Waves and quantum behaviour: OCR A‑Level Physics B questions

Every OCR A-Level Physics B exam question on 4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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Q13
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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Q36(a)(i)
June 2025 · Paper 1
1 mark4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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Q36(a)(ii)
June 2025 · Paper 1
2 marks4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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$June 2025 Paper 1, question 36(a)(ii): The student measures the distances DB and CA on a scale drawing. DB = 4.5 cm CA = 3.0 cm Use this data to calculate the refractive index of the glass. refractiv$
Q36(b)
June 2025 · Paper 1
6 marks4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour 2 Fundamental data analysis
Mark scheme (PDF)
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$June 2025 Paper 1, question 36(b): (b)* A student carries out an experiment to determine the refractive index of a glass block using the apparatus shown in Fig. 36.2. Fig. 36.2 Laser (monochromat$
Q39(b)(i)
June 2025 · Paper 1
3 marks4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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Q39(b)(ii)
June 2025 · Paper 1
6 marks4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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Q3(a)(i)
June 2025 · Paper 3
2 marks4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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Q3(a)(ii)
June 2025 · Paper 3
2 marks4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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$June 2025 Paper 3, question 3(a)(ii): Calculate the number of lines per mm on the diffraction grating. Number of lines per mm = mm–1 [2]$
Q3(b)
June 2025 · Paper 3
2 marks4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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$June 2025 Paper 3, question 3(b): Describe how you could determine a more accurate value for the number of lines per mm on the diffraction grating. [2]$
Q15
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
1 mark4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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Q20
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
1 mark4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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$June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 20: A diffraction grating has n lines per cm and is illuminated with a laser emitting light of wavelength λ. The first order maximum is observed at an angle θ from$
Q25(a)
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
1 mark4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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Q25(b)
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
2 marks4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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Q25(c)(i)
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
2 marks4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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Q27(a)
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
2 marks4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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$June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 27(a): Define refractive index. [2] A student is measuring the refractive index of a transparent plastic material. The diagram shows the student’s equipment with the a$
Q27(c)
June 2025 · AS Paper 1
3 marks4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
The whole paper ↗
$June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 27(c): Determine the refractive index of the transparent plastic material. Use the gradient of the graph. Refractive index = [3]$
Q5
June 2024 · Paper 1
1 mark4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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Q10
June 2024 · Paper 1
1 mark4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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$June 2024 Paper 1, question 10: A beam of light from a hydrogen discharge lamp is incident normally on a diffraction grating with 4.50 × 105 lines per metre. What is the angle between the 410$
Q11
June 2024 · Paper 1
1 mark4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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Q15
June 2024 · Paper 1
1 mark4.1 Waves and quantum behaviour
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All 236 questions on Waves and quantum behaviour, as a list

June 2025, Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): An electron travels in a straight line at non-relativistic speed. It has speed v, kinetic energy E, and wavelength λ. The kinetic energy of the electron is incr
June 2025, Paper 1, Q36(a)(i) (1 mark): Explain why the length DB is greater than the length CA in Fig. 36.1. [1]
June 2025, Paper 1, Q36(a)(ii) (2 marks): The student measures the distances DB and CA on a scale drawing. DB = 4.5 cm CA = 3.0 cm Use this data to calculate the refractive index of the glass. refractiv
June 2025, Paper 1, Q36(b) (6 marks): (b)* A student carries out an experiment to determine the refractive index of a glass block using the apparatus shown in Fig. 36.2. Fig. 36.2 Laser (monochromat
June 2025, Paper 1, Q39(b)(i) (3 marks): Use information from Fig. 39.2 and Fig. 39.3 to show that the wavelength of the microwaves is about 3 cm. [3]
June 2025, Paper 1, Q39(b)(ii) (6 marks): Fig. 39.1 shows the apparatus used by a student to investigate the properties of microwaves. The microwaves from transmitter T are detected by the vertical meta
June 2025, Paper 3, Q3(a)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the angle between the straight-through direction and the first order maximum. Angle = ° [2]
June 2025, Paper 3, Q3(a)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the number of lines per mm on the diffraction grating. Number of lines per mm = mm–1 [2]
June 2025, Paper 3, Q3(b) (2 marks): Describe how you could determine a more accurate value for the number of lines per mm on the diffraction grating. [2]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): The diagram shows the amplitude and phase of the phasors representing three waves of the same frequency. 5.8 1.2 3.5 The waves arrive simultaneously at the same
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q20 (1 mark): A diffraction grating has n lines per cm and is illuminated with a laser emitting light of wavelength λ. The first order maximum is observed at an angle θ from
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q25(a) (1 mark): State one piece of evidence that light travels as waves. [1]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q25(b) (2 marks): Explain how LEDs provide evidence that photons exchange energy in quanta. [2]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q25(c)(i) (2 marks): Complete the table with the two missing values. [2]
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q27(a) (2 marks): Define refractive index. [2] A student is measuring the refractive index of a transparent plastic material. The diagram shows the student’s equipment with the a
June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q27(c) (3 marks): Determine the refractive index of the transparent plastic material. Use the gradient of the graph. Refractive index = [3]
June 2024, Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): The diagram shows a ray of light passing between two transparent media, P and Q. Q P Which row in the table describes what happens to the light as it passes fro
June 2024, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): A beam of light from a hydrogen discharge lamp is incident normally on a diffraction grating with 4.50 × 105 lines per metre. What is the angle between the 410
June 2024, Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): A monochromatic beam of light is incident on a clean metal surface, and the frequency of the light is greater than the threshold frequency of the metal. What ha
June 2024, Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): What is the best estimate of the number of UVA photons incident on 1 cm2 of human skin each second? 4 × 108 A 4 × 1011 B 4 × 1012 C 4 × 1015 D Your answer [1]
June 2024, Paper 1, Q34(a) (2 marks): Fig. 34.1 shows a dual-trace oscilloscope being used to display two electrical signals. The horizontal time-base of the oscilloscope is set at 50 ms per divisio
June 2024, Paper 1, Q34(b) (2 marks): Fig. 34.2 shows a circuit containing a source of alternating emf, a resistor and a component, X. A dual-trace oscilloscope is used to observe the potential diff
June 2024, Paper 1, Q37(a) (3 marks): Calculate the length of this string when it oscillates with a natural frequency of 370 Hz. length = m [3]
June 2024, Paper 1, Q37(b)(i) (3 marks): Fig. 37.3 shows apparatus used to determine the speed of sound in air. The wavelength of the sound = λ. Fig. 37.3 tuning fork clamped tube, open at each end L c
June 2024, Paper 1, Q37(b)(ii) (2 marks): The gradient of the line = 4 v where v is the speed of sound in air. Use the graph to determine the speed of sound in air. v = m s–1 [2]
June 2024, Paper 1, Q37(b)(iii) (3 marks): Explain why the gradient of the line = 4 v . [3]
June 2024, Paper 1, Q37(b)(iv) (2 marks): Discuss the suggestion that using a loudspeaker above the tube connected to a signal generator will give a more reliable determination of the speed of sound tha
June 2024, Paper 2, Q4(a) (2 marks): Explain, using the concepts of path difference and phase, why a series of bright dots is seen across the screen. [2]
June 2024, Paper 2, Q4(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the angle to the third order maximum. angle = ° [2]
June 2024, Paper 2, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the highest order of maximum that is produced using this apparatus. highest order of maximum = [2]
June 2024, Paper 2, Q4(b)(iii) (2 marks): Ultraviolet light of the same wavelength from a point source is incident on a clean zinc surface. Electrons are ejected from the metal surface. Use the equation
June 2024, Paper 2, Q4(b)(iv) (3 marks): Although the energy carried by a wave is proportional to the intensity of the source, it is observed that the maximum kinetic energy of the ejected electrons is
June 2024, Paper 2, Q4(c) (4 marks): A student suggests the set-up shown in Fig. 4.2. Fig. 4.2 zinc surface positioned at third order maximum ultraviolet light grating source Electrons are ejected
June 2024, Paper 2, Q8(a) (1 mark): The diameter of the primary mirror is 6.5 m. Show that the angular resolution limit of the telescope operating at a wavelength of 2000 nm is about 0.4 μrad. [1]
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): The diagram shows a sound wave displayed on an oscilloscope screen. The oscilloscope timebase is set to 1 ms / div. displacement time The frequency of the sound
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): Evidence that light energy is emitted as quanta comes from: A Electron diffraction B Millikan’s oil drop experiment C Partial reflection D Photoelectric effect
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): The refractive index of a transparent plastic material is: 1 A speed of light in the plastic speed of light in a vacuum B speed of light in the plastic 1 C sin
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q23(a) (2 marks): Explain how stationary waves are formed in the tube. Do not include a description of the formation of nodes and antinodes. [2]
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q23(b) (1 mark): A tuning fork is placed above the opening of the tube. A loud sound is heard when 33 cm of the tube is above the water surface (Fig. 23.2a). The tube is pulled
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q23(c) (2 marks): The students use their measurements to calculate the speed of sound in air. They find it hard to agree the position where the loudest sound is heard. Suggest an
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q27(a) (1 mark): Complete the sentence: At spot X, the between waves from each part of the grating is one wavelength. [1]
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q27(b) (1 mark): There are 13 850 lines per cm across the DVD. Determine the separation, d, between the lines on the DVD. Write your answer in metres. Separation d = m [1]
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q27(d) (1 mark): One student suggests approximating the angle θ, between the centre and an outer spot on the screen using: θ ∼ s D State why this is not a good approximation in
June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q27(f) (2 marks): Calculate the wavelength of the laser light. Use the equation for the first-order diffraction maximum: λ = d sinθ Wavelength = nm [2]
June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q2(a) (2 marks): Use information from the table to calculate the Planck constant. Planck constant = J s [2]
June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q2(b) (3 marks): State and explain how the experiment and apparatus could be modified to give a more accurate value of the Planck constant. [3]
June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q6(a) (2 marks): Fig. 6.1 shows a ray of red light passing from air into and through a glass block. The wavelength of the red light is 650 nm and the speed of light in air is 3.
June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q6(b) (2 marks): The diagrams in Fig. 6.2 show identical sets of water waves moving towards different sized gaps in a barrier. Fig. 6.2 wave front Complete the diagrams in Fig.
June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q6(c)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the wavelength of the light used in the experiment. wavelength = nm [3]
June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q6(c)(ii) (2 marks): Describe how the pattern on the screen would change if a white light source was used instead of a monochromatic source. [2]
June 2024, AS Paper 2, Q6(c)(iii) (6 marks): (iii)* The behaviour of light can be explained in terms of the wave model or the model of photons with a phasor amplitude. Describe how both the wave model of l
June 2023, Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): Red light of wavelength 670 nm is incident at right angles on a diffraction grating. A first order maximum is produced at 10°. Light of a different colour produ
June 2023, Paper 2, Q4(a) (3 marks): Explain how standing waves are set up in between the two speakers and how this is observed. [3]
June 2023, Paper 2, Q4(b)(i) (1 mark): The signal generator vibrates the speakers at a frequency of 3.00 kHz. The microphone detects positions of minimum amplitude (nodes) separated by 5.60 cm. Calcu
June 2023, Paper 2, Q6(b)(i) (2 marks): Complete the table below of the refractive index from air to glass for different wavelengths of light. velocity of all wavelengths in air = 3.00 × 108 m s–1 vel
June 2023, Paper 2, Q6(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why the power of the lens will be greater for shorter wavelength light and the effect this will have on the focal length of the lens for light of differ
June 2023, Paper 3, Q2(c)(i) (2 marks): Show that the Planck constant, h = gradient × e c . [2]
June 2023, Paper 3, Q2(c)(ii) (3 marks): The gradient of the line of best fit is 8.90 × 10–7 V m. Use this value to calculate a value of the Planck constant. Include a value for absolute uncertainty in
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): A single electron passes through a cell of emf 3 V, then through an LED where a single photon is emitted. 3 V The frequency, f, of the emitted photon can be exp
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q18 (1 mark): Phasors representing waves from 3 sources are shown in the diagram. Adding phasors in this way models: A absorption B coherence C diffraction D superposition Yo
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q22(a) (2 marks): Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of an electron travelling at 8.5 × 106 m s–1. wavelength = m [2]
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q22(b) (2 marks): Explain why the pattern on the fluorescent screen has light and dark regions. You may draw a diagram to support your answer. [2]
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q26(a) (3 marks): Explain how this can result in a stationary wave on the string. You may use a diagram to explain your answer. [3] A student investigates the sound produced by a
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q26(b) (1 mark): State the amplitude of the electrical signal. amplitude = mV [1]
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q26(c) (3 marks): Determine the frequency of the signal. frequency = Hz [3] The shape of the signal is not a pure sine wave. This is because the sound produced by the string is n
June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q26(d) (3 marks): The length of the string is L. Draw diagrams in the space below to show that the three longest wavelengths produced on the string are 2L, L and 2 3L. The fixed
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q2(a) (2 marks): Calculate the work done by an electron in the LED as one photon of blue light is emitted. work done = J [2]
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q2(b) (2 marks): Explain why a p.d. of 2.60 V across the LED would not result in the emission of light. [2]
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q2(c) (2 marks): In use, the LED draws an electric current of 30 mA. Calculate the number of photons emitted each second, assuming that the energy efficiency of a blue LED is 93
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q4(a)(i) (2 marks): State why the zero-order spectral line is a different colour from the other lines. [2]
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q4(a)(ii) (1 mark): State why the first-order blue spectral lines are closer to the zero-order line than the first-order red lines. [1]
June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q4(b) (3 marks): Describe how the student could determine the wavelength of the blue light emitted by the discharge tube. [3]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q32(a) (2 marks): Complete Fig. 32.2 to show diffraction of waves of the same wavelength through a narrower slit. Fig. 32.1 Fig. 32.2 [2]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q32(b) (2 marks): Fig. 32.3 shows wavefronts after passing through a grating of many narrow slits. to bright line on screen Fig. 32.3 Use the diagram to explain why there is a br
June 2022, Paper 1, Q36(a) (1 mark): Use information from the diagrams to show that sin i . c2 [1]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q36(b) (2 marks): A beam of monochromatic light is incident on the side of a glass cube containing water. Use Fig. 36.3 and the data given to calculate the angle of refraction in
June 2022, Paper 1, Q36(c)(i) (1 mark): Suggest why a monochromatic light source is used in the experiment. [1]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q40(a) (2 marks): Explain how this experiment demonstrates that electrons show wave-like and particle-like properties. [2]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q40(b)(i) (2 marks): Carefully draw the resultant phasors on Fig. 40.3 for points A and B. [2]
June 2022, Paper 1, Q40(b)(ii) (2 marks): The probability of an electron arriving at a given point is proportional to the square of the resultant phasor amplitude at that point. Use measurements from th
June 2022, Paper 1, Q40(c)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of the accelerated electron. Assume that the relativistic momentum of the electron accelerated through 50 kV is 1.2 × 10–22
June 2022, Paper 2, Q4(b)(ii) (6 marks): This question is about the force on a current-carrying wire in a magnetic field. A student sets up an experiment to measure the field strength between a pair of
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): A diffraction grating has three slits. An intensity maximum is produced on a distant screen where the phase difference between light from successive slits is 2π
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): The diagram shows the energy levels in an atom. 0 n = ∞ – 0.9 n = 5 – 1.4 n = 4 – 2.4 n = 3 E / 10–19J – 5.4 n = 2 – 21.7 n = 1 An electron absorbs a photon wit
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q24(a) (1 mark): What is meant by the term frequency? [1]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q24(b) (1 mark): The voltage (y-) sensitivity of the oscilloscope is set to 25 mV cm–1. Calculate the amplitude of the signal. amplitude = mV [1]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q24(c)(i) (2 marks): Estimate the frequency of the first cycle of the signal. frequency = Hz [2]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q24(c)(ii) (1 mark): Describe how the frequency of the signal changes over time. [1]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q26(a) (3 marks): Describe one other demonstration or effect that shows the quantum behaviour of light. Include a description of the evidence in your answer. [3] In a demonstrati
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q26(b) (3 marks): Calculate the Planck constant from these data. Work function of zinc = 6.9 × 10–19 J. Planck constant, h = J s [3]
June 2022, AS Paper 1, Q26(c) (2 marks): A diffraction pattern can be produced when a beam of electrons is passed through a crystal. Explain how the diffraction pattern provides evidence for the quantu
June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q7(a)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the wavelength λ in vacuum, given that the period T = 1.53 × 10–15 s. λ = m [2]
June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q7(a)(ii) (2 marks): Show that the speed v of the light in glass is about 2 × 108 m s–1. [2]
June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q7(a)(iii) (2 marks): The refractive index n of glass is related to the wavelength λ of the light by the equation n = A + B λ2 where A and B are constants for the glass used. Without
June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q7(c) (2 marks): Both the wave model and the corpuscle model can explain Snell’s Law n = sin i sin r equally well, but other predictions of the two models disagree. The French p
June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q8(b) (4 marks): Jack chooses a different method based on single-slit diffraction. He has read that the diffraction pattern produced by waves of wavelength λ passing through a s
June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q8(c) (6 marks): Two students are doing experiments to measure the wavelength of microwaves. Beth uses three sheets of aluminium to construct the double-slit arrangement shown i
November 2021, Paper 1, Q22 (1 mark): Light of frequency f is incident normally on two slits in an opaque screen separated by a distance d. A pattern of maxima and minima is observed on a screen a d
November 2021, Paper 1, Q26 (1 mark): The diagram shows the refraction of a ray of light passing from water into glass. 45.0° water glass 38.7° The refractive index for light travelling from vacuum
November 2021, Paper 2, Q7(a) (1 mark): Calculate the distance between the scanner and the layer of fat. velocity of sound in tissue = 1540 m s–1 distance = m [1]
November 2021, Paper 2, Q7(b) (3 marks): The frequency of the ultrasound used is 3.5 MHz and each pulse lasts 1 μs. Calculate the longitudinal resolution of the pulse. longitudinal resolution = m [3]
November 2021, Paper 2, Q9(a)(i) (2 marks): A bat emits a pulse from a single point. The intensity of the sound emitted varies with distance from that point in an inverse square relationship. The pulse st
November 2021, Paper 2, Q9(a)(ii) (3 marks): A pulse emitted by the bat returns after reflection from a small object at a distance of 2.4 m. Calculate the change in power in decibels (dB) of the pulse from
November 2021, Paper 2, Q10 (6 marks): 10* Explain how superposition is used by bats and in ultrasound scanners to increase the power of the ultrasound beam in a desired direction or location. You sh
November 2021, Paper 3, Q2(a) (2 marks): Describe how the fringe separation could be measured in a school laboratory. [2]
November 2021, Paper 3, Q2(b)(i) (3 marks): Calculate the wavelength of the light. wavelength = m [3]
November 2021, Paper 3, Q2(c) (3 marks): The experiment is repeated using a red laser light instead of a filament bulb. Describe and explain the effect this will have on the experimental uncertainties.
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): A particle travels through a distance equal to its de Broglie wavelength. During this time, its phasor will rotate through an angle π A 2 B π 3π C 2 D 2π Your a
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): A light ray passes from air into a transparent plastic block. light ray air 38° 65° plastic block The refractive index of the plastic used to make the block is
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): In a standing wave, the distance between two adjacent nodes is A λ / 4 B λ / 2 C λ D 2λ Your answer [1]
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q20 (1 mark): In a double-slit experiment, the fringe spacing x is approximately given by x = Dλ d where D is the distance between the double-slit and the screen, d is the sl
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q22(a) (1 mark): What term is used to describe two light sources with a constant phase relationship? [1]
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q22(b) (1 mark): A diffraction grating is ruled with 250 lines per mm. Determine the spacing of the lines. line spacing = mm [1]
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q22(c) (3 marks): A laser emits light of wavelength 650 nm. The light is passed through a different diffraction grating with line spacing 5.0 × 10–6 m. Calculate the angle, in de
November 2021, AS Paper 1, Q23(a) (2 marks): Show that the momentum of a photon of wavelength 560 nm is about 1.2 × 10–27 N s. [2] This photon, of momentum p, is reflected from the sail as shown in Fig. 23
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q5(a) (1 mark): Calculate the output power of the laser beam. power = W [1]
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q5(b) (2 marks): Calculate the wavelength of the emitted photon. wavelength = m [2]
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q5(c) (2 marks): The laser beam strikes a black surface, and all the photons are absorbed. Calculate the force produced on the surface. force = N [2]
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q8(a) (6 marks): A student is doing an experiment to determine the velocity of sound in air using a resonance tube as shown in Fig. 8.1. small loudspeaker connected to signal cl
November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q8(b) (3 marks): The antinode at the top of the standing wave is not exactly at the end of the clamped tube. It is a distance C above it. C depends on the shape and diameter of
November 2020, Paper 1, Q26 (1 mark): A light ray is incident on a water-glass boundary at angle i = 60°. What is the angle of refraction r within the glass? Refractive index water 1.33 glass 1.50 A
November 2020, Paper 1, Q35(a) (2 marks): Explain why the intensity varies as it does. [2]
November 2020, Paper 1, Q35(b) (3 marks): The first two maxima in signal occur at h = 0.123 m and 0.213 m. Use the data to calculate the wavelength λ of the microwaves. wavelength λ = m [3]
November 2020, Paper 2, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): Show that the Planck constant is related to the gradient of the graph by the equation h = gradient × e c where e is the charge on an electron and c is the veloc
November 2020, Paper 2, Q3(b)(iii) (3 marks): Find a value of the Planck constant from your best-fit line on Fig. 3.2. Show all your working. Planck constant = J s [3]
November 2020, Paper 2, Q7(a) (1 mark): Use the graph to find the frequency of the first harmonic. frequency = Hz [1]
November 2020, Paper 2, Q7(c)(i) (1 mark): State why the note produced by a flute will increase in frequency when the temperature of the air in the flute rises. [1]
November 2020, Paper 2, Q7(c)(ii) (2 marks): A flute sounds a note frequency 440 Hz when the temperature of the air in the tube is 285 K. Calculate the temperature rise needed for the same length tube to p
November 2020, Paper 3, Q2(a) (2 marks): Light intensity is measured in W m–2, and can be calculated using the equation Intensity = E At where E is the radiant energy passing through a surface in time
November 2020, Paper 3, Q3(a)(i) (4 marks): Explain how a standing wave is formed in the tube. [4]
November 2020, Paper 3, Q3(a)(ii) (1 mark): The shortest height of the air column for maximum volume is recorded as L1. The air just above the tube is also vibrating and this extends the length of the sta
November 2020, Paper 3, Q3(b)(i) (4 marks): The gradient of the line is 83 m s–1. Calculate the speed of sound in air. Calculate the percentage uncertainty in your result by taking a ‘worst-fit’ line from
November 2020, Paper 3, Q3(b)(ii) (2 marks): The end correction is approximately equal to 0.3 D, where D is the diameter of the tube. What is the approximate diameter of the tube used in this experiment? D
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): The energy required for a single photon to free one electron from a metal surface with no resultant kinetic energy is called the A electron-volt. B Planck const
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): Which row of the table correctly describes how the frequency and speed of a wave might change during refraction? Frequency Speed A same same B same increases C
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): Red laser light is diffracted through a single slit. When the slit width is increased, the diffraction pattern becomes A narrower and brighter. B narrower and d
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q15 (1 mark): Two waves travelling in opposite directions interfere to produce a standing wave. Nodes occur where the two waves meet with a phase difference of A 0 B π / 2 C
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q27(c) (1 mark): Convert 2.40 eV into joules. energy = J [1]
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q27(d) (3 marks): Show how the gradient can be used to determine a value for the Planck constant. Planck constant = Js [3]
November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q27(f) (2 marks): Suggest and explain how the student could modify the equipment or procedure to help overcome this difficulty. [2]
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q5 (4 marks): A microscope slide coated with black paint has two thin lines scratched into the paint as shown in the figure. blackened slide clear scratched lines 0.2 mm apar
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q6(a)(i) (3 marks): Apply the principle of conservation of energy to show that the speed v of an electron accelerated through a p.d. V is given by 2 eV v = m where e and m are the
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q6(a)(ii) (2 marks): Show that the maximum speed that an electron can gain in the apparatus of Fig. 6.1 is about 4 × 107 m s−1. [2]
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q6(a)(iii) (3 marks): Calculate the de Broglie wavelength λ of an electron travelling at the maximum speed and use the properties of the moving electron to state why this is the smal
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q6(b)(i) (4 marks): The p.d. applied to the electron gun in Fig. 6.1 is gradually increased from 0, and diffraction orders produced by the above grating are seen on the fluorescent
November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q6(b)(ii) (3 marks): Other diffraction patterns, not shown in Fig. 6.3, are produced by the graphite lattice. These are given by atom alignments in directions different from the one
June 2019, Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): Which description of this wave is correct? A The wave is longitudinal, has a wavelength of 40 cm and is stationary. B The wave is transverse, has a wavelength o
June 2019, Paper 1, Q7 (1 mark): The frequency of the wave shown in the diagram is 3.0 Hz. What is the wave speed on the string? A 1.2 m s−1 B 2.4 m s−1 C 3.8 m s−1 D 7.5 m s−1 [1] Your answer
June 2019, Paper 1, Q35 (3 marks): Fig. 35 (not to scale) shows a double slit illuminated by laser light. The positions of the central maximum and the first minimum for the waves incident on a di
June 2019, Paper 1, Q40(a)(iii) (1 mark): Suggest a reason for this maximum rate in the case of the solar cell. [1]
June 2019, Paper 2, Q4(a)(iii) (1 mark): Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of the accelerated electron. wavelength = m [1]
June 2019, Paper 2, Q4(b) (3 marks): Accelerated electrons can be diffracted by layers of graphite in a very similar way to light diffracted through a grating. When electrons are accelerated in a g
June 2019, Paper 2, Q4(c) (6 marks): This question is about electrons showing wave-like properties. (c)* Explain how this demonstration shows that electrons can be considered as ‘quantum particles’
June 2019, Paper 3, Q1(a)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the refractive index n of the polymer. n = [2]
June 2019, Paper 3, Q1(b) (6 marks): Manufacturers of spectacles (glasses) are keen to develop new materials for lenses. The refractive index of such materials is an important property to consider.
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): The diagram shows the energy levels in an atom. 0 n = ∞ n = 5 –0.9 n = 4 –1.4 –2.4 n = 3 E / ×10–19J –5.4 n = 2 n = 1 –21.7 An electron moves from n = 3 to n =
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): A sensor is made up of 32 × 32 pixels. In one experiment: – a source emits 4096 photons, all of which are detected by the sensor; – the probability of arrival o
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q12 (1 mark): A source emits ultraviolet light of wavelength 200 nm. The power emitted by the source is 100 mW. The number of photons emitted by the source in 1 s is of order
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): The diagram shows a number of phasors. R Q S P T The two phasors with a phase difference of π radians are A P and R B P and S C Q and T D S and R Your answer [1
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q19 (1 mark): What is the de Broglie wavelength of an electron accelerated from rest through a p.d. of 0.90 kV? 4.1 × 10–11 m A 5.8 × 10–11 m B 1.4 × 10–9 m C 1.8 × 10–9 m D
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q20 (1 mark): The diagram shows an oscilloscope trace of the p.d. from a signal generator. The time base of the oscilloscope is set to 0.50 ms cm–1. 1 cm What is the frequenc
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q22(a) (1 mark): What, in terms of L, is the wavelength of the standing wave shown in Fig. 22.2? wavelength = [1]
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q22(b) (3 marks): An organ pipe like the one shown in Fig. 22.2 has length L = 61 cm. The speed of sound in air is 340 m s–1. Calculate the frequency of the vibration shown in Fi
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q22(c) (2 marks): Some organ pipes are closed at the top. This causes the top end to be a node instead of an antinode. Calculate the lowest frequency produced by a closed pipe wi
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q24(a) (2 marks): Mark on Fig. 24.2 two angles she can measure to determine the refractive index. [2]
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q24(c) (2 marks): Calculate the refractive index of the glass. refractive index = [2]
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q24(d) (2 marks): How does the refractive index of a material affect the properties of light passing through it? [2]
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q25(a) (1 mark): Explain the term coherent. [1] The pattern observed on the screen is shown in Fig. 25.2. A 14 cm Fig. 25.2 The point labelled A is completely dark. A is at a di
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q25(b) (2 marks): Show using the small angle approximation that this is 0.07 radian from the centre line. [2] 20 A is completely dark.
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q25(c) (2 marks): Explain why the path difference between two wavelets arriving at A from the top and bottom of the slit must be ½ λ. [2] The path difference between these two wa
June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q25(d) (2 marks): Calculate the wavelength, in nm, of the light used. wavelength = nm [2] The screen is moved further away from the slit and the distance from the centre of the p
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q2(a) (3 marks): A typical rod cell can be activated (switched on) by a single photon. Show that the energy required to activate a rod cell detecting light at the wavelength to
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q2(b) (2 marks): The responses from neighbouring rod cells are added to send a signal to the brain. A constant light is seen coming from the direction viewed if at least twelve
June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q3 (3 marks): The comb shown in Fig. 3.1 has 53 teeth in a distance of 5.0 cm. It is mounted parallel to a wall 3.6 m away. Fig. 3.1 A laser emitting light of wavelength 630
June 2018, Paper 1, Q38(c) (3 marks): Use the gradient to estimate an average wavelength for the light together with an uncertainty estimate. Make your method clear. wavelength = ± m [3]
June 2018, Paper 2, Q7(a)(i) (2 marks): Use the graph in Fig. 7.1 to find the work function of the metal. work function = J [2]
June 2018, Paper 2, Q7(a)(ii) (2 marks): Explain the meaning of the term work function and explain why Einstein’s equation gives the maximum kinetic energy of the electrons emitted for a particular fre
June 2018, Paper 2, Q7(b) (2 marks): Add a second line to the graph of Fig. 7.1 for a metal surface with a work function which is double that of the work function for rubidium. [2]
June 2018, Paper 2, Q8 (6 marks): 8* The upper surface of a solar cell is represented in Fig. 8.1. Use ideas about superposition of waves to explain why a transparent layer of silicon monoxide a
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q4 (1 mark): A student blows across the open top of an empty bottle. Which diagram represents a standing wave that can be produced in the air in the bottle? top of bottle bo
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q5 (1 mark): Monochromatic light passes through 3 closely spaced parallel slits at a point. A maximum is produced at a point on a distant screen where the phase difference b
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q6 (1 mark): Light can be modelled as a wave or as particles (photons). Which one of these phenomena can only be explained if light is made of photons? A diffraction B photo
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): Light of wavelength 650 nm is incident at right angles on a diffraction grating with 300 lines per mm. What is the angle of the third-order maximum? A 4° B 11°
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q11 (1 mark): The oscilloscope trace shows the variation in p.d of a signal. The time base of the oscilloscope is set at 0.25 ms cm−1. 1 cm What is the frequency of the signa
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): The power of a beam of light is 3.5 mW. The wavelength is 445 nm. How many photons are emitted each second? 8 × 1015 A 8 × 1018 B 8 × 1021 C 8 × 1024 D Your ans
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): The de Broglie wavelength of an electron with kinetic energy 900 eV is 4.1 × 10−11 m. What is the wavelength of an electron with kinetic energy 450 eV? 2.0 × 10
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q18 (1 mark): This experiment produces an interference pattern on the screen. empty tank monochromatic light source screen interference maxima double slit not to scale The ta
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q21(a) (2 marks): Show that the refractive index n of the water is less than 1.4 using the angles shown on Fig. 21. n = [2]
June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q21(b) (2 marks): The refractive index of water for violet light is 0.02 more than the refractive index for the orange light calculated in (a). State and explain any changes in r
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q5(a) (2 marks): State why the spectrum of light emitted by excited atoms of this gas will contain exactly three different frequencies. [2]
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q5(b) (3 marks): In the spectrum of this gas, the longest wavelength of light emitted is 650 nm. Calculate the energy released by a falling electron and state the two levels bet
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q7(a)(i) (2 marks): The length L = 0.980 m and the frequency f0 of the fundamental note produced by the thickest string is 41.2 Hz. Show that the waves travelling along the string
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q7(a)(ii) (4 marks): A player can produce a harmonic (a note of higher frequency) by touching the string lightly at a certain point to make the string vibrate with zero amplitude at
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q7(a)(iii) (3 marks): The fundamental frequency f0 of the note produced by a vibrating string of length L is given by the equation 1 T f = 0 2 L A t where T is the tension of the str
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q7(b)(i) (2 marks): Use the equation given in (a)(iii) to show that, for strings producing the same fundamental frequency f0, T A . t \ 2 L Show your working clearly and explain yo
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q7(b)(ii) (3 marks): The thickest string on the bass guitar is 0.86 m long and is at a tension of 190 N. You can assume that this string has the same mean density as a double bass s
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q8(a)(iii) (3 marks): Describe how Alice and Bob could use the values obtained in part (a)(i) to find the mean frequency of the light from the LED. You do not need to do any calculat
June 2018, AS Paper 2, Q8(b) (6 marks): Two students, Alice and Bob, are using a diffraction grating to determine the wavelength of light emitted by a light-emitting diode (LED). Bob places a ruler a
June 2017, Paper 1, Q9 (1 mark): Electrons accelerated through a potential difference V pass through a thin layer of graphite. The beam forms a diffraction pattern of rings on a fluorescent scr
June 2017, Paper 1, Q10 (1 mark): Which one of the following statements about photons is correct? The probability of arrival of a photon at a position A is proportional to the amplitude of the w
June 2017, Paper 1, Q29 (1 mark): Which of the following statements about the α-particle and the β-particle is correct? A If both have the same kinetic energy, the speed of the β-particle is les
June 2017, Paper 1, Q32(a) (1 mark): Complete this line of algebraic reasoning. –––––– n c c c glass = water n , n → n = = = c c c glass water glass water water glass [1] ––––––
June 2017, Paper 1, Q32(b) (2 marks): Fig. 32.1 shows a ray of light going from glass into water at an angle of incidence i 30 ° . = 30° glass water Fig. 32.1 Calculate the angle of refraction r in
June 2017, Paper 2, Q1(a) (3 marks): Explain how standing waves are formed in air. [3]
June 2017, Paper 2, Q1(b) (2 marks): Mark the antinodes and nodes on Fig. 1.2 for a note of twice the frequency of the note indicated in Fig. 1.1. Explain your answer. L Fig. 1.2 [2]
June 2017, Paper 2, Q1(d) (3 marks): A flute of length L sounds a note of 262 Hz at a temperature of 293 K. Calculate the frequency of the note from the same length flute when the temperature of th
June 2017, Paper 2, Q9(b) (2 marks): An approximate value for the minimum resolvable angle θmin can be obtained from the wavelength of light equation θmin = diameter of pupil of the eye . The stude
June 2017, Paper 2, Q11 (2 marks): Explain why turbulence in the atmosphere limits the resolution of ground-based optical telescopes (lines 7–39). [2]
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q13 (1 mark): The diagram shows plane wavefronts incident on a region X. The contents of region X are hidden from view. X Region X is most likely to contain … A a converging
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q14 (1 mark): Two photons from the same monochromatic laser arrive at a detector via two possible paths. The phasor representing each photon path is shown below. The amplitud
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q25(a) (2 marks): Show that the speed of light in glass is about two-thirds of that in air. [2]
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q25(b) (2 marks): Without calculation, explain what the diagram shows about the speed of light in water. ��
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q28(b)(i) (2 marks): Calculate the wavelength of the sound waves. Show how you arrive at your answer. wavelength = m [2]
June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q28(d) (2 marks): The student now reverses the connections to speaker 2 but keeps the connections to speaker 1 unchanged. State and explain the effect this would have on the sign
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q1(a) (2 marks): Calculate the number of lines per millimetre, xxx. number of lines per millimetre = [2]
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q1(b) (2 marks): Yellow light of wavelength 583 nm is incident at right angles to the grating. Calculate the angle i2 of the second-order diffraction maximum. i2 = ° [2]
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q1(c) (2 marks): Explain why this yellow light has no third-order maxima. [2]
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q3(a) (2 marks): The phasor for the light from slit A at point 1 is shown below. Add to this diagram the phasors for the light at point 1 from slits B and C and their resultant.
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q3(b) (1 mark): At the points marked ‘minimum’, the light has zero intensity. Draw a phasor diagram to show how this is achieved. [1]
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q3(c) (2 marks): The intensity of light at the maxima marked 3 is exactly the same as at the point marked 1. At the places marked 2 the intensity of light is much less, even tho
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q5(a) (3 marks): Show that the laser emits about 4 × 1017 photons each second. c = 3.0 × 108 m s−1 h = 6.6 × 10−34 J s [3]
June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q5(b) (1 mark): Show that the momentum p of each photon emitted by the laser is about 10−27 kg m s−1. [1]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q8 (1 mark): In which region of the electromagnetic spectrum is radiation of wavelength 50 μm? A visible B infra-red C microwave D radio Your answer [1]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): The graph below shows how the maximum kinetic energy E of electrons released from the surface of a potassium plate varies with frequency f of electromagnetic ra
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q27(b)(i) (1 mark): Describe evidence from Fig. 27 that indicates that free electrons trapped inside the ring of iron atoms have a wavelength. [1]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q27(b)(ii) (2 marks): Using Fig. 27, make appropriate measurements to show that the wavelength of these free electrons is about 0.7 nm. [2]
June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q27(b)(iii) (1 mark): Calculate the momentum of each electron. h = 6.6 × 10–34 J s momentum = kg m s–1 [1]
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q2(a) (2 marks): When the reflector is first put in position, it is observed that the microwave intensity recorded by the detector decreases. Explain this observation. [2]
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q2(b) (3 marks): The reflector is now moved gradually towards the source and detector, in the direction shown by the arrow on the reflector in Fig. 2. At y1, the detector readin
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q2(c) (2 marks): Describe and explain how the observations in this experiment, as the reflector is moved from y1 to y3, would be different if the experiment had used a source of
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q4(a) (2 marks): The phosphor absorbs one blue photon for each photon that it emits. Explain why the light emitted by the phosphor cannot have a wavelength smaller than that of
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q4(b)(i) (1 mark): The diffraction grating used had 1100 lines mm–1. Show that this corresponds to a grating spacing of about 9 × 10–7 m. [1]
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the wavelength in nm of the light giving a first-order maximum at 32°. wavelength = nm [2]
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q4(b)(iii) (2 marks): Sketch the observed spectrum on the axes in Fig. 4.2. intensity 0 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 wavelength / nm Fig. 4.2 [2]
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q4(c)(i) (2 marks): Each photon of blue light emitted by the LED is produced by an electron making a transition between two energy levels. Calculate the energy difference between t
June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q4(c)(ii) (2 marks): Each photon of light emitted by the phosphor is also produced by an electron making a transition between two energy levels. State and explain one way in which t

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