9702/12/F/M/22/Q20

1 Which statement about progressive waves is correct?

A They are always transverse waves.

B They can exist in solids but not liquids.
C They decrease in frequency as their speed increases.
D They transfer energy away from their source.

9702/12/F/M/22/Q21

2 A cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO) is used to determine the frequency of a sound wave.

The diagram shows the waveform on the screen.

The time-base setting is 5.0 ms div–1.

What is the best estimate of the frequency of the sound wave?

A 50 Hz B 71 Hz C 100 Hz D 143 Hz
9702/12/F/M/22/Q22

3 The warning signal on an ambulance has a frequency of 600 Hz. The speed of sound is 330 m s–1.
The ambulance is travelling with a constant velocity of 25 m s–1 towards an observer. The
ambulance passes, and then moves away from the observer with no change in velocity.

initial position final position

of ambulance of ambulance

observer

Which overall change in observed frequency takes place between the times at which the
ambulance is a long way behind the observer and when it is a long way in front of the observer?

A 49 Hz B 84 Hz C 91 Hz D 98 Hz

9702/12/F/M/22/Q23

4 Brief pulses of red, blue and green light are emitted from the Sun at the same time.

The pulses travel the same distance to reach Mars. Assume that the pulses travel in a vacuum
for the full duration of their journey.

In which order would these pulses of light arrive at Mars?

A all arrive at the same time

B blue first, then green, then red
C red first, then blue, then green
D red first, then green, then blue
9702/12/F/M/23/Q20

5 In a progressive water wave, two particles, P and Q, on the surface of the water, are a fixed
horizontal distance apart. P and Q oscillate vertically.

At time t = 0, the wave is as shown.

P surface of water

Which graph best represents the variation with time t of the phase difference φ between the
oscillation of the water particle P and the oscillation of the water particle Q?

A B

I I

0 0
0 t 0 t

C D

I I

0 0
0 t 0 t

9702/12/F/M/23/Q21

6 Which statement about longitudinal waves and transverse waves is not correct?

A Both waves can be polarised.

B Both waves can form stationary waves.
Polarisation
C Both waves can transfer energy as progressive waves.

D Both waves obey the equation v = fλ.

9702/12/F/M/23/Q22

7 An observer hears a sound wave emitted from a moving source.

The observed frequency is less than the frequency of sound emitted from the source.

What could be the reason for this?

A The source is moving away from the observer.

B The source is moving towards the observer.
C The speed of the sound wave in air decreases due to the movement of the source.
D The speed of the sound wave in air increases due to the movement of the source.

9702/12/F/M/23/Q23

8 What is the approximate range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation visible to the human
eye?

A (430–750) kHz
B (430–750) MHz
C (430–750) GHz
D (430–750) THz

9702/12/F/M/23/Q24

9 A beam of vertically polarised light is incident normally on a polarising filter. The filter can be
rotated so that it is always in a plane perpendicular to the beam. The transmission axis of the
filter is initially vertical.

beam of vertically
polarised light waves Polarisation

transmission axis
of polarising filter

transmitted light
polarising filter

The filter is first rotated clockwise by an angle of 30° so that the transmitted light waves have
intensity I30.The filter is then rotated clockwise by a further angle of 30°.

What is the new intensity of the transmitted light waves?

A 0.25 I30 B 0.33 I30 C 0.75 I30 D 0.87 I30

9702/11/M/J/16/Q22

10 Two sound waves have frequencies of 250 Hz and 300 Hz. The speed of sound is 340 m s–1.

What is the difference between the wavelengths of the two waves?

A 0.23 m B 1.1 m C 1.4 m D 6.8 m

9702/11/M/J/16/Q23

11 Which electromagnetic waves have the wavelengths of 10–2 m, 10–5 m, 10–10 m and 10–13 m?

10–2 m 10–5 m 10–10 m 10–13 m

A infra-red microwaves visible light X-rays

B microwaves infra-red X-rays gamma rays
C microwaves visible light ultraviolet gamma rays
D radio waves microwaves ultraviolet X-rays
9702/12/M/J/16/Q22

12 A microphone connected to the Y-plates of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.) is placed in front of

a loudspeaker. The trace on the screen of the c.r.o. is shown.

1 cm

1 cm
The time-base setting is 0.5 ms cm–1 and the Y-plate sensitivity is 0.2 mV cm–1.

What is the frequency of the sound from the loudspeaker and what is the amplitude of the trace
on the c.r.o.?

frequency amplitude
/ Hz / mV

A 330 0.6
B 330 1.2
C 670 0.6
D 670 1.2

9702/12/M/J/16/Q23

13 A source of sound of frequency 1000 Hz moves away from a stationary observer at a speed of
30.0 m s–1. The speed of sound is 330 m s–1.

What is the frequency of the sound heard by the observer?

A 909 Hz B 917 Hz C 1090 Hz D 1100 Hz

9702/12/M/J/16/Q24

14 Each of the principal radiations of the electromagnetic spectrum has a range of wavelengths.

Which wavelength is correctly linked to its radiation?

wavelength
radiation
/m

A 10–9 gamma ray

B 10–5 microwave
C 10–8 ultraviolet
D 10–14 X-ray
9702/13/M/J/16/Q23

15 A beam of red laser light has length 1.0 m.

What is the order of magnitude of the number of wavelengths of the red light in 1.0 m?

A 104 B 106 C 108 D 1010

9702/13/M/J/16/Q24

16 When a car travelling with constant velocity passes a stationary observer, the observer hears a
change in the frequency of the sound emitted by the car.

Which statement is correct?

A The change in frequency is greater as the car moves away than as it approaches.
B The greater the speed of the car, the greater the change in observed frequency.
C The observed frequency is lower as the car moves towards the observer and higher as the
car moves away from the observer.
D The volume of the sound heard by the observer does not change as the car approaches.
9702/13/M/J/16/Q25

17 The intensity I of sound is inversely proportional to the square of the distance x from the source
of the sound. This can be represented as

I ∝ 12 .
x

source S P Q
of sound

r
2r

Air molecules at point P, a distance r from the source S, oscillate with amplitude 8.0 µm.

Point Q is situated a distance 2r from S.

What is the amplitude of oscillation of air molecules at Q?

A 1.4 µm B 2.0 µm C 2.8 µm D 4.0 µm

9702/11/M/J/17/Q22

18 A longitudinal wave travels through a long spring. The spring is shown at one instant.

What is the wavelength of the wave?

spring

9702/11/M/J/17/Q23

19 A sound wave has a frequency of 2500 Hz and a speed of 1500 m s–1.

What is the shortest distance from a point of maximum pressure in the wave to a point of
minimum pressure?

A 0.15 m B 0.30 m C 0.60 m D 1.20 m

9702/11/M/J/17/Q24

20 A sound wave is displayed on the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.) as shown.

1 cm

The time-base of the c.r.o. is set at 2.5 ms cm–1.

What is the frequency of the sound wave?

A 50 Hz B 100 Hz C 200 Hz D 400 Hz

9702/11/M/J/17/Q25

21 A car travelling in a straight line at a speed of 30 m s–1 passes near a stationary observer while
sounding its horn. The true frequency of sound from the horn is 400 Hz.

The speed of sound in air is 336 m s–1.

What is the change in the frequency of the sound heard by the observer as the car passes?

A 39 Hz B 66 Hz C 72 Hz D 78 Hz

9702/11/M/J/17/Q26

22 Which list shows electromagnetic waves in order of increasing frequency?

A radio waves → gamma rays → ultraviolet → infra-red

B radio waves → infra-red → ultraviolet → gamma rays

C ultraviolet → gamma rays → radio waves → infra-red

D ultraviolet → infra-red → radio waves → gamma rays

9702/12/M/J/17/Q22

23 The period of an electromagnetic wave is 1.0 ns.

What are the frequency and wavelength of the wave?

frequency / Hz wavelength / m

A 1.0 3.0 × 108

B 1.0 × 106 300
C 1.0 × 109 0.30
D 1.0 × 1012 3.0 × 10–4

9702/12/M/J/17/Q23

24 Which statement about progressive longitudinal waves is not correct?

A The oscillations of the particles are parallel to the direction of travel of the wave energy.
B They have a series of nodes and antinodes.
C They need a medium through which to travel.
D They transfer energy.

9702/12/M/J/17/Q24

25 A bicycle gear wheel is a disc with 50 ‘teeth’ equally spaced around its edge, as shown. The gear
wheel is rotated 10 times each second. A springy strip of metal is vibrated by the rotating ‘teeth’.
The metal strip produces a sound of frequency that is equal to the frequency of vibration of the
strip.

gear wheel fixed clamp

springy strip
of metal
teeth

The speed of sound in air is 330 m s–1.

What is the wavelength of the emitted sound?

A 0.66 m B 1.5 m C 6.6 m D 500 m

9702/12/M/J/17/Q25

26 An ambulance travels along a straight road at a speed of 30.0 m s–1. Its siren emits sound of
frequency 2000 Hz. The speed of sound in the air is 340 m s–1. The ambulance passes a man
standing at the side of the road.

What is the frequency of the sound heard by the man as the ambulance moves towards him and
as the ambulance moves away from him?

frequency heard as frequency heard as

ambulance moves ambulance moves
towards man / Hz away from man / Hz

A 1820 2180
B 1840 2190
C 2180 1820
D 2190 1840

9702/12/M/J/17/Q26

27 Three different electromagnetic waves P, Q and R have the frequencies shown.

frequency / Hz

P 3 × 1010
Q 3 × 1013
R 6 × 1014

Which row identifies P, Q and R?

P Q R

A infra-red visible ultraviolet

B microwave infra-red visible
C ultraviolet X-ray gamma ray
D visible ultraviolet X-ray
9702/13/M/J/17/Q21

28 Which statement about electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is correct?

A Amplitude is inversely proportional to velocity.

B Frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength.
C Intensity is proportional to amplitude.
D Velocity is proportional to wavelength.

9702/13/M/J/17/Q22

29 A transverse wave travels along a rope. The graph shows the variation of the displacement of the
particles in the rope with distance along it at a particular instant.

direction of travel of wave

displacement

0 distance / m
0 1.0 2.0 3.0

At which distance along the rope do the particles have maximum upwards velocity?

A 0.5 m B 1.0 m C 1.5 m D 2.0 m

9702/13/M/J/17/Q23

30 A trace is shown on the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.).

1.0 cm

1.0 cm
The time-base setting is 2.5 ms cm and the Y-gain is 2.0 V cm–1.
–1

What is the frequency and the amplitude of the waveform displayed by the c.r.o.?

frequency amplitude
/ Hz /V

A 0.00375 4.0
B 0.00375 8.0
C 267 4.0
D 267 8.0

9702/13/M/J/17/Q24

31 A high-speed train approaches a stationary observer at a speed of 80 m s–1. The train’s horn
emits a sound of frequency 250 Hz.

The speed of sound is 340 m s–1.

What is the observed frequency of the sound from the horn?

A 190 Hz B 200 Hz C 310 Hz D 330 Hz

9702/13/M/J/17/Q25

32 Which row shows a correct frequency in Hz for each of the four principal radiations?

X-rays ultraviolet microwaves infra-red

A 1010 1014 1018 1015

B 1014 1018 1015 1010
C 1015 1010 1014 1018
D 1018 1015 1010 1014
9702/11/M/J/18/Q20

33 A transverse progressive wave is set up on a string.

The graph shows the variation with time of displacement for a point on this string.

displacement

X Y
0
0 time

The separation XY on the graph represents the ««1«« of the wave.

X and Y have equal ««2«« .

Which words correctly complete gaps 1 and 2?

1 2

A time period amplitudes

B time period displacements
C wavelength amplitudes
D wavelength displacements

9702/11/M/J/18/Q21

34 Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum includes waves with a frequency of 107 MHz?

A infra-red waves
B radio waves
C ultraviolet waves
D X-rays
9702/11/M/J/18/Q22

35 A longitudinal wave has vibrations parallel to the direction of transfer of energy by the wave.

The wave can be represented on a graph showing the variation of the displacement of the
particles with distance from the source.

Which point on the graph is the centre of a compression?

direction of
transfer of energy
A
displacement
away from source

B D
0
0 distance
from source
displacement
towards source
C

9702/11/M/J/18/Q23

36 What can be deduced from a table of wavelengths of the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum?

A Green light has a shorter wavelength than X-rays.

B Red light has a shorter wavelength than green light.
C The wavelength range for radio waves is less than that for infra-red waves.
D The wavelength range for X-rays is less than that for radio waves.
9702/11/M/J/18/Q24

37 A binary star consists of two stars rotating around a common centre. Light from one of the stars is
observed on the Earth.

binary
star
observer
on Earth

The observed frequency of the light varies between a minimum frequency fmin and a maximum
frequency fmax, as shown.

fmax
observed
frequency

fmin

0 time

The rate of rotation of the binary star increases.

What is the change to fmax and the change to fmin?

fmax fmin

A decreases decreases
B decreases increases
C increases decreases
D increases increases
9702/12/M/J/18/Q22

38 Two lasers emit light in a vacuum. One laser emits red light and the other emits green light.

Which property of the two laser beams must be different?

A amplitude
B frequency
C intensity
D speed

9702/12/M/J/18/Q23

39 The diagram shows the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.) displaying a wave.

The time-base of the c.r.o. is set at 10 ms / division.

What is the frequency of the wave?

A 0.24 Hz B 4.2 Hz C 12 Hz D 24 Hz
 9702/12/M/J/18/Q25

40 Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum has waves of wavelength 1000 times smaller than
the wavelength of visible light?

A infra-red
B microwaves
C ultraviolet
D X-rays

9702/12/M/J/18/Q27

41 An astronomer observes the light from a star that is moving away from the Earth.

For the observed light, what has been increased due to the star’s motion?

A amplitude
B frequency
C speed
D wavelength
9702/13/M/J/18/Q20

42 The displacement-distance graph for a transverse progressive wave is shown.

X
displacement

0
0 distance

The phase difference between points X and Y can be expressed as (180 n)°.

What is the value of n?

A 1.5 B 2.5 C 3.0 D 6.0

9702/13/M/J/18/Q21

43 The four graphs represent a progressive wave on a stretched string. Graphs A and B show how
the displacement d varies with distance x along the string at one instant. Graphs C and D show
how the displacement d varies with time t at a particular value of x.

The labels on the graphs are intended to show the wavelength λ, the period T and the amplitude
a of the wave, but only one graph is correctly labelled.

Which graph is correctly labelled?

A B
T λ
d d
a
0 0
0 x 0 a x

C D
λ T
d d
a a
0 0
0 t 0 t
9702/13/M/J/18/Q22

44 A cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.) is used to determine the frequency of a sound wave.

The diagram shows the waveform on the screen.

The time-base setting is 5.0 ms / div.

What is the frequency of the sound wave?

A 57 Hz B 71 Hz C 114 Hz D 143 Hz

9702/13/M/J/18/Q23

45 A police car travels at a velocity of 30.0 m s–1 directly towards a stationary observer. The horn of
the car emits sound of frequency 2000 Hz. The speed of sound is 340 m s–1.

What is the frequency of the sound heard by the observer?

A 1840 Hz B 2000 Hz C 2180 Hz D 2190 Hz

9702/11/M/J/19/Q22

46 A transverse wave in a medium has the waveform shown, where

y = vertical displacement and x = horizontal distance.

The speed of the wave is 20.0 cm s–1.

+1.0
y / mm

0 x / cm
0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0

–1.0

A particle of the medium oscillates vertically.

Which graph of vertical displacement y against time t best represents the motion of this particle?

A B
+1.0 +1.0
y / mm y / mm
0 t/s 0 t/s
0 0.10 0.20 0 2.0 4.0

–1.0 –1.0

C D
+2.0 +2.0
y / mm y / mm

0 0
0 4.0 8.0 0 5.0 10.0
t/s t/s
9702/11/M/J/19/Q23

47 The graph shows the variation of the displacement of particles with distance along a transverse
wave at an instant in time. The wave is moving to the right.

Which position along the wave corresponds to a point where particles in the wave are travelling
the fastest upwards?

direction of
displacement D travel of wave

0
0 A C distance

B
9702/11/M/J/19/Q25

48 A stationary insect on the surface of water creates circular waves with its legs, as shown in
diagram 1. The insect begins to travel to the right as shown in diagram 2.

insect

X X

diagram 1 diagram 2

Which row describes the change to the waves at X caused by the movement of the insect?

frequency wave speed

A decreases increases
B decreases stays the same
C increases increases
D increases stays the same

9702/11/M/J/19/Q26

49 A toy motorboat moving with constant velocity v vibrates up and down on the surface of a pond.
This causes the boat to act as a source of circular water waves of frequency 2.0 Hz. The speed of
the waves is 1.5 m s–1.

A man, standing at the edge of the pond, observes that the waves from the boat approach him
with a frequency of 3.0 Hz.

The formula for Doppler effect calculations with sound waves may also be used for water waves.

What is a possible value of v?

speed / m s–1 direction

A 0.50 directly away from the man

B 0.50 directly towards the man
C 0.75 directly away from the man
D 0.75 directly towards the man
9702/12/M/J/19/Q23

50 The diagram illustrates the position of particles in a progressive sound wave at one instant in
time.

P Q

The speed of the wave is v. P and Q are two points in the wave a distance L apart.

What is an expression for the frequency of the wave?

A v B v C 2v D L
2L L L v
9702/12/M/J/19/Q24

51 A wave moves along the surface of water.

The diagram shows the variation of displacement s with distance along the wave at time t =
0.
direction of travel
s
P
distance
0
0 along wave

Which graph best shows the variation with time t of the displacement s of the point P on the
wave?

A 0 t
0

B 0 t
0

C 0 t
0

D 0 t
0
9702/12/M/J/19/Q26

52 In one of the first experiments to demonstrate the Doppler effect, a train was filled with trumpeters
all playing a note of frequency 440 Hz. The difference in observed frequency of the note as the
train directly approached a stationary observer was 22 Hz. The speed of sound was 340 m s–1.

At which speed was the train moving?

A 15.4 m s–1 B 16.2 m s–1 C 17.0 m s–1 D 17.9 m s–1

9702/12/M/J/19/Q27

53 The electromagnetic spectrum consists of waves with different wavelengths.

Which row correctly identifies regions of the electromagnetic spectrum?

10–10 m 10–8 m 10–5 m 10–2 m

A microwaves X-rays ultraviolet infrared

B infrared microwaves X-rays ultraviolet
C microwaves infrared ultraviolet X-rays
D X-rays ultraviolet infrared microwaves

9702/12/M/J/19/Q28

54 A cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO) is used to display the trace from a sound wave. The time-base
is set at 5 µs mm–1.

1 cm

1 cm

What is the frequency of the sound wave?

A 6.7 Hz B 67 Hz C 6.7 kHz D 67 kHz

9702/13/M/J/19/Q21

55 The graph shows the variation of displacement y with distance x along a progressive wave at one
instant in time.

y Q

0
0 x

What is the phase difference between points P and Q on the wave?

A 90° B 270° C 540° D 630°

9702/13/M/J/19/Q22

56 Wave-power generators take advantage of the energy that is transferred by the motion of waves
across the surface of the oceans. The energy of a wave depends on its amplitude.

What is the correct definition of amplitude?

A the average amount of energy possessed by a wave

B the difference in displacement between a peak and a trough
C the maximum displacement of a point on the wave from equilibrium
D the number of oscillations of a wave that occur per second
9702/13/M/J/19/Q23

57 A sound wave of frequency 270 Hz is recorded by a cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO).

The waveform on the CRO is shown.

1 cm

What is the time-base setting on the CRO?

A 0.1 ms cm–1 B 1 ms cm–1 C 10 ms cm–1 D 100 ms cm–1

9702/13/M/J/19/Q24

58 A motor boat vibrates in the water so that it produces water waves of frequency 0.20 Hz. The
speed of these waves in the water is 20 m s–1. The motor boat moves with a speed of 5.0 m s–1
directly towards a stationary sailing boat.

The Doppler effect equation for sound waves also applies to water waves.

What is the frequency with which the waves hit the stationary sailing boat?

A 0.15 Hz B 0.16 Hz C 0.25 Hz D 0.27 Hz

9702/13/M/J/19/Q25

59 Infrared laser light is used for the transmission of data along optic fibres.

What is a typical wavelength of infrared radiation?

A 5 × 10–5 m B 5 × 10–7 m C 2 × 10–9 m D 2 × 10–11 m

9702/11/M/J/20/Q22

60 A sound wave reduces in intensity but maintains a constant frequency as it travels through air.

Which statement is correct?

A The maximum displacement of the particles changes between one particle and the next
particle.
B The phase difference between adjacent particles is zero.

C The wavelength is the distance between two particles that have a phase difference of 180°.

D Two particles that have a phase difference of 360° have the same maximum displacement.
9702/11/M/J/20/Q23

61 The graph shows the variation with time of the displacement of an electromagnetic wave at a
point.

displacement 3.0
arbitrary units
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55

–3.0 time / µs

The wave is travelling in a vacuum.

What is the amplitude and what is the wavelength of the wave?

amplitude wavelength
/ arbitrary units /m

A 3.0 6000
B 6.0 6000
C 3.0 7500
D 6.0 7500
9702/11/M/J/20/Q25

62 A source emitting sound of a single frequency fs travels at constant speed directly towards an
observer. The source then passes the observer and continues to move directly away from the
observer. The velocity of the source remains constant.

Which graph represents the variation with time of the frequency fo of the sound heard by the
observer?

A B

fo fo

fs fs

time time

C D

fo fo

fs fs

time time

9702/11/M/J/20/Q26

63 What are the names of the electromagnetic waves that have wavelengths in a vacuum of 100 pm
and of 100 µm?

wavelength wavelength
100 pm 100 µm

A γ-rays infrared
B γ-rays red light
C X-rays infrared
D X-rays red light
9702/12/M/J/20/Q21

64 A transverse wave is moving along a rope. Two points X and Y on the rope are a quarter of a
wavelength apart from each other.

Which statement is not possible for the two points X and Y at any instant?

A They are both stationary.

B They are displaced in opposite directions from their equilibrium position.
C They are moving in opposite directions.
D They both have displacements of the same magnitude from their equilibrium positions.

9702/12/M/J/20/Q22

65 Two progressive waves meet at a fixed point P. The variation with time of the displacement of
each wave at point P is shown in the graph.

displacement

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2
time / s

What is the phase difference between the two waves at point P?

A 45° B 90° C 135° D 180°

9702/12/M/J/20/Q23

66 A microphone connected to the Y-plates of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO) is placed in front of

a loudspeaker. The trace on the screen of the CRO is shown.

1 cm

1 cm

The time-base setting is 0.5 ms cm–1 and the Y-plate sensitivity is 0.2 mV cm–1.

What is the frequency of the sound from the loudspeaker and what is the amplitude of the trace
on the CRO?

frequency amplitude
/ Hz / mV

A 330 0.6
B 330 1.2
C 670 0.6
D 670 1.2
9702/12/M/J/20/Q25

67 A stationary person measures the speed and wavelength of the sound from a horn on a
stationary vehicle. The person then repeats the measurements when the vehicle is approaching
at a constant speed.

Which row describes the measured wavelength and the measured speed of the sound wave from
the moving vehicle when compared with the sound wave from the stationary vehicle?

wavelength of speed of
the sound wave the sound wave

A longer greater
B shorter greater
C longer same
D shorter same
9702/12/M/J/20/Q26

68 The table shows the wavelengths of five electromagnetic waves.

Which row correctly identifies the principal radiation for each of these wavelengths?

10–14 m 10–10 m 10–6 m 10–2 m 102 m

A gamma-ray X-ray infrared microwave radio wave

B radio wave microwave infrared X-ray gamma-ray
C radio wave microwave ultraviolet infrared X-ray
X-ray infrared ultraviolet microwave radio wave
D
9702/13/M/J/20/Q22

69 A wave of amplitude A has an intensity I.

After passing through a certain medium, the wave has a new intensity of I .
4
What is the new amplitude of the wave?

A 2A B A C A D A
2 4 16

9702/13/M/J/20/Q23

70 A wave travels along a coiled spring.

The graph shows the variation with time of the displacement of a point on the spring.

displacement

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
time / s

What is the frequency of the wave?

A 0.13 Hz B 0.20 Hz C 5.0 Hz D 7.5 Hz

9702/13/M/J/20/Q25

71 A stationary source S emits a sound wave of frequency f.

The source now moves away from a stationary observer.

Which statement is correct?

A The frequency of the source S and the observed frequency are now both higher than f.
B The frequency of the source S and the observed frequency are now both lower than f.
C The frequency of the source S is now lower than f.
D The observed frequency is now lower than f.

9702/13/M/J/20/Q26

72 The table lists possible wavelengths of four different electromagnetic waves.

Which row is correct?

approximate
type of wave
wavelength / m

A infrared 10–5
B radio 10–3
C ultraviolet 10–12
D X-rays 10–7
9702/11/M/J/21/Q22

73 A longitudinal wave travelling from left to right has vibrations parallel to the direction of transfer of
energy by the wave.

The wave can be represented on a graph showing the variation with distance of the displacement
of the particles from their equilibrium positions at one instant.

Which point on the graph is the centre of a compression?

direction of
transfer of energy
A
displacement
to the right

B D
0
0 distance
from source
displacement
to the left
C
9702/11/M/J/21/Q24

74 An ambulance has a siren that emits sound of a constant frequency. The ambulance is moving
directly towards a stationary observer.

The ambulance decelerates as it is approaching the observer and then accelerates after it has
passed the observer.

How does the frequency of the sound heard by the observer change as the ambulance is
approaching and as it is moving away from the observer?

approaching moving away

observer from observer

A decreases decreases
B decreases increases
C increases decreases
D increases increases

9702/11/M/J/21/Q25

75 Microwaves in a vacuum travel at speed X and have wavelength of order of magnitude Y.

What are the speed and a possible order of magnitude of wavelength of X-rays in a vacuum?

speed wavelength

A X 10–8 Y
B X 10–4 Y
C 104 X Y
D 108 X Y
9702/12/M/J/21/Q21

76 Two lasers emit light in a vacuum. One laser emits red light and the other emits green light.

Which property of the light from the two lasers must be different?

A amplitude
B frequency
C intensity
D speed

9702/12/M/J/21/Q22

77 Two particles in a progressive wave are a distance 10 cm apart. The two graphs show the
variation with time t of the displacement d of the two particles.

d d

0 0
0 t 0 t

What could be represented by the two graphs?

A particles in a longitudinal wave with a compression and the nearest rarefaction separated by
10 cm
B particles in a longitudinal wave with a compression and the nearest rarefaction separated by
20 cm
C particles in a transverse wave with a peak and the nearest trough separated by 20 cm
D particles in a transverse wave with two adjacent peaks separated by 10 cm
9702/12/M/J/21/Q23

78 A sound wave is detected by a microphone that is connected to a cathode-ray oscilloscope

(CRO).

The screen of the CRO displays a waveform, as shown.

The time-base is set to 20 s div–1.

What is the frequency of the sound wave?

A 15 Hz B 15 000 Hz C 20 000 Hz D 30 000 Hz

9702/12/M/J/21/Q24

79 A person stands at the side of a straight railway track. A train moves towards the person and
emits sound from its whistle. The person hears a sound of frequency 1690 Hz as the train
approaches him.

The person then hears sound of frequency 1500 Hz as the train moves away from him. The
speed of sound in air is 340 m s–1.

What is the speed of the train?

A 20 m s–1 B 38 m s–1 C 41 m s–1 D 43 m s–1

9702/12/M/J/21/Q25

80 Which list shows electromagnetic waves in order of decreasing frequency?

A gamma-rays  infrared  ultraviolet  radio waves

B gamma-rays  ultraviolet  infrared  radio waves

C radio waves  infrared  ultraviolet  gamma-rays

D radio waves  ultraviolet  infrared  gamma-rays

9702/13/M/J/21/Q22

81 A transverse progressive wave of wavelength  is set up on a stretched string. The graph shows
the variation of displacement y with distance x at a particular instant of time. The wave has
displacement +y1 at distance x =  .
8

y1
0
0    3 2 5 x
8 2 2 2

What are the next two values of x where the displacement y is again equal to +y1?

A 3 and 5
8 8

B 3 and 9
8 8

C 5 and 9
8 8

D 9 and 17
8 8
9702/13/M/J/21/Q23

82 The graph shows the variation with time of the displacement of an air particle as a progressive
sound wave passes through the air. The speed of sound in air is 330 m s–1.

displacement

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
time / ms

What is the wavelength of the wave?

A 6.6 m B 8.3 m C 20 m D 25 m

9702/13/M/J/21/Q24

83 A microphone is connected to a cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO). A sound wave of constant

frequency is detected by the microphone. The screen of the CRO is shown.

1.0 cm

1.0 cm

The time-base is set at 1.0 ms cm–1.

What is the frequency of the sound wave?

A 250 Hz B 500 Hz C 670 Hz D 4000 Hz

9702/13/M/J/21/Q25

84 A train’s whistle is emitting sound of frequency 500 Hz as the train moves with a speed of 20 m s–1
along a straight track. The train moves directly towards a stationary observer standing next to the
track and then passes the observer.

The speed of sound in air is 330 m s–1.

What is the difference between the frequencies of the sound heard by the observer before and
after the train has passed the observer?

A 29 Hz B 32 Hz C 40 Hz D 61 Hz

9702/13/M/J/21/Q26

85 Gamma-rays, microwaves, visible light and X-rays are four regions of the electromagnetic
spectrum.

Which list shows these four regions in order of increasing wavelength?

A microwaves  visible light  X-rays  gamma-rays

B gamma-rays  X-rays  visible light  microwaves

C X-rays  gamma-rays  microwaves  visible light

D microwaves  visible light  gamma-rays  X-rays

9702/11/M/J/22/Q21

86 The graph shows the variation with time of the displacement of a particle as a progressive wave
passes.

5
displacement / mm

0
0 5 10 15 20
time / ns
–5

What are the frequency and the amplitude of the wave?

frequency / MHz amplitude / mm

A 100 5
B 200 5
C 100 10
D 200 10
9702/11/M/J/22/Q22

87 The graph shows the variation of the displacement of an air particle with time as a sound wave
passes through air.

displacement

0
0 time

The intensity of the sound is halved while the frequency remains constant.

The four graphs below are drawn to the same scale as the graph above.
Which graph shows the displacement of the air particle?
A B

displacement displacement

0 0
0 time 0 time

C D

displacement displacement

0 0
0 time 0 time

9702/11/M/J/22/Q23

88 Which statement is correct?

A Gases cannot transmit longitudinal waves.

B Longitudinal sound waves cannot form stationary waves.
C Solids can transmit both transverse and longitudinal waves.
D Transverse waves cannot pass through a vacuum.
9702/11/M/J/22/Q24

89 A car is travelling at a constant velocity directly towards a man standing in the middle of the road.

The driver sounds the car’s horn as a warning. The horn emits a sound wave of constant
frequency.

The frequency of the sound heard by the man is different from the frequency of the sound emitted
by the horn.

Which statement is correct?

A The frequency of the sound emitted by the horn is greater than the frequency of the sound
heard by the man.
B The frequency of the sound heard by the man depends on the distance between the car and
the man.
C The sound waves continually accelerate as they move from the horn to the man.
D The wavelength of the sound heard by the man is less than the wavelength of the sound
emitted by the horn.

9702/11/M/J/22/Q25

90 Which statement about electromagnetic waves is correct?

A A wave of wavelength 5.0  10–6 m is invisible to the human eye.

B They can all travel at different speeds in free space.
C They cannot be polarised.
Polarisation
D They consist of vibrating atoms.
9702/12/M/J/22/Q21

91 Which statement is correct for all types of progressive wave?

A The distance from a peak to the next trough is equal to a wavelength.

B They can be demonstrated in ripple tanks.
C They consist of vibrating atoms.
D They transfer energy from one position to another.

9702/12/M/J/22/Q22

92 A transverse water wave is moving along the surface of some water. This causes a ball to move
vertically without moving horizontally as it floats upon the surface. At one instant, the ball is at the
position shown.

ball

0.70 m
NOT TO direction of
SCALE wave travel

2.4 m

The wave has a frequency of 0.20 Hz and an amplitude of 0.70 m. The distance between a trough
and an adjacent peak is 2.4 m.

What is the distance travelled by the ball in a time of 20 s?

A 5.6 m B 9.6 m C 11.2 m D 19.2 m

9702/12/M/J/22/Q23

93 A sound wave travels from left to right across a room. The variation with distance across the
room of the displacement of the air molecules at one instant is shown.

At which distance will the air pressure be lowest?

displacement
right

0
A B C D distance from left-hand
left end of room

9702/12/M/J/22/Q24

94 A source emits a sound wave of a single frequency. The Doppler effect causes a different
frequency of sound to be heard by a stationary observer.

What is a requirement for the Doppler effect to occur?

A a source that is moving as it produces the sound wave Polarisation

B a source that produces a polarised sound wave
C a source that produces a sound wave of changing amplitude
D a source that produces a sound wave of changing frequency
9702/12/M/J/22/Q25

95 An electromagnetic wave in free space has a frequency of 2.5  1014 Hz.

Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum includes this frequency?

A infrared
B microwave
C ultraviolet
D X-ray

Polarisation
9702/12/M/J/22/Q26

96 Two polarising filters are placed next to each other so that their planes are parallel.

The first polarising filter has its transmission axis at an angle of 50 to the vertical.

The second polarising filter has its transmission axis at an angle of 20 to the vertical. The angle
between the transmission axes of the two polarising filters is 30

A beam of vertically polarised light of intensity 8.0 W m–2 is incident normally on the first polarising
filter.

What is the intensity of the light that is transmitted from the second polarising filter?

A zero B 2.5 W m–2 C 2.9 W m–2 D 6.0 W m–2

9702/13/M/J/22/Q22

97 The variation with distance x of the displacement y of a transverse wave on a rope is shown at
time t = 0.

The wave has a frequency of 0.5 Hz.

A point P on the rope is marked. The diagram shows the original position of P and four new
positions.

What is the position of P at time t = 1 s?

direction of
P C D wave travel
y

A
0
0 x
B

9702/13/M/J/22/Q23

98 A cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO) is connected to a microphone which detects sound of constant

frequency.

The trace on the screen of the CRO is shown.

Which property of the sound wave is measured using only information from the CRO?

A amplitude
B period
C speed
D wavelength
9702/13/M/J/22/Q24

99 A transverse wave and a longitudinal wave both travel in the same direction down a long
stretched spring.

Which statement is not correct for these two forms of wave?

A The displacement measurements for the particles of the two waves are made at right angles
to each other.
B The energy transferred by the two waves is in the same direction.
C The velocities of the two waves are in the same direction.
D The wavelength measurements for the two waves are made at right angles to each other.

9702/13/M/J/22/Q25

100 A man standing next to a stationary train hears sound of frequency 400 Hz emitted from the
train’s horn. The train then moves directly away from the man and sounds its horn when it has a
speed of 50 m s–1. The speed of sound in the air is 340 m s–1.

What is the difference in frequency of the sound heard by the man on the two occasions?

A 51 Hz B 69 Hz C 350 Hz D 470 Hz

9702/13/M/J/22/Q26

101 Which list of regions of the electromagnetic spectrum is in order of increasing wavelength from
left to right?

A gamma-ray  ultraviolet  infrared

B infrared  microwave  ultraviolet

C microwave  X-ray  infrared

D X-ray  ultraviolet  gamma-ray

9702/11/M/J/23/Q20

102 In an experiment, a student uses a microphone and a cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO) to analyse
a sound wave. The diagram shows the trace on the screen of the CRO.

The student is expecting a sinusoidal waveform to be shown on the screen.

Which changes should the student make to the time-base and the y-gain of the CRO so that the
screen shows a continuous trace for one complete cycle of the waveform?

time-base y-gain

A decrease decrease
B decrease increase
C increase decrease
D increase increase

9702/11/M/J/23/Q21

103 The graph shows the variation with time of the displacement of a particle in a progressive wave.

displacement
x y
0
0 time

Two measurements, x and y, are labelled on the graph.

What do x and y represent?

x y

A amplitude period
B frequency period
C amplitude wavelength
D frequency wavelength
9702/11/M/J/23/Q22

104 A car travels at a constant speed along a straight line PQ.

A loudspeaker attached to the car emits sound of constant frequency f. A stationary observer is
at point O.

P Q

What does the observer hear as the car moves from P towards Q?

A a frequency less than f that decreases as the car moves from P towards Q
B a frequency less than f that increases as the car moves from P towards Q
C a frequency more than f that decreases as the car moves from P towards Q
D a frequency more than f that increases as the car moves from P towards Q

9702/11/M/J/23/Q23

105 Some sources of electromagnetic waves in free space are listed.

1 a radio wave transmitter

2 a source of X-rays
3 a 30 mm wavelength radar transmitter
4 a light-emitting diode that emits red light

Which list gives the sources in order of increasing wavelength, from left to right, of the waves
emitted by the sources?

A 1342

B 2413

C 2431

D 3142
9702/11/M/J/23/Q24
Polarisation

106 A vertically polarised beam of light is incident normally on a polarising filter. The transmission axis
of the filter is at an angle of 40 to the horizontal.

beam of vertically
polarised light

transmission axis
of polarising filter

polarising filter
40

horizontal beam of
transmitted light

amplitude of transmitte d beam

What is the ratio ?
amplitude of incident beam

A 0.41 B 0.59 C 0.64 D 0.77

9702/12/M/J/23/Q20

107 A microphone detects a sound wave. The microphone is connected to a cathode-ray oscilloscope
(CRO).

The shape of the trace on the screen of the CRO is shown.

Which property of the sound wave can be determined by using only the measurement of a
horizontal distance on the screen and the value of a control setting of the CRO?

A amplitude
B frequency
C speed
D wavelength
9702/12/M/J/23/Q21

108 A longitudinal wave is travelling from left to right. The graph shows the variation of the
displacement of the particles with distance along the wave at one instant in time.

Displacements to the right are positive; displacements to the left are negative.

Which labelled point represents a compression?

A
displacement

B D
0
0 distance

9702/12/M/J/23/Q22

109 A source X emits a sound wave of constant frequency f.

The wave is subsequently received at a stationary detector Y.

The frequency of the wave that is detected by Y is less than f.

What could be the reason for this?

A Between X and Y, the wave undergoes diffraction.

B Between X and Y, the wave undergoes reflection.
C X is moving away from Y.
D X is moving towards Y.

9702/12/M/J/23/Q23

110 A beam of visible light is in a vacuum.

What could be the frequency of the light?

A 5.0  105 Hz B 5.0  108 Hz C 5.0  1011 Hz D 5.0  1014 Hz

9702/12/M/J/23/Q24 Polarisation

111 A vertically polarised beam of light of intensity I0 is incident normally on a polarising filter.

The transmission axis of the filter is at 45 to the vertical. The beam of light transmitted by this
filter is then incident normally on a second filter. The transmission axis of the second filter is
horizontal.

transmission axis
vertically 45q of second filter
polarised I0
light

transmission axis
of first filter

What is the intensity of the beam of light after transmission through the second filter?

A 0 B 1
4 I0 C 1
2 I0 D I0
9702/13/M/J/23/Q20

112 A progressive wave of frequency 1.5 kHz travels in a medium at a speed of 340 m s–1.

What is the minimum distance between two points on the wave that have a phase difference of
70?

A 4.4 cm B 8.8 cm C 18 cm D 23 cm

9702/13/M/J/23/Q21

113 Graph 1 shows the variation with time of displacement at a fixed distance along a progressive
wave.

Graph 2 represents the same wave and shows the variation with distance of displacement at an
instant in time.

graph 1
2.0
displacement / cm
1.0
0 time / s
0 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40
–1.0
–2.0

graph 2
2.0
displacement / cm
1.0
0 distance / cm
0 30 60 90 120
–1.0
–2.0

What is the speed of the wave?

A 5.0 cm s–1 B 48 cm s–1 C 150 cm s–1 D 300 cm s–1

9702/13/M/J/23/Q22

114 A vehicle moves with constant velocity along a road directly towards an observer. The observed
frequency of the sound from the vehicle changes as the vehicle moves past the observer.

Which phenomenon explains the change in frequency?

A diffraction
B interference
C polarisation
D the Doppler effect

9702/13/M/J/23/Q23

115 An electromagnetic wave has a wavelength of 2.1 cm in a vacuum.

Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum contains this wave?

A infrared
B microwave
C radio wave
D visible light
9702/13/M/J/23/Q24

116 A source of plane polarised light is observed through two polarising filters.

rotated
anticlockwise Polarisation
rotated
clockwise
source of
polarised light

polarising filters
observer

The filters are positioned so that the source appears at its brightest. One of the filters is then
rotated clockwise and the other filter is rotated anticlockwise through the same angle.

How does the source appear when both filters have been rotated 90 and 180 from their initial
positions?

90 180

A brightest brightest
B brightest darkest
C darkest brightest
D darkest darkest
9702/11/O/N/16/Q23

117 The table shows the wavelengths of five electromagnetic waves.

Which row correctly identifies the principal radiation for each of these wavelengths?

10–14 m 10–10 m 10–6 m 10–2 m 102 m

A gamma ray X-ray infra-red microwave radio wave

B radio wave microwave infra-red X-ray gamma ray
C radio wave microwave ultraviolet infra-red X-ray
D X-ray infra-red ultraviolet microwave radio wave
9702/11/O/N/16/Q25

118 The graph shows the variation with time of the displacement X of a gas molecule as a continuous
sound wave passes through a gas.

0
0 125 250 375 500 625 750 875 1000
time / µs

The velocity of sound in the gas is 330 m s–1. All the graphs below have the same zero time as the
graph above.

What is the displacement-time graph for a molecule that is a distance of 0.165 m further away
from the source of the sound?

A B
X X

0 0
0 125 250 375 500 625 750 875 1000 0 125 250 375 500 625 750 875 1000
time / µs time / µs

C D
X X

0 0
0 125 250 375 500 625 750 875 1000 0 125 250 375 500 625 750 875 1000
time / µs time / µs
9702/11/O/N/16/Q26

119 The warning signal on an ambulance has a frequency of 600 Hz. The speed of sound is 330 m s–1.
The ambulance is travelling with a constant velocity of 25 m s–1 towards an observer.

initial position final position

of ambulance of ambulance

observer

Which overall change in observed frequency takes place between the times at which the
ambulance is a long way behind the observer and when it is a long way in front of the observer?

A 49 Hz B 84 Hz C 91 Hz D 98 Hz
9702/12/O/N/16/Q23

120 High-frequency sound waves with frequency 2.0 MHz travel with a speed of 2.0 km s–1 through a
liquid.

What is the shortest distance between a compression and a rarefaction (expansion) in the liquid?

A 0.5 mm B 1.0 mm C 5.0 mm D 10.0 mm

9702/12/O/N/16/Q24

121 A transverse progressive wave of wavelength λ is set up on a stretched string. The graph shows
the variation of displacement y with distance x at a particular instant of time. The displacement
where distance x = λ is y1.
8

y1 λ 3λ 5λ
2 2 2
0
0 λ λ 2λ x
8

What are the next two values of x where the displacement y is again equal to y1?

A 3λ and 5λ
8 8

B 3λ and 9λ
8 8

C 5λ and 9λ
8 8

D 9λ and 17λ
8 8

9702/12/O/N/16/Q25

122 A man standing next to a stationary train hears sound of frequency 400 Hz emitted from the
train’s horn. The train then moves directly away from the man and sounds its horn when it has a
speed of 50 m s–1. The speed of sound is 340 m s–1.

What is the difference in frequency of the sound heard by the man on the two occasions?

A 51 Hz B 69 Hz C 349 Hz D 469 Hz
9702/11/O/N/17/Q22

123 The displacement-time graph for a layer of air in the path of a sound wave is shown.

displacement

0
0 time

Which wave quantity is increasing?

A amplitude
B frequency
C period
D wavelength
9702/11/O/N/17/Q25

124 Light of a particular wavelength λs is emitted from the Sun. At any instant, a band of wavelengths
ranging from less than λs to more than λs is observed on the Earth. This is caused by the Doppler
effect.

NOT TO
Earth
Sun SCALE

What could be the explanation for this Doppler effect?

A The Sun is moving at right-angles to a line joining the Sun and the Earth.
B The Sun is moving away from the Earth.
C The Sun is moving towards the Earth.
D The Sun is rotating.

9702/11/O/N/17/Q26

125 What is the order of magnitude of the frequencies of electromagnetic waves in the visible
spectrum?

A 1010 Hz B 1012 Hz C 1014 Hz D 1016 Hz

9702/12/O/N/17/Q22

126 When sound travels through air, the air particles vibrate. A graph of displacement against time for
a single air particle is shown.

displacement

0
0 T 2T time

Which graph best shows how the kinetic energy of the air particle varies with time?

A B
kinetic kinetic
energy energy

0 0
0 T 2T time 0 T 2T time

C D
kinetic kinetic
energy energy

0 0
0 T 2T time 0 T 2T time
9702/12/O/N/17/Q25

127 A train that is moving in a straight line along a railway track has a whistle that continuously emits
sound of frequency f.

A woman standing by the side of the track hears sound of frequency 0.85f.

The speed of sound in the air is 340 m s–1.

What is the velocity of the train?

A 51 m s–1 away from the woman

B 51 m s–1 towards the woman
C 60 m s–1 away from the woman
D 60 m s–1 towards the woman

9702/12/O/N/17/Q26

128 Orange light in a vacuum has a wavelength of 600 nm.

What is the frequency of this light?

A 180 Hz B 5.0 × 105 Hz C 1.8 × 1011 Hz D 5.0 × 1014 Hz

9702/13/O/N/17/Q22

129 The graph shows how the displacement of a particle in a wave varies with time.

displacement / cm 2

0
0 2 4 6 time / s
–1

–2

Which statement is correct?

A The wave has a period of 2 s and could be either transverse or longitudinal.

B The wave has a period of 2 s and must be transverse.
C The wave has a period of 4 s and could be either transverse or longitudinal.
D The wave has a period of 4 s and must be transverse.
9702/13/O/N/17/Q23

130 A wave travels along a coiled spring.

The graph shows the variation with time of the displacement of a point on the spring.

displacement

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
time / s

What is the frequency of the wave?

A 0.13 Hz B 0.20 Hz C 5.0 Hz D 7.5 Hz

9702/13/O/N/17/Q24

131 An electrical signal is displayed on a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.).

The time-base setting is 50 ms div–1.

The Y-gain setting is 2 V div–1.

What is the amplitude of the signal?

A 2V B 4V C 5V D 10 V
9702/13/O/N/17/Q25

132 A source of sound of frequency F at point Z is moving at a steady speed. The pattern of the
emitted wavefronts is shown.

X Z Y

Which row describes the frequencies of the sound heard by stationary observers at X and Y?

frequency frequency
heard at X heard at Y

A <F <F
B <F >F
C >F <F
D >F >F

9702/13/O/N/17/Q26

133 A car travelling at a steady speed in a straight line passes close to a stationary observer. The
observer measures the frequency of the sound from the engine.

As the car approaches, the observed frequency is 220 Hz. When the car moves away, the
observed frequency is 180 Hz.

The speed of sound in air is 340 m s–1.

What is the speed of the car?

A 8.5 m s–1 B 31 m s–1 C 34 m s–1 D 38 m s–1

9702/13/O/N/17/Q27

134 Which frequency of electromagnetic radiation could be ultraviolet?

A 1.0 × 106 Hz

B 1.0 × 109 Hz

C 1.0 × 1012 Hz

D 1.0 × 1015 Hz

9702/13/O/N/17/Q28

135 An electromagnetic wave travels in a straight line through a vacuum. The wave has a frequency
of 6.0 THz.

What is the number of wavelengths in a distance of 1.0 m along the wave?

A 5.0 × 10–5 B 2.0 × 101 C 2.0 × 104 D 5.0 × 107

9702/11/O/N/18/Q21

136 The graph shows the variation of a quantity P with a quantity Q for a sound wave travelling in air.

0
0 Q

What could P and Q be?

P Q

A amplitude intensity
B frequency wavelength
C speed frequency
D wavelength period

9702/11/O/N/18/Q22

137 A vibration generator produces a progressive wave on a rope. The diagram shows the rope at
one instant. The wave travels at a speed of 4.0 m s–1.

rope 4.0 m s–1

length / m
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8

What are the wavelength and the frequency of the wave?

wavelength frequency
/m / Hz

A 0.13 15
B 0.13 30
C 0.27 15
D 0.27 30
9702/11/O/N/18/Q23

138 The diagram shows the waveform of a signal displayed on a cathode-ray oscilloscope.

The time-base is set at 5.0 ms per division.

The Y-gain is set at 5.0 mV per division.

What are the amplitude and the frequency of the signal?

amplitude frequency
/ mV / Hz

A 10 50
B 10 100
C 20 50
D 20 100

9702/11/O/N/18/Q24

139 A jet aircraft travels at a speed of 0.8v where v is the speed of sound. The aircraft approaches a
stationary observer. The frequency of sound emitted by the aircraft is 100 Hz.

Which frequency does the observer hear?

A 56 Hz B 180 Hz C 400 Hz D 500 Hz

9702/11/O/N/18/Q25

140 A telescope detects and analyses some electromagnetic radiation of wavelength 2 cm.

Which type of telescope is it?

A microwave telescope
B optical telescope
C radio telescope
D X-ray telescope
9702/12/O/N/18/Q22

141 A progressive wave on a wire has a frequency of 10 Hz. Two points on the wire, separated by a
distance of 0.25 m, have a phase difference of 22.5°.

What is the maximum speed of the wave?

A 2.5 m s–1 B 10 m s–1 C 20 m s–1 D 40 m s–1

9702/12/O/N/18/Q23

142 When a guitar string is plucked, it causes a longitudinal sound wave in the air, as shown.

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8

distance / m

The speed of sound in the air is 340 m s–1.

What is the approximate frequency of the sound wave shown?

A 430 Hz B 680 Hz C 1100 Hz D 1400 Hz

9702/12/O/N/18/Q25

143 A police car has a two-tone siren emitting sound of frequencies of 700 Hz and 1000 Hz.

The police car is travelling at a speed of 40.0 m s–1 towards a stationary observer. The speed of
sound in the air is 340 m s–1.

What is the difference between the two frequencies of the sound that is heard by the observer?

A 268 Hz B 300 Hz C 335 Hz D 340 Hz

9702/12/O/N/18/Q26

144 A surveyor’s device emits a pulse of light. The light is reflected from a wall 150 m away.

What is the time taken for the pulse to travel from the device to the wall and then back to the
device?

A 0.05 ns B 0.10 ns C 0.50 µs D 1.0 µs

9702/13/O/N/18/Q21

145 A progressive sound wave in air has amplitude x0 and intensity I.

The amplitude of the wave increases to 3x0.

What is the new intensity of the wave?

A I B I C 3I D 9I
9 3

9702/13/O/N/18/Q22

146 The variation with distance x of the displacement y of a transverse wave on a rope is shown at
time t = 0.

The wave has a frequency of 0.5 Hz.

A point X on the rope is marked. The diagram shows the original position of X and four new
positions.

What is the position of X at time t = 1 s?

direction of
X C D propagation
y

A
0
0 x
B
9702/13/O/N/18/Q23

147 A sound wave is detected by a microphone. The output from the microphone is connected to the
Y-input of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (c.r.o.). The trace on the c.r.o. is shown.

The time-base is set at 0.20 ms per division.

What is the frequency of the sound wave?

A 1000 Hz B 1250 Hz C 2000 Hz D 2500 Hz

9702/13/O/N/18/Q24

148 A bat flies directly towards a fixed ultrasound detector at a speed of 25.0 m s–1 emitting pulses of
ultrasound of frequency 40.0 kHz.

The speed of sound in air is 330 m s–1.

Which frequency does the ultrasound detector record?

A 37.0 kHz B 37.2 kHz C 43.0 kHz D 43.3 kHz

9702/13/O/N/18/Q25

149 An electromagnetic wave has a wavelength of 1.0 × 10–7 m.

To which region of the electromagnetic spectrum does this wave belong?

A infra-red
B ultraviolet
C visible
D X-ray
9702/11/O/N/19/Q21

150 A transverse wave on a rope has wavelength λ and period T.

The graph shows the variation of the displacement of the particles of the rope with distance in the
direction of travel of the wave at time t = 0.

direction
displacement of travel

X
0
0 λ distance

A particle X is labelled.

Which graph shows the variation of the displacement of particle X with time t ?

A B

displacement displacement

0 0
0 T t 0 T t

C D

displacement displacement

0 0
0 T t 0 T t
9702/11/O/N/19/Q22

151 Which statement about all types of transverse waves is correct?

A They all have the same speed.

B They all have vibrations that are parallel to the direction of propagation of energy.
C They can all form stationary waves.
D They can all travel through a vacuum.

9702/11/O/N/19/Q24

152 The siren of a moving police car emits a sound wave with a frequency of 440 Hz. A stationary
observer hears sound of frequency 494 Hz. The speed of sound in the air is 340 m s–1.

What could be the speed and the direction of movement of the car?

A 37 m s–1 directly towards the observer

B 37 m s–1 directly away from the observer
C 42 m s–1 directly towards the observer
D 42 m s–1 directly away from the observer

9702/11/O/N/19/Q25

153 An electromagnetic wave has a wavelength of 138 pm in a vacuum.

To which region of the electromagnetic spectrum does this wave belong?

A radio wave
B microwave
C visible light
D X-ray
9702/12/O/N/19/Q20

154 A transverse wave is travelling along a rope. The frequency of the wave is 2.0 Hz. The graph
shows the variation with distance of the displacement of the wave at time t ꞊ 0.

direction of wave travel

displacement

0 2 4 6 8 10 distance / m

Which diagram shows the position of the wave at time t = 0.5 s?

displacement

A
0 2 4 6 8 10 distance / m

displacement

B
0 2 4 6 8 10 distance / m

displacement

C
0 2 4 6 8 10 distance / m

displacement

D
0 2 4 6 8 10 distance / m
9702/12/O/N/19/Q21

155 The two graphs represent the same wave.

Graph 1 shows the variation with time of the displacement at a particular distance. Graph 2
shows the variation with distance of the displacement at one instant.

displacement displacement

distance
0 time / s 0
0 0.5 1.0 0 30 60 90 / cm

graph 1 graph 2

What is the speed of the wave?

A 22.5 cm s–1 B 30.0 cm s–1 C 90.0 cm s–1 D 120 cm s–1

9702/12/O/N/19/Q22

156 A microphone is connected to a cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO). When a tuning fork is struck
and then held next to the microphone, the following waveform is shown on the display of the
CRO.

The time-base setting on the CRO is 2.00 ms per division.

What is the best estimate of the frequency of the sound produced by the tuning fork?

A 63 Hz B 170 Hz C 250 Hz D 500 Hz

9702/12/O/N/19/Q23

157 A loudspeaker emitting a constant frequency of 2000 Hz is swung in a horizontal circle with a
speed of 15.0 m s–1.

A stationary observer is level with the loudspeaker and situated a long distance from the
loudspeaker. The observer hears a sound of varying frequency. The maximum frequency heard
is 2097 Hz.

What is the speed of the sound in the air?

A 294 m s–1 B 309 m s–1 C 324 m s–1 D 330 m s–1

9702/12/O/N/19/Q24

158 Two electromagnetic waves have wavelengths of 5.0 × 10–7 m and 5.0 × 10–2 m.

Which row identifies the regions of the electromagnetic spectrum to which the waves belong?

wavelength wavelength
5.0 × 10–7 m 5.0 × 10–2 m

A ultraviolet infrared
B visible microwave
C ultraviolet microwave
D visible infrared

9702/12/O/N/19/Q26

159 Which statement about a light wave and a sound wave is correct?

A Both can travel through free space.

B Both have a frequency inversely proportional to their wavelength.
C Both have an intensity proportional to their amplitude.
D Both have oscillations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.
9702/13/O/N/19/Q21

160 Which statement about light waves and sound waves is not correct?

A Light waves and sound waves can both demonstrate the Doppler effect.
B Light waves are transverse waves and sound waves are longitudinal waves.
C Light waves can be diffracted but sound waves cannot.
D Light waves can travel in a vacuum but sound waves cannot.

9702/13/O/N/19/Q22

161 The graph represents a sound wave.

3
displacement
/ µm

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
time / ms

–3

Which statement is correct?

A The wave is longitudinal and has a period of 25 ms.

B The wave is longitudinal and has a frequency of 50 Hz.

C The wave is transverse and has an amplitude of 3 µm.

D The wave is transverse and has a wavelength of 20 ms.

9702/13/O/N/19/Q23

162 A cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO) is used to display a wave of frequency 5.0 kHz. The display is
shown.

1 cm

1 cm

What is the time-base setting of the CRO?

A 10 µs cm–1 B 100 µs cm–1 C 10 ms cm–1 D 100 ms cm–1

9702/13/O/N/19/Q24

163 A siren emits sound of frequency 1000 Hz. The siren moves at 20 m s–1 towards an observer who
is standing still.

The speed of sound in the air is 330 m s–1.

Which expression would correctly give the frequency heard by the observer?

1000 × 330
A
330 + 20

1000 × 330
B
330 − 20

1000 (330 + 20)

C
330

1000 (330 − 20)

D
330

9702/13/O/N/19/Q25

164 A source of sound of constant power P is situated in an open space. The intensity I of sound at
distance r from this source is given by

I= P .
4πr 2

How does the amplitude a of the vibrating air molecules vary with the distance r from the source?

A a∝ 1 B a ∝ 12 C a∝r D a ∝ r2
r r
9702/13/O/N/19/Q27

165 The graph shows how the height of the water surface at a point in a harbour varies with time t as
waves pass the point.

height

p
mean height
t

What are p and q?

p q

A displacement period
B displacement wavelength
C amplitude period
D amplitude wavelength
9702/11/O/N/20/Q21

166 A guitar string vibrates to create a sound. The speed of the wave in the guitar string is always
440 m s–1. The vibrating string creates a sound wave that moves in the air with a speed of
330 m s–1.

Which graph shows the variation of frequency f with the wavelength  for the waves in the string
and in the air?

A B C D
air string
f f f f
string air air
string
air string
0 0 0 0
0 λ 0 λ 0 λ 0 λ
9702/11/O/N/20/Q22

167 The graph shows the variation with time of displacement for two different waves X and Y.

displacement wave Y

0
0 time
wave X

Wave X has frequency f and amplitude A.

What is the frequency and what is the amplitude of wave Y?

frequency amplitude
1 1
A 2
f 2
A
1
B 2
f 2A
1
C 2f 2
A
D 2f 2A
9702/11/O/N/20/Q24

168 A source of sound of frequency 1000 Hz directly approaches a stationary observer. The observer
measures the frequency of the received sound to be 1500 Hz. The speed of sound in still air is
330 m s–1.

What is the speed of the source of sound?

A 110 m s–1 B 165 m s–1 C 220 m s–1 D 330 m s–1

9702/11/O/N/20/Q25

169 The graph shows how the intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted from a distant star varies
with wavelength.

intensity

0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
wavelength / nm

In which region of the electromagnetic spectrum is the radiation of greatest intensity?

A infrared
B visible light
C ultraviolet
D X-ray
9702/12/O/N/20/Q22

170 The speed v of waves in deep water is given by the equation

g
v2 =
2

where  is the wavelength of the waves and g is the acceleration of free fall.

A student measures the wavelength  and the frequency f of a number of these waves.

Which graph should he plot to give a straight line through the origin?

A f 2 against 

B f against 2

C f against 1


D f 2 against 1

9702/12/O/N/20/Q23

171 When sound travels through air, the air particles vibrate. A graph of displacement against time for
a single air particle is shown.

displacement

0 time
0 T 2T

Which graph shows how the kinetic energy of the air particle varies with time?

A B
kinetic kinetic
energy energy

0 time 0 time
0 T 2T 0 T 2T

C D
kinetic kinetic
energy energy

0 time 0 time
0 T 2T 0 T 2T
9702/12/O/N/20/Q25

172 An emergency vehicle sounds its siren as it accelerates along a straight road between two points
X and Y, as shown in the diagram.

direction of travel

X Y

emergency
road vehicle

The frequency of the sound emitted by the siren is 750 Hz.

A person stands at X and another person stands at Y.

What describes the sounds heard by the people at X and at Y as the vehicle accelerates?

sound heard by person at X sound heard by person at Y

A higher than 750 Hz, lower than 750 Hz,

increasing in frequency decreasing in frequency
B higher than 750 Hz, lower than 750 Hz,
decreasing in frequency increasing in frequency
C lower than 750 Hz, higher than 750 Hz,
decreasing in frequency increasing in frequency
D lower than 750 Hz, higher than 750 Hz,
increasing in frequency decreasing in frequency
9702/12/O/N/20/Q26

173 Part of the electromagnetic spectrum is shown.

increasing frequency

visible
light

What is the name of the shaded region and what is the order of magnitude of a wavelength of a
wave from this region?

wavelength
name
/m

A infrared 10–5
B infrared 10–8
C ultraviolet 10–5
D ultraviolet 10–8

9702/13/O/N/20/Q22

174 Two waves X and Y have the same frequency. The amplitude of X is 1.5A0 and the amplitude of
Y is 2.5A0. The waves meet at a point and superpose to form a resultant wave.

maximum possible intensity

For the resultant wave, what is the ratio ?
minimum possible intensity

A 1.7 B 2.8 C 4.0 D 16

9702/13/O/N/20/Q23

175 The displacement–time graph for an air particle in the path of a sound wave is shown.

displacement

0
0 time

Which property of the sound wave must be increasing?

A amplitude
B frequency
C period
D speed

9702/13/O/N/20/Q24

176 A sound wave is displayed on the screen of a cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO) as shown.

1 cm

1 cm

The time-base of the CRO is set at 2.5 ms cm–1.

What is the frequency of the sound wave?

A 50 Hz B 100 Hz C 200 Hz D 400 Hz

9702/13/O/N/20/Q25

177 The horn of a train emits sound of frequency f1. While the horn is sounding, the train moves
directly towards a stationary person. The speed of the train is 0.20v, where v is the speed of
sound.

The frequency of the sound heard by the person is f2.

f1
What is the ratio ?
f2
0.80 1 1.2 1
A B C D
1 1.2 1 0.80

9702/13/O/N/20/Q26

178 Two satellites in orbit around the Earth are at a constant distance of 100 km apart from each
other.

Satellite X transmits a microwave pulse towards satellite Y. The pulse takes time T to reach Y.

Satellite Y then transmits a pulse of visible light towards satellite X.

What is the time taken for the pulse of light to reach X?

A 10–5 T B 10–3 T C 10–2 T D T

9702/11/O/N/21/Q21

179 Two balls float on the surface of the sea. The balls are separated by a distance of 1.30 m.

A wave travels on the surface of the sea so that the balls move vertically up and down.

direction of
ball
travel of wave
ball

0.90 m NOT TO
SCALE
1.30 m

The distance between a crest and an adjacent trough of the wave is 0.90 m.

What is the phase difference between the two balls?

A 55 B 110 C 160 D 260

9702/11/O/N/21/Q22

180 Which statement about transverse or longitudinal waves is not correct?

A Longitudinal waves can be used to demonstrate diffraction.

B Longitudinal waves can travel in a vacuum.
C Transverse waves can form stationary waves.
D Transverse waves can transfer energy.
9702/11/O/N/21/Q24

181 With which waves can the Doppler effect be observed?

A all waves including sound and light

B light waves only
C sound and light waves only
D sound waves only

9702/11/O/N/21/Q25

182 Which radiation could consist of waves of wavelength 0.5 nm?

A -rays
B ultraviolet
C visible light
D X-rays
9702/12/O/N/21/Q23

183 The table contains descriptions and examples of waves.

Which row is correct?

description of wave example

A oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer gamma-rays

B oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer ultraviolet waves
C oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer sound waves
D oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer X-rays
9702/12/O/N/21/Q25

184 A train travels in a straight line at a constant speed of 30 m s–1. The train’s horn continuously
emits sound of frequency 2400 Hz.

A stationary observer stands next to the train track. The train approaches the stationary observer,
passes him and then moves away.

The speed of sound is 340 m s–1.

What is the maximum difference in the frequencies of the sound heard by the stationary
observer?

A 190 Hz B 230 Hz C 430 Hz D 460 Hz

9702/12/O/N/21/Q26

185 Electromagnetic waves of frequency 30 THz are in a vacuum.

In which region of the electromagnetic spectrum are the waves?

A infrared
B microwave
C ultraviolet
D visible light
9702/13/O/N/21/Q22

186 A longitudinal wave travels through a long spring. The spring is shown at one instant.

What is the wavelength of the wave?

spring

9702/13/O/N/21/Q23

187 Which statement about waves is correct?

A Both longitudinal and transverse waves can travel through a vacuum.

B Both longitudinal and transverse waves transfer matter.
C Longitudinal progressive waves consist of alternate nodes and antinodes.
D The particles of a transverse wave vibrate perpendicular to the direction of energy
propagation.

9702/13/O/N/21/Q24

188 A stationary sound wave is formed in a pipe that is closed at one end and open at the other end.
The wave has two antinodes. One of these antinodes is at the open end of the pipe.

The length of the pipe is 0.600 m. The speed of sound in the air column in the pipe is 340 m s–1.

What is the frequency of the sound wave?

A 425 Hz B 850 Hz C 1130 Hz D 2270 Hz

9702/13/O/N/21/Q25

189 A train travels at constant speed along a straight track. The train’s horn emits sound of frequency
500 Hz.

A person standing by the side of the track hears sound of frequency 450 Hz.

The speed of sound in air is 340 m s–1.

What is the speed of the train and in which direction is it travelling relative to the person?

speed / m s–1 direction

A 34 away from the person

B 34 towards the person
C 38 away from the person
D 38 towards the person

9702/13/O/N/21/Q26

190 A smooth surface has bumps on the surface that are smaller than the wavelength of visible light.

What is the approximate maximum size of the largest bumps on the surface?

A 20 nm B 350 nm C 720 nm D 5.0 m

9702/11/O/N/22/Q21

191 A signal generator, amplifier and loudspeaker are used to produce different sound waves in the
air of a room. The relationships between the properties of these waves are investigated.

Which relationship is not correct?

A Amplitude is proportional to wavelength.

B Frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength.
C Intensity is proportional to amplitude squared at a given frequency.
D Period is equal to the reciprocal of frequency.

9702/11/O/N/22/Q22

192 When a guitar string is plucked, it causes a longitudinal sound wave in the air, as shown.

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8

distance / m

The speed of sound in the air is 340 m s–1.

What is the approximate frequency of the sound wave shown?

A 430 Hz B 680 Hz C 1100 Hz D 1400 Hz

9702/11/O/N/22/Q23

193 A transverse wave travels along a rope. The diagram shows the rope at time t = 0.

The wave is travelling from left to right. The period of the wave is T.

direction of
wave travel
X

One particle of the rope is labelled X.

Which graph shows the variation with time of the displacement of particle X between t = 0 and
t = 2T ?
A B
displacement displacement

0 t 0 t
0 2T 0 2T

C D
displacement displacement

0 t 0 t
0 2T 0 2T

9702/11/O/N/22/Q24

194 A jet aircraft travels at a speed of 0.80v, where v is the speed of sound. The aircraft directly
approaches a stationary observer. The frequency of sound emitted by the aircraft is 100 Hz.

Which frequency does the observer hear?

A 56 Hz B 180 Hz C 400 Hz D 500 Hz

9702/11/O/N/22/Q25

195 A telescope detects and analyses some electromagnetic radiation of wavelength 2 cm.

Which type of telescope is it?

A microwave telescope
B optical telescope
C radio telescope
D X-ray telescope
9702/12/O/N/22/Q22

196 A wave pulse moves along a stretched rope in the direction shown.

Which diagram shows the variation with time t of the displacement s of the particle P in the rope?

A B

s s

0 0
0 t 0 t

C D

s s

0 0
0 t 0 t

9702/12/O/N/22/Q23 Polarisation

197 Which statement about progressive transverse and longitudinal waves is correct?

A Particles in a transverse wave have fixed equilibrium positions but those in longitudinal
waves do not.
B Transverse waves can be polarised but longitudinal waves cannot.
C Transverse waves transfer energy but longitudinal waves do not.
D Two-source interference can be demonstrated with transverse waves but not with
longitudinal waves.
9702/12/O/N/22/Q24

198 A miniature loudspeaker, initially at rest, falls vertically from a window in a high building. When
the speaker has fallen a distance of 10.0 m, it emits a very short pulse of sound of constant
frequency 256 Hz in all directions. The pulse of sound, travelling at a speed of 330 m s–1, is heard
by a person leaning out of the window.

Air resistance is negligible.

What is the frequency of the pulse of sound heard by the person?

A 246 Hz B 249 Hz C 267 Hz D 313 Hz

9702/12/O/N/22/Q25

199 Two electromagnetic waves have wavelengths of 5.0  10–7 m and 5.0  10–2 m in a vacuum.

Which row identifies the regions of the electromagnetic spectrum to which the waves belong?

wavelength wavelength
5.0  10–7 m 5.0  10–2 m

A ultraviolet infrared
B visible microwave
C ultraviolet microwave
D visible infrared
9702/13/O/N/22/Q21

200 The diagram shows a transverse wave on a rope. The wave is travelling from left to right.

At the instant shown, the points P and Q on the rope have zero displacement and maximum
displacement respectively.

direction of wave

Which row describes the direction of motion, if any, of the points P and Q at this instant?

point P point Q

A downwards stationary
B stationary downwards
C stationary upwards
D upwards stationary

9702/13/O/N/22/Q22

201 The period of an electromagnetic wave in a vacuum is 1.0 ns.

What are the frequency and wavelength of the wave?

frequency / Hz wavelength / m

A 1.0 3.0  108

B 1.0  106 300
C 1.0  109 0.30
D 1.0  1012 3.0  10–4
9702/13/O/N/22/Q23

202 An observer is standing on a railway platform. A train passes the observer at constant speed
while emitting sound of constant frequency f from its whistle.

What does the observer hear?

A sound of a decreasing frequency as the train approaches and of an increasing frequency as

it moves away
B sound of a higher frequency than f as the train approaches and of a lower frequency than f
as the train moves away
C sound of a lower frequency than f as the train approaches and of a higher frequency than f
as the train moves away
D sound of an increasing frequency as the train approaches and as it moves away

9702/13/O/N/22/Q24

203 Which microorganisms have a length that is equal to the wavelength in free space of an
electromagnetic wave that is visible to the human eye?

A algae of length 0.5 m

B bacteria of length 5.0 m

C fungi of length 50 m

D protozoa of length 100 m

 9702/11/O/N/23/Q 20

204 Two waves pass through a point P. The graph shows the variation with time t of the displacement s
of the two waves at point P.

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 t/s

What is the phase difference between the two waves at point P?

A 0° B 45° C 90° D 180°

9702/11/O/N/23/Q 21
205 Which row is correct for both progressive transverse waves and progressive longitudinal waves?

transverse waves longitudinal waves

A contain compressions some can travel
and rarefactions in a vacuum
B can be polarised contain compressions
and rarefactions

C vibrations are perpendicular can be polarised

to the direction of travel of
the wave energy

D some can travel vibrations are perpendicular

in a vacuum to the direction of travel of
the wave energy

9702/11/O/N/23
 9702/11/O/N/23/Q 22

206 A toy drone emits a sound of constant frequency 800 Hz. The speed of the sound in the air is
330 m s–1.

The drone moves along a straight path directly towards an observer and then continues in a
straight line directly away from the observer. The speed of the drone is constant.

toy drone

observer

What is the velocity of the drone when the frequency of the sound heard by the observer is
850 Hz?

magnitude of
direction of velocity
velocity / m s–1

A 19 away from the observer

B 21 away from the observer
C 19 towards the observer
D 21 towards the observer
9702/11/O/N/23/Q 23
207 Which statement about electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is correct?

A Infrared waves have shorter wavelengths than visible light waves.

B Microwaves have longer wavelengths than radio waves.
C Ultraviolet waves have higher frequencies than visible light waves.

D γ-rays have lower frequencies than X-rays.

9702/11/O/N/23
 9702/11/O/N/23/Q 24
208 Vertically polarised microwaves are emitted from a source. The microwaves are detected by a
receiver that is connected to a cathode-ray oscilloscope (CRO). The waveform displayed on the
screen of the CRO has an amplitude of 2.6 cm.

A metal wire grid that acts as a polarising filter is now placed between the source and the
receiver. The filter is orientated so that the plane of polarisation of the transmitted wave is at an
angle of 20° to the vertical.

20°
source of vertically
polarised microwaves polarising filter

transmitted wave

transmission axis
of polarising filter
to receiver

The distance between the source and receiver is unchanged. The settings on the CRO are also
unchanged.

What is now the amplitude of the waveform displayed on the screen of the CRO?

A 0.30 cm B 0.89 cm C 2.3 cm D 2.4 cm

9702/11/O/N/23
 9702/12/O/N/23/Q 20
209 X and Y are two points on the surface of water in a ripple tank. A source of constant frequency
generates a wave which travels past X and Y, causing them to oscillate vertically.

direction of
wave travel
Y
water surface
X

What is the phase difference between X and Y?

A 45° B 135° C 180° D 270°

9702/12/O/N/23/Q 21
210 A transverse wave on a rope has wavelength λ and period T.

The graph shows the variation of the displacement of the particles of the rope with distance in the
direction of travel of the wave at time t = 0.
direction
displacement of travel

X
0
0 λ distance

A particle X is labelled.

Which graph shows the variation of the displacement of particle X with time t ?

A B

displacement displacement

0 0
0 T t 0 T t

C D

displacement displacement

0 0
0 T t 0 T t

9702/12/O/N/23
 9702/12/O/N/23/Q 22
211 A source of sound waves is moving at a constant speed directly towards a stationary observer.

The sound waves have a speed of 340 m s–1 and a frequency of 480 Hz. The observer hears
sound waves of frequency 650 Hz.

What is the speed of the source?

A 89 m s–1 B 120 m s–1 C 250 m s–1 D 340 m s–1

9702/12/O/N/23/Q 23
212 A student is investigating two electromagnetic waves, X and Y, in a vacuum.
–7
Wave X has a wavelength of 5.2 × 10 m. Wave Y has a frequency of 9.4 GHz.

Which principal regions of the electromagnetic spectrum contain waves X and Y?

X Y

A radio wave ultraviolet

B ultraviolet visible
C visible microwave
D microwave radio wave

9702/12/O/N/23/Q 24
213 A plane polarised light wave of intensity I 0is incident normally on a polarising filter. The initial
intensity of the transmitted wave is 0.

A second polarising filter is then inserted between the source and the first filter. Its transmission
axis is at 45° to the transmission axis of the first filter, as shown.

transmission axis
of second filter at 45
source of polarised light, to transmission axis
intensity I0 of first filter
q
transmission axis
of first filter
Polarisation

45
direction of travel
of light wave

What is the intensity of the transmitted wave from the filter combination?
I0 I0 I0
A 0 B C D
8 4 2

9702/12/O/N/23
 9702/12/O/N/23/Q 20

214 When sound travels through air, the air particles vibrate. A graph of displacement against time for
a single air particle is shown.

displacement

0 time
0 T 2T

Which graph shows how the kinetic energy of the air particle varies with time?

A B
kinetic kinetic
energy energy

0 time 0 time
0 T 2T 0 T 2T

C D
kinetic kinetic
energy energy

0 time 0 time
0 T 2T 0 T 2T

9702/13/O/N/23
 9702/13/O/N/23/Q 21
215 A wave travels on the surface of water. P, Q, R and S are four particles of water on the surface.

The diagram shows the positions of the particles at one instant. The direction of travel of the
wave is from left to right.

direction of wave travel

P

R
Q

Which two particles are about to move upwards?

A P and R B P and S C R and S D Q and S

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216 A loudspeaker emits sound of frequency fs. The loudspeaker is attached to a car that moves with
increasing speed directly towards a stationary observer.

Which statement describes the frequency of the sound heard by the observer?
A a frequency greater than fs and increasing
B a frequency greater than fs but decreasing
C a frequency less than fs and decreasing
D a frequency less than fs but increasing

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217 Which statement about electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is correct?

A Amplitude is inversely proportional to velocity.

B Frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength.
C Intensity is proportional to amplitude.
D Velocity is proportional to wavelength.

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 9702/13/O/N/23/Q 24
218 A vertically polarised electromagnetic wave of intensity I0 is incident normally on a polarising
filter. The transmission axis of the filter is at an angle of 30 to the vertical.

The transmitted wave from the first filter is then incident normally on a second polarising filter.
The transmission axis of this filter is at an angle of 90 to the vertical.

transmission axis
30q polarising
Polarisation filters
transmission axis

vertically polarised
electromagnetic wave

What is the intensity of the wave after passing through the second filter?

A 0 B 0.063 I0 C 0.19 I0 D 0.56 I0

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