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IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (9–1) 0973 · Physics · 61

0654.P3.1.02 — Describe what is meant by wave motion as illustrated by vibration (oscillation) in ropes and springs and by experiments using water waves: past paper questions

20 real questionsasked in 8 of the last 10 exam series2019–2026usually: State, Describe, Calculate, Use, Complete

Real questions on 0654.p3.1.02 — describe what is meant by wave motion as illustrated by vibration (oscillation) in ropes and springs and by experiments using water waves

The newest 20 of 20 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

  1. 0973/41 · May/June 2026 · Q11a(i)[2]

    11 (a) (i) Describe a longitudinal wave.

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  2. 0973/41 · October/November 2025 · Q12a(i)[2]

    Seismic P-waves are longitudinal waves. Describe a longitudinal wave. 12 (a) (i)

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  3. 0973/32 · May/June 2025 · Q10a(iii)[2]

    The polar bear jumps into a pool of water and makes water waves. Fig. 10.1 shows a wave. Y Z distance from source of wave Fig. 10.1 amplitude trough frequency wave speed pitch wavelength Y shows the of the wave. Choose words from the list to identify Y and Z by completing the two sentences.

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  4. 0973/31 · October/November 2024 · Q9b(ii)[1]

    State what is meant by the frequency of a wave.

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  5. 0973/41 · May/June 2024 · Q3a(i)[1]

    State the meaning of the term frequency.

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  6. 0973/41 · May/June 2024 · Q3a(ii)[2]

    The ripple tank produces waves with a frequency of 5.0 Hz which travel at a speed of 0.20 m / s. Calculate the wavelength of the water waves. wavelength = m

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  7. 0973/31 · May/June 2023 · Q12d(i)[1]

    On Fig. 12.2, label the amplitude of the wave with a double-headed arrow (↔) or (↕) and the letter A.

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  8. 0973/31 · May/June 2023 · Q12d(ii)[1]

    On Fig. 12.2, label the wavelength of one wave with a double-headed arrow (↔) or (↕) and the letter W.

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  9. 0973/41 · May/June 2023 · Q6d(ii)[2]

    The light from the flame is a transverse wave. Complete the sentences to describe the differences between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave. Transverse waves are produced by vibrations acting to the direction of energy transfer. Longitudinal waves are produced by vibrations acting to the direction of energy tra...

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  10. 0973/42 · May/June 2023 · Q3c(ii)[3]

    An observer sees 10 full waves pass a point in 5 seconds. Use your answer to (c)(i) to calculate the speed of the wave. speed = m / s

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  11. 0973/41 · October/November 2022 · Q6b(i)[1]

    The man counts 15 wavefronts passing a point in 1 minute. Calculate the frequency of the waves in Hz. frequency = Hz

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  12. 0973/41 · October/November 2022 · Q6b(ii)[2]

    The wavelength of the water waves is 0.6 m. Use your answer to 6(b)(i) to calculate the speed of the water waves. speed = m / s

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  13. 0973/31 · May/June 2022 · Q9b(i)[1]

    On Fig. 9.2, label the amplitude of the wave with a double headed arrow (↔ or ↕).

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  14. 0973/31 · May/June 2022 · Q9b(ii)[1]

    The waves have a frequency of 0.1 Hz. Explain what is meant by a frequency of 0.1 Hz.

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  15. 0973/32 · May/June 2022 · Q3b(i)[2]

    Fig. 3.2 represents a sound wave. Fig. 3.2 Draw one line from each wave property to its description. wave property description amplitude the distance between the tops of two consecutive waves frequency the distance between the top and the middle of a wave wavelength the number of waves passing every second

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  16. 0973/32 · May/June 2022 · Q3b(ii)[2]

    State the approximate range of audible frequencies for a healthy human ear. from Hz to Hz

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  17. 0973/31 · May/June 2021 · Q9a(i)[1]

    State what is meant by the frequency of a wave.

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  18. 0973/42 · May/June 2020 · Q3b[3]

    The headlamps emit visible light. The frequency of some of this light is 6.0 × 10 14 Hz. Calculate the wavelength of this light. wavelength = m

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  19. 0973/41 · May/June 2019 · Q6b(iv)[2]

    Sound waves are longitudinal waves. Visible light waves are transverse waves. Describe the differences between longitudinal and transverse waves in terms of the direction of travel of the waves, and the direction of oscillation or vibration. You may draw a diagram if it helps your answer.

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  20. 0973/42 · May/June 2019 · Q9a(i)[1]

    State, in terms of waves, what is meant by the term frequency.

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What examiners said

Wavelength was given correctly more often than amplitude. Switching the two answers around entirely was also common.

— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0973/32 Q10(a)(iii) (Cambridge)

(ii) The double headed arrows were frequently drawn inaccurately. A common error was to indicate twice the amplitude. A few candidates failed to label either of their arrows and so could not be awarded credit.

— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 0973/31 Q12(d)(i) (Cambridge)

Some of the terms used to describe perpendicular and parallel were very vague. Candidates should be encouraged to use the correct scientific terms. Sound was correctly identified as an example of a longitudinal wave by the majority of candidates.

— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 0973/41 Q6(d)(ii) (Cambridge)

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0654.P3.1.02 — Describe what is meant by wave motion as illustrated by vibration (oscillation) in ropes and springs and by experiments using water waves — IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (9–1) 0973 past paper questions | AssessPro