iGCSE Physics (0625) 3.1 General properties of waves -Exam Style Questions Paper 1 - New Syllabus

IGCSE Physics Paper 1 - All Chapters

Question

The diagrams show examples of wave motion.

Which waves are longitudinal?

(A) 1 only
(B) 2, 3 and 4
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) 2 and 4 only
▶️ Answer/Explanation

Correct Answer: \( \boxed{\mathrm{D}} \)

A longitudinal wave is one in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Wave 2 represents sound waves in air. Sound travels through successive compressions and rarefactions, making it a longitudinal wave.

Wave 4 shows a spring being pushed and pulled along its length, producing compressions and rarefactions. This is also a longitudinal wave.

Wave 1 (water waves in a ripple tank) and Wave 3 (waves on a rope) are treated as transverse waves, where the vibrations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.

Therefore, only waves 2 and 4 are longitudinal.

Hence, the correct answer is (D).

Question

A student draws a diagram to show two different properties of a water wave. The arrows show the wave directions.
Which two wave properties does the diagram show?
A. refraction and diffraction
B. reflection and dispersion
C. reflection and diffraction
D. reflection and refraction
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Correct Option: D

Detailed solution:

The diagram illustrates two distinct wave behaviors. First, reflection is shown by the arrows bouncing off the boundary back into the shallow water, where the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. Second, refraction is evident as the wave crosses the boundary from shallow to deep water. This transition causes a change in wave speed $v$ and wavelength $\lambda$, resulting in the wave changing direction as it enters the new medium. Since no spreading through gaps (diffraction) or splitting into colors (dispersion) is shown, option D is the correct choice.

Question

P-waves and S-waves are produced in the ground during an earthquake.

Which statement about these waves is correct?

(A) Only P-waves are transverse waves.
(B) Only P-waves are longitudinal waves.
(C) Both P-waves and S-waves are longitudinal waves.
(D) Both P-waves and S-waves are transverse waves.
▶️ Answer/Explanation

Correct Answer: \( \boxed{\mathrm{B}} \)

P-waves (Primary waves) are longitudinal waves, meaning the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel.

S-waves (Secondary waves) are transverse waves, meaning the particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

Longitudinal waves consist of compressions and rarefactions, while transverse waves consist of crests and troughs.

Therefore, only P-waves are longitudinal waves, whereas S-waves are transverse waves.

Hence, the correct answer is (B).

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