How do waves behave?: OCR GCSE Physics B questions

Every OCR GCSE Physics B exam question on P1.3 How do waves behave?, 2018–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

All 94 questions on How do waves behave?, as a list

June 2025, Paper 1 Foundation, Q3(a)(i) (1 mark): Which letter, A, B, C or D, shows the wavelength of the wave? [1]
June 2025, Paper 1 Foundation, Q3(a)(ii) (1 mark): Which letter, A, B, C or D, shows the amplitude of the wave? [1]
June 2025, Paper 1 Foundation, Q3(a)(iii) (1 mark): Which property of a wave gives the time it takes to complete one full cycle? Tick (✓) one box. Frequency Period Speed Wavelength [1]
June 2025, Paper 1 Foundation, Q3(c) (3 marks): A laser produces a beam of red light. The wave speed of the red light is 3.0 × 108 m / s. The wavelength of the red light is 750 × 10–9 m. Calculate the frequen
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(a)(i) (2 marks): Which statements about sound waves are true? Tick (✓) two boxes. Sound waves can only travel in air. Sound waves transfer energy. Sound waves travel at the same
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(a)(ii) (2 marks): Which statements about longitudinal waves are true? Tick (✓) two boxes. Longitudinal waves are a series of compressions. Longitudinal waves can travel in space.
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(b) (4 marks): A student does an experiment to calculate the speed of a water wave. They fill a tray with water and take measurements of a wave travelling across the water. Th
June 2025, Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(c) (6 marks): This question is about waves. (c)* Describe a method for finding the speed of sound in air. Include in your answer: • the apparatus used • possible sources of e
June 2025, Paper 3 Higher, Q4(b) (2 marks): Which two of these words can be used to describe light waves? Tick (✓) two boxes. Compression Electromagnetic Longitudinal Radioactive Seismic Transverse [2]
June 2025, Paper 3 Higher, Q4(d) (3 marks): An orange light wave has a frequency of 5.0 × 1014 Hz. Its wavelength in the glass prism is 400 × 10–9 m. Calculate the speed of the wave in the glass prism. Us
June 2025, Paper 3 Higher, Q4(e) (3 marks): D raw lines to connect each medium a sound wave is travelling in with its correct speed. Medium Speed of sound wave Air 0 m / s Steel 330 m / s Vacuum 1500 m /
June 2024, Paper 1 Foundation, Q2(a) (1 mark): Which length, A, B or C, on the diagram represents the wavelength of the wave? Displacement A C Distance B [1]
June 2024, Paper 1 Foundation, Q2(b) (1 mark): Which wave has the greatest amplitude? Tick (3) one box. 4 Displacement (mm) Distance (mm) 1 2 – 4 4 Displacement (mm) Distance (mm) 1 2 – 4 4 Displacement (mm)
June 2024, Paper 1 Foundation, Q2(c) (3 marks): Some waves are formed on the surface of water. In 2 seconds, 7 waves pass a point. Calculate the frequency of the wave. Give the unit. Frequency = Unit [3]
June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): State the amplitude of the wave. m [1]
June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q4(a)(ii) (1 mark): State the number of wavelengths shown. [1]
June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q4(a)(iii) (1 mark): State the period for the wave. s [1]
June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q4(a)(iv) (1 mark): Calculate the frequency of the wave. 1 Use the equation: frequency = period Frequency of the wave = Hz [1]
June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q4(b) (1 mark): A wave travels at a constant speed. Complete the sentence to describe the relationship between the frequency and wavelength of the wave. Put a ring around the c
June 2024, Paper 2 Foundation, Q4(c) (3 marks): Another wave has a wavelength of 2 cm and a frequency of 7.5 Hz. Calculate the speed of this wave, in cm / s. Use the Equation Sheet. Wave speed = cm / s [3]
June 2024, Paper 3 Higher, Q4(a) (2 marks): Describe a transverse wave. [2]
June 2024, Paper 3 Higher, Q4(b) (2 marks): The signal strength on a mobile device is shown by the symbols below. Good signal strength means that the microwaves have a high amplitude. Define the amplitude
June 2024, Paper 3 Higher, Q4(c) (1 mark): The graph of a microwave signal is drawn with time on the x-axis. The wave has a time period of 0.3 ns. Which is the correct graph for this wave? Tick (3) one b
June 2023, Paper 1 Foundation, Q5(a) (1 mark): The speed of the sound wave in the metal rails is 3300 m / s. Write down the distance the sound wave travels through the metal rails in 1 second. Distance = m [
June 2023, Paper 1 Foundation, Q5(b) (3 marks): The frequency of the sound wave in the metal rails is 110 Hz. Calculate the wavelength of the sound wave in the metal rails. Use the equation: wave speed = freq
June 2023, Paper 1 Foundation, Q5(c)(i) (1 mark): Calculate the speed of the sound wave in the air. Speed = m / s [1]
June 2023, Paper 1 Foundation, Q5(c)(ii) (1 mark): Complete the sentence about the wavelength of the sound wave in the air. Put a ring around the correct option. The sound wave in the air has a longer / a shorte
June 2023, Paper 1 Foundation, Q11(a) (1 mark): Which row gives the correct definitions of wavelength and frequency? Tick (3) one box. Wavelength Frequency The distance a wave travels in 1 second. The number
June 2023, Paper 1 Foundation, Q11(b)(i) (1 mark): The student takes a photograph of the wave pattern. State one piece of equipment which needs to be included in the photograph to find the wavelength of the wate
June 2023, Paper 1 Foundation, Q11(b)(ii) (2 marks): The student then uses a smart phone to record a video of the movement of the water waves for a few seconds. Describe how the student could use a video to find t
June 2023, Paper 1 Foundation, Q11(b)(iii) (1 mark): How can the student now calculate the speed of the water waves? [1]
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q2(a) (1 mark): Which row gives the correct definitions of wavelength and frequency? Tick (3) one box. Wavelength Frequency The distance a wave travels in 1 second. The number
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q2(b)(i) (1 mark): The student takes a photograph of the wave pattern. State one piece of equipment which needs to be included in the photograph to find the wavelength of the wate
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q2(b)(ii) (2 marks): The student then uses a smart phone to record a video of the movement of the water waves for a few seconds. Describe how the student could use a video to find t
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q2(b)(iii) (1 mark): How can the student now calculate the speed of the water waves? [1]
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q6(a) (2 marks): Ben records his observations from two wave demonstrations. Sound Waves When a can is sprayed, we hear it across the classroom 0.1 s later. We can smell it 30 s
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q6(b)(i) (1 mark): State the amplitude of this wave. Amplitude = m [1]
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q6(b)(ii) (1 mark): State the wavelength of this wave. Wavelength = m [1]
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q6(b)(iii) (1 mark): The student makes 10 waves in 20 seconds. State the time period of this wave. Time period = s [1]
June 2023, Paper 3 Higher, Q6(c) (2 marks): Describe how waves on a rope are an example of transverse waves. [2]
June 2022, Paper 3 Higher, Q11(a) (1 mark): Use Fig. 11.1 to determine the frequency at which the human ear is most sensitive. Frequency = kHz [1]
June 2022, Paper 3 Higher, Q11(c) (2 marks): Eve’s hearing is tested and is typical for the human ear. Describe how the loudness of the sound she hears changes when she listens to a sound, with constant am
November 2021, Paper 1 Foundation, Q3(a) (2 marks): The amplitude is 80 cm. The wavelength is 6 m. Beth’s description of the wave is incorrect. State the correct amplitude and wavelength. The amplitude is cm. The
November 2021, Paper 1 Foundation, Q3(b) (1 mark): Kareem moves his hand up and down to make 2 waves every second. What is the frequency of the wave? Put a ring around the correct answer. 0.5 Hz 0.5 s 2.0 Hz 2.0
November 2021, Paper 1 Foundation, Q3(c)(i) (2 marks): Describe how the waves on the rope are an example of transverse waves. [2]
November 2021, Paper 1 Foundation, Q3(c)(ii) (1 mark): How are sound waves in air different to the waves on the rope? [1]
November 2021, Paper 1 Foundation, Q14(b) (3 marks): The frequency of electromagnetic radiation emitted from caesium atoms is 9.19 × 109 Hz. Calculate the wavelength of this radiation. Speed of light = 3.0 × 108 m
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q8(a)(i) (3 marks): Describe how Sarah can accurately measure the wavelength of the wave. Include an accurate measurement of the wavelength in your answer. [3]
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q8(a)(ii) (3 marks): Describe how Sarah can calculate the speed of the wave. Include in your answer any equipment and equations that she would need to use. [3]
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q8(b)(i) (3 marks): Plot a graph of the results from the table. Use an appropriate scale and draw a line of best fit. [3] 0.25 0.20 0.15 Wavelength (m) 0.10 0.05 0 Depth of water (
November 2021, Paper 2 Foundation, Q8(b)(ii) (2 marks): Sarah concludes The wavelength increases with the depth of water but the relationship is not proportional. Is Sarah correct? Yes No Use data from the table to e
November 2021, Paper 3 Higher, Q3(b) (3 marks): The frequency of electromagnetic radiation emitted from caesium atoms is 9.19 × 109 Hz. Calculate the wavelength of this radiation. Speed of light = 3.0 × 108 m
November 2021, Paper 3 Higher, Q4(b)(i) (3 marks): The radio waves emitted by Voyager 1 have a wavelength of approximately 14 cm. The distance between the Earth and Voyager 1 is approximately 2 × 1010 km. Estima
November 2021, Paper 3 Higher, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): Define the wavelength of a radio wave. You can draw a diagram to support your answer. [2]
November 2021, Paper 4 Higher, Q9(d)(i) (1 mark): Describe the motion of the particles in a soundwave. [1]
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q3(a) (2 marks): The ripples on the surface of the water in the ripple tank are an example of transverse waves. Describe the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q3(b)(i) (2 marks): The ruler next to the ripple tank is 0.30 m long. The ruler is the same length as 6 of the waves. Calculate the wavelength of the waves. Wavelength = m [2]
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q3(b)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest how Jane could use a stopwatch to measure the frequency of the waves in the ripple tank. [1]
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q3(c) (2 marks): Ben measures the wavelength of the waves to be 0.08 m. The frequency of the waves is 3.0Hz. Calculate the speed of the waves that Ben measures. Use the equation
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q3(d) (2 marks): Jane and Ben talk about the experiment. Jane I think that it is only the waves that travel along the tank, not the water itself. Ben I think that the water trav
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q9(a) (2 marks): Calculate the speed of sound for Attempt 5. Use the equation: speed = distance + time Speed = m/s [2]
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q9(b)(i) (1 mark): State why the data in Table 9.1 is inaccurate. [1]
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q9(b)(ii) (1 mark): State why the data in Table 9.1 is imprecise. [1]
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q9(c)(i) (1 mark): Describe one improvement to the method. [1]
November 2020, Paper 1 Foundation, Q9(c)(ii) (1 mark): State how your improvement in (c)(i) will produce better data. [1]
November 2020, Paper 2 Foundation, Q7 (6 marks): 7* Sarah is investigating how to measure the speed of sound, and knows that sound is produced when there is a lightning flash during a thunder storm. Sarah It t
November 2020, Paper 3 Higher, Q8(a)(i) (3 marks): Describe how to accurately determine the speed of the waves. You should include in your answer how accurate measurements can be obtained from the apparatus used
November 2020, Paper 3 Higher, Q8(a)(ii) (1 mark): Amaya finds that she gets a different result every time she repeats the measurements. She thinks this is because her method makes slightly different waves every
November 2020, Paper 3 Higher, Q8(b)(i) (1 mark): Plot the missing point on the graph. [1]
November 2020, Paper 3 Higher, Q8(b)(ii) (2 marks): Describe two key features of the pattern shown by the data. [2]
November 2020, Paper 3 Higher, Q8(b)(iii) (2 marks): Estimate the speed of waves in a depth of water of 0.5 cm. Show your working on the graph. Speed = m / s [2]
November 2020, Paper 3 Higher, Q10(a) (2 marks): Compare the vibration of particles in P-waves and S-waves. [2]
November 2020, Paper 4 Higher, Q10(a)(ii) (5 marks): When Ben's mobile phone is connected to the loudspeaker it produces a sound which has a wavelength of 24 cm. Calculate the frequency of the sound produced. Give
June 2019, Paper 1 Foundation, Q6(a) (2 marks): Calculate the wavelength of the wave shown in Fig 6.2. Give your answer to 3 significant figures. Wavelength = cm [2]
June 2019, Paper 1 Foundation, Q6(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain how Fig. 6.2 shows that the wave is a transverse wave. [2]
June 2019, Paper 1 Foundation, Q6(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain how the sound waves produced by the violin are different to the waves on the string. [2]
June 2019, Paper 2 Foundation, Q3(c) (3 marks): Green light has wavelength 5.6 × 10–7 m and frequency 5.4 × 1014 Hz. Calculate the wave speed of the green light. Use the equation: wave speed = frequency × wav
June 2019, Paper 3 Higher, Q8(b)(i) (3 marks): Use the data to calculate the typical frequency of X-rays. Frequency = Hz [3]
June 2019, Paper 4 Higher, Q5(a) (3 marks): Describe what happens to the speed, frequency and wavelength of the ultrasound wave as it travels from air to skin. Speed: Frequency: Wavelength: [3]
June 2018, Paper 1 Foundation, Q1(a) (1 mark): He can hear a musical instrument playing a steady note. What type of wave is the sound that Jamal hears? Put a ring around the correct answer. electromagnetic l
June 2018, Paper 1 Foundation, Q1(b) (2 marks): The sound waves that Jamal hears have a frequency of 400 Hz and a wavelength of 0.84 m. Calculate the speed of the sound waves. Use the equation: wave speed = f
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q1(a)(i) (1 mark): What time was the sound of the clap recorded? Time = seconds [1]
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q1(a)(ii) (1 mark): What time was the sound of the echo recorded? Time = seconds [1]
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q1(a)(iii) (1 mark): Calculate the time of travel for the sound wave to go from Eve to the wall and to return to the computer. Time of travel = seconds [1]
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q1(b) (2 marks): The distance from Eve to the reflecting wall is 64 m. Explain how you can use the distance, together with a time from part (a), to calculate the speed of sound.
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q1(c) (2 marks): Isaac Newton’s value for the speed of sound was less accurate than the one given by this method. Suggest and explain why Newton could not get an accurate answer
June 2018, Paper 2 Foundation, Q2(b)(i) (2 marks): The waves were produced at a frequency of 2.5 hertz (Hz). Calculate the speed of the waves in the deeper water. Use the equation: wave speed = frequency × wavel
June 2018, Paper 3 Higher, Q5(a) (2 marks): How do the speed, frequency and wavelength of the sound waves change when they leave the air and enter the string? Put one tick (✓) in each row. One has been do
June 2018, Paper 3 Higher, Q5(b) (3 marks): The speed of sound in the string is 600 m / s. Calculate the frequency of a sound with wavelength 1.2 m in the string. Frequency = Hz [3]
June 2018, Paper 3 Higher, Q6(c) (3 marks): Mia reads on the internet that the human ear is most sensitive at a frequency about 2000 Hz. Describe how James and Mia could improve their experiment to test t
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q4(a)(i) (3 marks): Newton showed that the time of one swing, T, was given by the equation: T 2 = kL L = the length of the pendulum k = 4.02 s2/m. Calculate the swing time T of his
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q4(a)(ii) (3 marks): Use Newton’s data to calculate the speed of sound. Distance to wall = 64 m Speed of sound = m/s [3]
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q4(b)(i) (1 mark): Explain which of Newton’s measurements (distance or time) was likely to be the least accurate. [1]
June 2018, Paper 4 Higher, Q4(b)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why Newton’s value for the speed was too low. [2]

Questions, mark schemes and examiner’s reports are © OCR, from their published past papers. Plumi isn’t affiliated with any exam board. Want whole papers? Every OCR GCSE Physics B paper.

Rather write your answers by hand on iPad? Plumi marks them against the same mark schemes.

1,376 questions