IB MYP Physics Mock Tests 2 – 2026 Edition
IB MYP Physics Mock Tests 2 – April/May 2026 Exam
IB MYP Physics Mock Tests 2: Prepare for the MYP exams with subject-specific Prediction questions, model answers. All topics covered.
Prepared by MYP teachers: Access our IB MYP Physics Mock Tests 2 Mock with model answer. Students: Practice with exam-style papers for MYP Exam
Question : Electromagnetic spectrum, imaging and applications [8 marks]
At the end of the 19th Century physicists considered radio waves to be like an invisible form of light.
a Select the correct option to complete the statements below. [2 marks]
| Radio waves travel | light waves in a vacuum. | |
| Radio waves have | light waves. |
▶️Answer/Explanation
Correct answers:
- Radio waves travel at the same speed as light waves in a vacuum.
- Radio waves have a longer wavelength than light waves.
Key Concept:
All electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light (3×10⁸ m/s) in a vacuum. The electromagnetic spectrum is arranged by wavelength/frequency – radio waves have the longest wavelengths (lowest frequencies) while visible light has much shorter wavelengths (higher frequencies).
b Select the phenomenon shown in the animation. [1 mark]
At this time messages could only be sent through connecting wires. Marconi, a famous physicist, was trying to find a way to send messages without the need for wires. One advantage of sending messages using radio waves is that the waves can bend around obstacles as shown in the animation.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Correct answer: Diffraction
Key Concept:
Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings. Radio waves (with their long wavelengths) diffract particularly well around obstacles like buildings or hills, which is why radio signals can be received even without direct line-of-sight to the transmitter.
c Calculate the time taken for Marconi’s message to travel 6 km. [3 marks]
In 1897, Marconi sent the first ever radio message across open sea. A message saying “are you ready” was sent over a distance of 6 km. You should take the speed of radio waves in air to be 3.0×10⁸ ms⁻¹. You should give your answer in scientific notation.
Calculation space:
Time = Distance / Speed = ___________ / ___________ = ___________ s
Scientific notation: ___________ × 10___ s
▶️Answer/Explanation
Solution:
- Convert distance to meters: 6 km = 6000 m
- Time = Distance / Speed = 6000 m / 3.0×10⁸ ms⁻¹
- Time = 2.0×10⁻⁵ seconds
Key Concept:
The wave equation (v = d/t) applies to all electromagnetic waves. Radio waves travel at the speed of light (3×10⁸ m/s) in air. For full marks, the answer must be in correct scientific notation with proper units.
d Suggest two reasons why communication using radio waves was such an important discovery. [2 marks]
Explanation space:
1. ________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________
▶️Answer/Explanation
Possible answers (any two):
- Enabled communication while moving (e.g., ships at sea, vehicles)
- Allowed communication over much larger distances than wired connections
- Made communication with other countries or previously inaccessible locations possible
- Eliminated the need for physical wiring infrastructure (saving materials and costs)
- Enabled high-speed communication without delays of physical messengers
- Led to development of new technologies (radio broadcasting, television, radar, etc.)
Key Concept:
Wireless communication revolutionized society by enabling instant information transfer across distances without physical connections. This technological breakthrough had profound impacts on transportation, military, entertainment, and global connectivity.
Syllabus Reference
Electromagnetic spectrum
- Properties of radio waves
- Speed of electromagnetic waves
Wave phenomena
- Diffraction
- Applications in communication
Scientific discoveries
- Historical context
- Impact on society
Assessment Criteria: A (Knowledge), C (Communication), D (Scientific Thinking)