0654.P3.4.01 — Describe the production of sound by vibrating 8 Describe the longitudinal nature of sound sources waves in air as a series of compressions a: past paper questions

Real questions on 0654.p3.4.01 — describe the production of sound by vibrating 8 describe the longitudinal nature of sound sources waves in air as a series of compressions a

The newest 6 of 6 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

1. 0654/43 · October/November 2025 · Q10b(i)[1]

   State the name of the state of matter in which sound travels fastest.

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2. 0654/42 · February/March 2025 · Q12a(ii)[3]

   Describe how sound travels through air.

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3. 0654/43 · October/November 2023 · Q3c(i)[1]

   Describe how sound waves are transmitted in air.

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4. 0654/32 · February/March 2021 · Q3c(iii)[3]

   An ultrasound wave travels 21 cm in 0.00025 s. Calculate the speed of the ultrasound wave in m / s. speed = m / s

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5. 0654/11 · May/June 2019 · Q34[1]

   Why does the student hear two bangs?

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6. 0654/21 · May/June 2019 · Q35[1]

   Why does the student hear two bangs?

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What examiners said

A variety of good responses were seen with many candidates able to describe the vibration of particles and the movement in terms of longitudinal waves.

— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 0654/42 Q12(a)(ii) (Cambridge)

A few problems here as many candidates stated ‘longitudinal waves’, correct but does not answer the question, a description was asked for not the wave type. A good case for reading the question carefully and understanding ‘command words’.

— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0654/43 Q3(c)(i) (Cambridge)

Some candidates gained full marks, although some forgot to convert 21 cm to 0.21 m.

— Examiner report, February/March 2021, 0654/32 Q3(c)(iii) (Cambridge)