 mark]

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March test 2011 answers scheme

.1 shows a swimming pool that appears to be shallower

3. Diagram 3.1 shallow than it really is.
is Diagram 3.2
shows that sound can travel a longer distance on a cold night compared to a hot day.

Diagram 3.1
.1 Diagram 3.2
3
a) Give the meaning of wave. [1 mark]

Wave is a traveling disturbance from a vibrating source.

b) (i) Using Diagram 3.1 and Diagram 3.2,

3 compare the directions in which the waves are
moving, the frequencies and the wavelengths of the waves to deduce a relevant physics
concept. [4 marks]

The light waves in Diagram3.1 and the sound waves in Diagram 3.2 are
traveling from one medium to another medium and hence the speeds of the
waves changed.
changed [1]

There is a change in the direction of the propagation. [1]

While the frequencies of the waves remained the same. [1]

The wavelength of the waves changed.[1]

(ii) Name the wave

ve phenomenon shown in Diagram 3.1 and Diagram 3.2.
3 [1 mark]
refraction

c) Diagram 3.3
.3 shows a plane water wave traveling from deep water to shallow water.

Diagram 3.3
i) Complete Diagram 3.3 [2 mark]

ii) Describe
escribe the changes to the water wave shows in diagram 3.3. [3 marks]

The direction of propagation of the water wave is refracted towards the normal
when the wave travels from deep water to shallow water. [1]

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March test 2011 answers scheme

The wavelength λ and the traveling speed v decreases. [1]

The frequency remains unchanged.[1]
d) Diagram 3.4 shows the use of ultrasound for medical diagnostic purposes. It is safer
compared to X-rays. It enables medical surgeons to evaluate the conditions of organs
inside the human body.

Diagram 3.4

(i) Explain briefly why X-rays is less safe to use than ultrasound. [2 marks]

X-rays have high ionizing power and energy. [1]

It can kill cells of the organs that it is used to diagnose. [1]

(ii) State the differences between ultrasound and X-rays. [2 marks]

Ultrasound is a mechanical wave while X-rays is an electromagnetic wave.[1]

Ultrasound is a longitudinal wave while X-rays is a transverse wave.[1[

(iii) Give four other uses of ultrasound. [4 marks]

High power ultrasound is used to break the stones formed in the kidney.[1]

Ultrasound is used by ships to locate objects under water.[1]

Ultrasound can be used to find flaws in materials and to measure the thickness
of objects. [1]

Ultrasound can be used to remove dirt particles from the surface of jewelers
and watches.[1]
Or other relevant answers