plumiWave motion: OCR A‑Level Physics A questions
Every OCR A-Level Physics A exam question on 4.4.1 Wave motion, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.
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Q20(c)
The whole paper ↗![June 2025 Paper 2, question 20(c): Visible light can be plane polarised. Explain why sound waves cannot be plane polarised. [3]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h55602-jun25-20-c-qp.webp?v=3)
Q21(b)(i)
The whole paper ↗![June 2024 Paper 1, question 21(b)(i): [2]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h55601-jun24-21-bi-qp.webp?v=3)
Q17(d)(i)
The whole paper ↗![June 2024 Paper 2, question 17(d)(i): Explain what is meant by the term intensity. [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h55602-jun24-17-di-qp.webp?v=3)
Q17(d)(ii)
The whole paper ↗![June 2024 Paper 2, question 17(d)(ii): Calculate the factor by which the intensity of the sound waves at P1 in (c) is larger than the intensity of the original sound waves at P1. factor = [3]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h55602-jun24-17-dii-qp.webp?v=3)
Q5(a)(i)
The whole paper ↗![June 2024 AS Paper 2, question 5(a)(i): Calculate the frequency, in THz, of yellow light in air. Record your answer in the table. [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h15602-jun24-05-ai-qp.webp?v=3)
Q6(a)
The whole paper ↗![June 2024 AS Paper 2, question 6(a): Use Fig. 6.2 to determine the frequency f0 of the fundamental mode of vibration. f0 = Hz [2]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h15602-jun24-06-a-qp.webp?v=3)
Q3(c)(ii)
The whole paper ↗
Q22(a)
The whole paper ↗![June 2023 AS Paper 1, question 22(a): Explain how the movement of air molecules creates compressions and rarefactions. [3]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h15601-jun23-22-a-qp.webp?v=3)
Q5(a)(i)
The whole paper ↗![June 2023 AS Paper 2, question 5(a)(i): State and explain whether these waves are transverse or longitudinal waves. [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h15602-jun23-05-ai-qp.webp?v=3)
Q5(a)(ii)
The whole paper ↗![June 2023 AS Paper 2, question 5(a)(ii): State and explain whether these waves are plane polarised. [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h15602-jun23-05-aii-qp.webp?v=3)
Q5(b)
The whole paper ↗![June 2023 AS Paper 2, question 5(b): Calculate the frequency f of the dippers. f = Hz [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h15602-jun23-05-b-qp.webp?v=3)
Q16(a)(i)
The whole paper ↗![June 2022 Paper 2, question 16(a)(i): the phase difference φ in radians between the points on the wave at x = 1.5 cm and x = 2.5 cm φ = rad [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h55602-jun22-16-ai-qp.webp?v=3)
Q16(a)(ii)
The whole paper ↗![June 2022 Paper 2, question 16(a)(ii): the displacement s at time t = 3 4 T at x = 1.5 cm, where T is the period of the oscillations of the wave. s = cm [1]](https://pub-e8a9dbab8e2a4d089f52b2a45e0d0b50.r2.dev/bank/h55602-jun22-16-aii-qp.webp?v=3)
Q5(b)(ii)
The whole paper ↗
All 71 questions on Wave motion, as a list
- June 2025, Paper 2, Q10 (1 mark): The diagrams show representations of a progressive wave. displacement displacement / cm / cm 0.10 0.10 0 0 2.5 0.85 0 0 time distance / ms / cm –0.10 –0.10 Whic
- June 2025, Paper 2, Q20(c) (3 marks): Visible light can be plane polarised. Explain why sound waves cannot be plane polarised. [3]
- June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q20 (1 mark): The amplitude of a wave is doubled. How does the intensity of the wave change? A decrease by factor of 4 B decrease by factor of 2 C increase by factor of 2 D i
- June 2024, Paper 1, Q21(b)(i) (2 marks): [2]
- June 2024, Paper 2, Q6 (1 mark): The image shows a display of an oscilloscope which is measuring an alternating voltage. The time base is set at 0.1 s / division. The voltage scale (y‑sensitivi
- June 2024, Paper 2, Q17(d)(i) (1 mark): Explain what is meant by the term intensity. [1]
- June 2024, Paper 2, Q17(d)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the factor by which the intensity of the sound waves at P1 in (c) is larger than the intensity of the original sound waves at P1. factor = [3]
- June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): Electromagnetic waves pass through a gap of approximately 3 cm. Which of the following will undergo a significant amount of diffraction? A microwaves B ultravio
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q5(a)(i) (1 mark): Calculate the frequency, in THz, of yellow light in air. Record your answer in the table. [1]
- June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q6(a) (2 marks): Use Fig. 6.2 to determine the frequency f0 of the fundamental mode of vibration. f0 = Hz [2]
- June 2023, Paper 3, Q3(c)(ii) (3 marks): The surface area of the telescope is about 3000 m2. The distance to the pulsar is about 300 pc. By assuming that the radiation from the pulsar is emitted equall
- June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): A ripple tank can be used to demonstrate wave effects. When water waves in a ripple tank travel from deep to shallow water the wavelength decreases. deep water
- June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q22(a) (3 marks): Explain how the movement of air molecules creates compressions and rarefactions. [3]
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q5(a)(i) (1 mark): State and explain whether these waves are transverse or longitudinal waves. [1]
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q5(a)(ii) (1 mark): State and explain whether these waves are plane polarised. [1]
- June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q5(b) (1 mark): Calculate the frequency f of the dippers. f = Hz [1]
- June 2022, Paper 2, Q11 (1 mark): A beam of sound of intensity I0 is reflected off the surface of water. The amplitude of the reflected sound is 1 4 the amplitude of the incident sound. What is
- June 2022, Paper 2, Q16(a)(i) (1 mark): the phase difference φ in radians between the points on the wave at x = 1.5 cm and x = 2.5 cm φ = rad [1]
- June 2022, Paper 2, Q16(a)(ii) (1 mark): the displacement s at time t = 3 4 T at x = 1.5 cm, where T is the period of the oscillations of the wave. s = cm [1]
- June 2022, Paper 3, Q5(b)(ii) (3 marks): Transmitter X is rotated about the line AB and the experiment is repeated at different orientations until it has been rotated by 180°. Describe and explain the
- June 2022, Paper 3, Q6(b)(i) (2 marks): Fig. 6.2 shows the input signal of potential difference (p.d.) V against time t. 3.0 2.0 V / V 1.0 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 t / ms Fig. 6.2 Calculate the fre
- June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q20 (1 mark): A laser emits a uniform beam of light. What two quantities alone are required to calculate the intensity of the beam of light? A amplitude, frequency B cross-se
- November 2021, Paper 2, Q16(a)(i) (2 marks): The speed of sound in air is 340 m s–1. Calculate the shortest wavelength a young person can hear. wavelength = m [2]
- November 2021, Paper 2, Q16(a)(ii) (3 marks): Describe how you can use an oscilloscope, and other additional laboratory equipment, to determine the actual upper limit of the frequency range for a young pers
- November 2021, Paper 2, Q16(c) (3 marks): You are provided with a ray-box, a semi-circular block of plastic and other normal laboratory equipment. The outline of the block is shown below. block Describe
- November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): The displacement against time graph for a progressive wave is shown below. X X displacement 0 0 time Y Y Which statement is correct about the phase difference z
- November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q24(b) (2 marks): Calculate the frequency f of the X-rays. f = Hz [2]
- November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q25(a)(i) (1 mark): State why sound waves cannot be polarised. [1]
- November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q25(a)(ii) (3 marks): Describe and explain how you could demonstrate the diffraction of sound waves in the laboratory. [3]
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q1(c)(i) (2 marks): Explain how the oscilloscope is used to determine the frequency. [2]
- November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q1(c)(ii) (2 marks): The frequency of the sound is 2.1 kHz. Determine the speed v of sound. v = m s−1 [2]
- November 2020, Paper 2, Q5 (1 mark): The diagram below shows the oscilloscope trace for an electrical signal. 1 cm The time-base setting of the oscilloscope is 2 μs cm−1. What is the frequency of t
- November 2020, Paper 2, Q20(a)(i) (2 marks): Determine the power of the sound incident at the earhole by estimating the diameter of the earhole in mm. diameter of earhole ≈ mm power = W [2]
- November 2020, Paper 2, Q20(a)(ii) (2 marks): A different sound wave is now incident at the ear. The intensity of this wave is 9.6 × 10−7 W m−2. Calculate the amplitude A in nm of this sound wave. A = nm [2
- November 2020, Paper 3, Q4(d) (4 marks): The ISS has arrays of solar cells on its wings. These solar cells charge batteries which power the ISS. The wings always face the Sun. Use the data below and yo
- November 2020, Paper 3, Q5(a) (2 marks): Calculate the frequency f of the transmitted wave. f = Hz [2]
- November 2020, Paper 3, Q5(d) (6 marks): A student carries out two investigations with these electromagnetic waves. In investigation 1, the student rotates the receiver aerial about the horizontal axis
- November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): The diagram below shows the oscilloscope trace for an electrical signal. 1 cm 1 cm The frequency of the signal is 250 Hz. What is the time-base setting of the o
- November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q26(b) (2 marks): Determine the frequency f of the wave A. f = Hz [2]
- November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q26(c) (2 marks): The intensity of wave A is I0. Determine the intensity of wave B in terms of I0. intensity = I0 [2]
- November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): State what is meant by the term longitudinal wave. [1]
- November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q1(a)(ii) (2 marks): A microphone is connected to an oscilloscope. Sound of frequency 500 Hz is incident on the microphone. The oscilloscope time-base is set to 0.5 ms cm−1 and the
- November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q2(a)(i) (1 mark): Show that the frequency f of blue light in air is 6.40 × 1014 Hz. [1]
- June 2019, Paper 2, Q16(a) (1 mark): The period of a progressive wave can be determined from Fig. 16.1. Add a correct label to the horizontal axis so that the period can be found. [1] displacement
- June 2019, Paper 2, Q16(b) (2 marks): A progressive wave has wavelength λ, frequency f and period T. Show that the speed v of the wave is given by the equation v = fλ. [2]
- June 2019, Paper 2, Q16(c)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the period T of the light wave. T = s [2]
- June 2019, Paper 2, Q16(d) (6 marks): This question is about waves. (d)* The speed v of surface water waves in shallow water of depth d is given by the equation v = gd , where g is the acceleration
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q5(a)(i) (1 mark): State the amplitude of wave P. amplitude = m [1]
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q5(a)(ii) (1 mark): State the wavelength of wave P. wavelength = m [1]
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q5(a)(iii) (2 marks): Determine the phase difference, in radians, between wave P and wave Q. phase difference = rad [2]
- June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q5(a)(iv) (2 marks): Determine the ratio intensity of wave P intensity of wave Q . ratio = [2] Question 5 continues on page 14
- June 2018, Paper 2, Q7 (1 mark): A small loudspeaker emits sound uniformly in all directions. The amplitude of the sound is 12 μm at a distance of 1.5 m from the loudspeaker. What is the amplit
- June 2018, Paper 2, Q19(a) (2 marks): Fig. 19.1 shows the image from an experiment using a ripple tank. barrier Fig. 19.1 A straight ruler repeatedly hits the surface of water. Waves on the surface
- June 2018, Paper 3, Q6(a)(i) (2 marks): The refractive index of the scintillator crystal for visible light is 1.69. The refractive index of air is 1.00. Calculate the critical angle C for this crystal
- June 2018, Paper 3, Q6(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why the visible light inside the scintillator crystal follows the path shown in Fig. 6.2. [2]
- June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q25(a) (2 marks): An oscilloscope is connected to a microphone. The oscilloscope is used to determine the frequency of sound waves emitted from a loudspeaker. Describe how the tr
- June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q26(a)(i) (1 mark): Calculate the wavelength λ of the microwaves. λ = m [1]
- June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q26(a)(ii) (2 marks): The receiver detects no microwaves in the position shown in Fig. 26.1. The metal sheet is replaced by another sheet with a narrow slit of width of a few centime
- June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q27(b)(i) (2 marks): Show that the surface intensity of the radiation from Procyon is 1.1 × 108 W m−2. [2]
- June 2017, Paper 3, Q5(a)(i) (4 marks): On Fig. 5.2, sketch the sinusoidal variation of the displacement of the air with distance between C and R. 0 Fig. 5.2 1 Label the axes and include sensible scal
- June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): The intensity of a laser beam is 2.0 W m–2. The cross-sectional area of the beam is 1.0 mm2. What is the energy delivered by the laser beam in a time of 100 s?
- June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q25(a)(i) (1 mark): Determine the wavelength λ of the wave in cm. λ = cm [1]
- June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q25(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why the intensity of the wave changes as the distance x increases. [2]
- June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q5(a) (2 marks): Define the terms phase difference and coherence. phase difference coherence [2]
- June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q26(a)(i) (1 mark): State one difference between the motions of these particles. [1]
- June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q26(a)(ii) (3 marks): The particle A oscillates with frequency 75 Hz. The distance between the positions of A and B is (40.0 ! 2.0) cm. Calculate the speed v of the transverse wave o
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q1(a) (2 marks): Describe the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves. [2]
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(i) (1 mark): Determine the amplitude of the signal displayed on the oscilloscope. amplitude = mV [1]
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(ii) (2 marks): The frequency f of the sound wave is the same as the frequency of the signal shown in Fig. 1. Determine f. f = Hz [2]
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q1(b)(iii) (1 mark): The speed of sound in air is 330 m s−1. Calculate the wavelength λof the sound wave. λ = m [1]
- June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q1(c) (2 marks): The output from the loudspeaker is adjusted so that the intensity of the sound wave at the microphone is a quarter of its original value. The controls on the os
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