The newest 9 of 9 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
Describe diffraction.
See it on the paper →The width of the narrow gap is decreased. Describe the effect on the diffraction of the sound wave.
See it on the paper →State the name of this effect. (i)
See it on the paper →Explain whether sound waves with wavelength of 1.2 m will spread out when passing through a 1.0 m wide doorway.
See it on the paper →The wavelength of red light is 700 nm. Explain why red light travels in a straight line through the doorway in (b)(ii).
See it on the paper →The car’s headlamps emit light with a frequency of 5.6 × 10 14 Hz. Calculate the wavelength of this light in air. wavelength = m
See it on the paper →On Fig. 12.3 use a double-headed arrow (↔ or ↕) and the letter W to show one wavelength.
See it on the paper →Fig. 6.2 shows the wavefronts of the water waves moving towards two rocks. The water waves will diffract as they travel between the two rocks. Complete Fig. 6.2 to show how the water waves are diffracted. direction of wave rock rock Fig. 6.2
See it on the paper →The boat reaches the entrance to a harbour. Fig. 6.1 shows five wavefronts approaching the narrow harbour entrance. sea wavefront direction of travel of waves harbour wall harbour entrance land Fig. 6.1 On Fig. 6.1, draw two wavefronts after they pass through the harbour entrance.
See it on the paper →Comprehensive responses • Many candidates described diffraction as the spreading out of waves. Limited responses • Some candidates described the narrowing of the gaps between the waves or described the bending of waves.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0654/42 Q10(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates described diffraction as increasing. Limited responses • Some candidates described diffraction as decreasing.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0654/42 Q10(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
Some candidates drew the double headed arrow accurately. The arrow needed to go from one peak to the next.
— Examiner report, February/March 2024, 0654/32 Q12(d)(i) (Cambridge)
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