Superposition and stationary waves: Edexcel International A Level Physics questions

Every Edexcel International A Level Physics exam question on Superposition and stationary waves (specification points 39–43), 2019–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

All 102 questions on Superposition and stationary waves, as a list

June 2025, AS Unit 2, Q4 (1 mark): A student sets up the apparatus shown. length l stand pulley string mass m When the string is plucked, it vibrates with a frequency f. Which of the following si
June 2025, AS Unit 2, Q7 (1 mark): Two waves, of wavelength 2 m, are produced by a source at point X, as shown. Both waves are initially in phase. The waves travel different distances and meet at
June 2025, AS Unit 2, Q17(a) (6 marks): Describe how a stationary wave is formed inside the tube. (6)
June 2025, AS Unit 2, Q17(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the frequency of the sound produced by the tube. speed of sound in air = 340 m s –1 (3) Frequency =
June 2025, AS Unit 2, Q17(b)(ii) (2 marks): The actual frequency of the sound produced by the tube is slightly less than the calculated value. Suggest why. (2)
June 2025, AS Unit 3, Q4(a) (2 marks): The student used the metre rule to determine the distance L between the level of the water and the top of the transparent cylinder. Explain how to reduce a sour
June 2025, AS Unit 3, Q4(b) (2 marks): The student connected the loudspeaker to a signal generator. She set the frequency f of the signal generator to its lowest value. The student gradually increase
June 2025, AS Unit 3, Q4(c)(i) (2 marks): Explain how a graph of f against n can be used to determine the value of v. (2)
June 2025, AS Unit 3, Q4(c)(ii) (5 marks): The student recorded the following data. n f / Hz 1 128 2 445 3 741 4 1020 5 1312 6 1608 Plot a graph of f on the y-axis against n on the x-axis on the grid opp
June 2025, AS Unit 3, Q4(c)(iii) (4 marks): Determine the value of v from the graph. L = 0.595 m (4) v =
June 2025, AS Unit 3, Q4(c)(iv) (2 marks): The student suggested that the magnitude of k is half the magnitude of the gradient. Determine whether the student’s suggestion could be correct. (2)
January 2025, AS Unit 2, Q4 (1 mark): Two waves on a string move towards each other at the same speed. Both waves have the same wavelength. The diagram shows the string when the waves are half a wav
January 2025, AS Unit 2, Q7 (1 mark): The diagram shows a wave of amplitude A on a string. P and Q are two points on the string. P Q A The wave on the string is a stationary wave. Which row of the t
January 2025, AS Unit 2, Q17(a) (1 mark): Label each node on the standing wave with a letter N, and each antinode with a letter A. (1)
January 2025, AS Unit 2, Q17(b) (3 marks): Explain how a standing wave forms on the string. (3)
January 2025, AS Unit 2, Q17(c)(i) (3 marks): Explain why the graph is a straight line with a gradient of 2 4l μ (3)
January 2025, AS Unit 2, Q17(c)(ii) (3 marks): The student’s graph is shown below. 3000 2500 2000 f 2 / Hz2 1500 1000 500 0 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 T / N Determine the mass per unit length μ of the strin
October 2024, AS Unit 2, Q13(b) (3 marks): Light arrives at the photographic film from the two paths. Explain how this could cause constructive interference. (3)
October 2024, AS Unit 2, Q18(a) (3 marks): Explain how a standing wave can form on a cable that is fixed at both ends. (3)
October 2024, AS Unit 2, Q18(b) (3 marks): The diagram shows a standing wave on a cable that is fixed at both ends. X and Y are two points on the cable. X Y Describe the motion of points X and Y on the c
October 2024, AS Unit 2, Q18(c)(i) (2 marks): One of the suspending cables on the bridge has a mass of 2.10 × 10 3 kg and a length of 87.0 m. Show that the mass per unit length μ of the cable is about 24 kg
October 2024, AS Unit 2, Q18(c)(ii) (6 marks): The lowest frequency of the humming sound produced by the bridge is 280 Hz. The total mass of the road on the bridge is 140 × 10 6 kg. The weight of the road is
June 2024, AS Unit 2, Q8 (1 mark): There is tension T in a string of length l. When the string is displaced and then released, waves move on the string with speed v. A string of length 2l has the
June 2024, AS Unit 2, Q15(b) (3 marks): Each pipe is open at the top and closed at the bottom. When air is blown across the open end, a stationary wave is formed in the pipe. The student was able to p
June 2024, AS Unit 2, Q15(c) (2 marks): The student determined the frequency and wavelength of sound waves produced in different pipes and plotted the graph shown. 0.50 0.45 0.40 Wavelength / m 0.35 0
June 2024, AS Unit 2, Q15(d) (3 marks): On another day the speed of sound was 340 m s –1. The student produced a stationary wave using the longest pipe. The pipe has a length of 28.2 cm, as shown. A 2
January 2024, AS Unit 2, Q11(a) (1 mark): Light from the laser is coherent. State what is meant by coherent. (1)
January 2024, AS Unit 2, Q11(b) (1 mark): State why a standing wave forms between the laser and the reflective surface. (1)
January 2024, AS Unit 2, Q15(b) (2 marks): The diagram represents one string of the harp. The string is fixed at both ends. The string is made to vibrate at its lowest frequency. Add to the diagram to sh
January 2024, AS Unit 2, Q15(c) (4 marks): One string produces sound with a frequency of 196 Hz. The wavelength of the wave on the string is 0.72 m. The tension in the string is 41 N. This string breaks
October 2023, AS Unit 2, Q6 (1 mark): The length of the string VY is 0.6 m. Which of the following is the wavelength of the standing wave? A 0.2 m B 0.4 m C 0.6 m D 0.9 m
October 2023, AS Unit 2, Q7 (1 mark): Which of the following sections of the string would be in phase with each other? A VW and WX B WX and XY C VW and XY D No sections are in phase.
October 2023, AS Unit 2, Q8 (1 mark): A string is placed under tension T. A wave travels along the string. A second string has the same mass but twice the length. A wave travels along this string wi
October 2023, AS Unit 2, Q16(a) (3 marks): Explain why some wavelengths of the incident white light will be missing from the final reflected beam. (3)
October 2023, AS Unit 2, Q16(b) (4 marks): White light is incident perpendicular to the surface of the coating. Calculate the wavelength that would be missing from the final reflected beam. Assume the re
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q6 (1 mark): Two waves, of wavelength 12 cm, leave a source in phase. The waves travel along different paths to a point X. The path difference at X is 18 cm. Which of the fo
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q7 (1 mark): Two waves are coherent. Which of the following must be true for the two waves? A They are in antiphase with each other. B They are in phase with each other. C T
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q18(a) (3 marks): Explain how a stationary wave forms on the string. (3)
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q18(b) (4 marks): The simplest stationary wave that can be formed on the string has a node (N) at each end and an antinode (A) at the centre, as shown. A N N The frequency of thi
June 2023, AS Unit 2, Q18(c) (5 marks): The stationary wave on the string causes sound waves to be transmitted through the air. Describe the similarities and differences between the stationary wave on
January 2023, AS Unit 2, Q10 (1 mark): Which of the following is not a correct statement about stationary waves? A All points between two adjacent nodes are in phase. B Antinodes are points of maximu
January 2023, AS Unit 2, Q15(a) (6 marks): Explain why the sound became quieter until there was no sound. Your explanation should refer to interference. (6)
January 2023, AS Unit 2, Q15(b) (2 marks): Interference can be demonstrated using visible light. A student connects two filament lamps to the same power supply. A screen is placed at a distance from the
January 2023, AS Unit 3, Q2(a)(i) (1 mark): State a reason for connecting both loudspeakers to the same signal generator. (1)
January 2023, AS Unit 3, Q2(b)(i) (3 marks): Determine an accurate value for the separation w of the maxima. (3) w =
January 2023, AS Unit 3, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): The relationship between w and the wavelength λ of the sound waves is given by λD w = s where D is the perpendicular distance between the loudspeakers and the l
January 2023, AS Unit 3, Q2(b)(iii) (2 marks): The student expected a maximum intensity at the point equidistant from the loudspeakers. Suggest why there was actually a minimum intensity at this point. (2)
January 2023, AS Unit 3, Q2(c)(i) (2 marks): To determine an accurate value for the speed of sound, the student would need to use other apparatus. Explain what other apparatus the student would need. (2)
January 2023, AS Unit 3, Q2(c)(ii) (2 marks): On a humid day, the speed of sound in air increases. Explain how an increase in the speed of sound would affect the value of w for this investigation. (2)
October 2022, AS Unit 2, Q15(a)(i) (2 marks): Show that the person hears these two sounds as the same frequency. (2)
October 2022, AS Unit 2, Q15(a)(ii) (6 marks): When listening to these two sounds at the same time, the loudness of the sound increases and decreases repeatedly. Explain why. Your answer should refer to cohe
October 2022, AS Unit 2, Q15(b) (4 marks): A wire is stretched between two fixed points. The wire is made to vibrate and a stationary wave is created. This produces a sound wave in the air. The fixed end
June 2022, AS Unit 2, Q14(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain what is meant by coherent. (2)
June 2022, AS Unit 2, Q14(b)(ii) (3 marks): A scientist created a model to predict the effect of two coherent S-waves at different distances from the source. The model predicted the amplitude of the S-wav
June 2022, AS Unit 2, Q16(a) (3 marks): Explain how a stationary wave forms on the string. (3)
June 2022, AS Unit 2, Q16(b) (5 marks): The frequency of the stationary wave was 30.0 Hz. The distance between the vibrator and the pulley was 3.600 m. Point R is 0.600 m from the pulley, as shown. Di
June 2022, AS Unit 2, Q16(c)(i) (2 marks): Explain the phase relationship between points S and T. (2)
June 2022, AS Unit 2, Q16(c)(ii) (2 marks): Explain how the amplitude of vibration of the string at point S compares with the amplitude of vibration of the string at point T. (2)
January 2022, AS Unit 2, Q7 (1 mark): The diagram shows how the displacement varies with distance along a stationary wave at two instants of time. Displacement X W Distance Y Z Which of the followin
January 2022, AS Unit 2, Q9 (1 mark): Two waves with wavelength λ are produced by the same source. The waves travel different distances and then meet. λ. At the point where they meet, the path diffe
January 2022, AS Unit 2, Q15(a) (1 mark): The resolution of the metre rule was 1 mm, but the measurements were recorded to the nearest 0.5 cm. Suggest why. (1)
January 2022, AS Unit 2, Q15(b)(i) (5 marks): Determine the total mass of the hanging masses used in the investigation. mass per unit length of string = 4.5 × 10–4 kg m–1 (5) Total mass of hanging masses =
January 2022, AS Unit 2, Q15(b)(ii) (2 marks): The string was replaced with one that had twice the mass per unit length. The length of the string and the mass of the hanging masses did not change. Add a line
October 2021, AS Unit 2, Q6 (1 mark): The speed of waves on a vibrating string is investigated using the apparatus shown. L pulley vibrator L 3 hanging masses length of string between vibrator and p
October 2021, AS Unit 2, Q7 (1 mark): A microwave oven has a source that emits microwaves in all directions into the oven. The diagram shows the paths of two microwave rays that meet at point L as s
October 2021, AS Unit 2, Q12(a) (2 marks): Explain how the stationary wave was formed in this experiment. (2)
October 2021, AS Unit 2, Q12(b)(i) (3 marks): A sound was heard when l was 19.3 cm. Determine a value for the speed of sound in air. frequency of tuning fork = 440 Hz (3) Speed of sound in air =
October 2021, AS Unit 2, Q12(b)(ii) (2 marks): The antinode is slightly further from the water than the end of the glass tube. Explain how this would affect the accuracy of your calculated value for the spee
October 2021, AS Unit 3, Q2(a) (3 marks): As d varied, the intensity of the microwaves detected by the receiver varied. Explain why. (3)
October 2021, AS Unit 3, Q2(b)(i) (3 marks): Determine the wavelength of the microwaves being transmitted. (3) Wavelength =
October 2021, Unit 6, Q3(a) (4 marks): Describe how the student should use the oscilloscope to identify the resonant frequency and determine its value. (4)
October 2021, Unit 6, Q3(b)(ii) (5 marks): It is suggested that the relationship between f and V is given by − 1 f = kV 2 where k is a constant. Discuss whether the graph supports this suggestion. (5)
June 2021, AS Unit 2, Q4 (1 mark): A student investigates how different variables affect the speed of waves on a vibrating string. Which of the following would increase the speed of waves along t
June 2021, AS Unit 2, Q10 (1 mark): Two waves leave the same source in phase. The waves travel along different paths and then meet. The wavelength of the waves is 8.0 cm. Which of the following wo
June 2021, AS Unit 3, Q2(a) (2 marks): Suggest two reasons for the variation in the lengths the student measured. (2)
June 2021, AS Unit 3, Q2(c) (2 marks): The frequency of the tuning fork was 440 Hz. The standing wave produced had a wavelength 4l. Calculate the speed of sound in air. (2) Speed of sound =
January 2021, AS Unit 2, Q12 (4 marks): A student investigated the superposition of water waves in a ripple tank. There are two sources of waves S1 and S2, which are in phase. The diagram shows the po
January 2021, AS Unit 2, Q21(a)(i) (3 marks): The stationary wave has antinodes at both ends of the air column as shown. antinode antinode Calculate the frequency of the sound produced by this stationary wa
January 2021, AS Unit 2, Q21(a)(ii) (3 marks): The recorder is made from three separate sections that slide together as shown. A musician plays the recorder and produces the same frequency sound as in (i). T
January 2021, AS Unit 2, Q21(b) (3 marks): On a violin, a stationary wave is created when a string is plucked. A violin string has a fixed length but the tension can be adjusted. When a string is plucked
October 2020, AS Unit 2, Q2 (1 mark): λ , where λ is 2 Two waves from the same source arrive at a point with a path difference of 3 8 the wavelength. Which of the following is the phase difference o
October 2020, AS Unit 2, Q13(a) (3 marks): On a particular flight, the noise from the engine has a frequency of 0.85 kHz. The graph shows a possible second wave. Distance / m 0.5 1.0 Determine whether th
October 2020, AS Unit 2, Q13(b) (6 marks): For a particular passenger in an aircraft, the noise from the engine travels as a wave towards the passenger from the front. An ANR system creates a second soun
October 2020, AS Unit 2, Q17(a) (3 marks): Explain how nodes and antinodes are created on a string. (3)
October 2020, AS Unit 2, Q17(b) (5 marks): The student changed the weight W applied to the string and adjusted the frequency f of the signal generator until the same stationary wave was set up on the str
October 2020, AS Unit 2, Q17(c) (2 marks): Describe a method that can be used to confirm that the frequency value stated on the signal generator is correct. (2)
October 2020, AS Unit 2, Q17(d) (3 marks): When W is 80.0 N, f is 659 Hz. Calculate the mass per unit length of the string. length L = 0.328 m (3) Mass per unit length =
October 2020, Unit 4, Q18(c) (3 marks): Linacs used for radiotherapy operate by means of a standing wave formed within the linac. Explain how standing waves are produced. (3)
January 2020, AS Unit 2, Q1 (1 mark): Two waves, of wavelength λ, from a single source diverge and then meet again. Which of the following situations would cause constructive interference? λ A a pat
January 2020, AS Unit 2, Q11(a) (2 marks): Determine the wavelength of the waves on the string when vibrating as shown. length L = 1.70 m (2) Wavelength =
January 2020, AS Unit 2, Q11(b) (3 marks): Calculate the speed of waves on the string. mass m = 0.20 kg mass per unit length of string = 4.5 × 10–3 kg m–1 (3) Speed =
January 2020, AS Unit 2, Q11(c) (2 marks): The frequency of the vibration generator is reduced until the wave pattern shown below is produced. P Q Explain the effect that this would have on the speed of
June 2019, AS Unit 2, Q3 (1 mark): When a guitar string is plucked, a sound of constant frequency is heard. The wave produced on the vibrating guitar string is A longitudinal and progressive. B l
June 2019, AS Unit 2, Q6 (1 mark): A string is stretched between two fixed points and set into oscillation. The frequency of the vibrating string is not dependent on A the amplitude of the string
June 2019, AS Unit 2, Q10 (1 mark): The diagram shows how the displacement varies with distance along a stationary wave at two instants of time. X distance Y Z Which of the following statements is
June 2019, AS Unit 2, Q17(a) (3 marks): Explain why the students heard a loud sound at O. (3)
June 2019, AS Unit 2, Q17(b)(i) (5 marks): Determine the speed of sound in air. (5) Speed of sound in air =
June 2019, AS Unit 2, Q17(b)(ii) (2 marks): The teacher suggested using a microphone connected to an oscilloscope to determine where the loud and quiet zones were located along the line XY. She said that
June 2019, AS Unit 2, Q17(c) (2 marks): A student suggested that equally valid results would be obtained if the experiment was performed in the classroom. Criticise this suggestion. (2)
June 2019, AS Unit 3, Q4(a) (3 marks): Calculate μ given the equation below. mg f λ = μ (3) μ =
June 2019, AS Unit 3, Q4(b)(i) (2 marks): Identify two significant sources of uncertainty in the student’s measurements. (2)
June 2019, AS Unit 3, Q4(b)(ii) (4 marks): For each of these sources of uncertainty, describe an experimental technique the student could have used to obtain an accurate measurement. (4)

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