General properties of waves: past paper questions
Real questions on general properties of waves
The newest 20 of 119 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5a(i)[1]
On Fig. 5.1, mark the centre of a compression with the letter C, and mark the centre of a rarefaction with the letter R. (i)
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5a(ii)[1]
Describe the difference between a compression and a rarefaction.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(i)[1]
The wooden bar makes 45 complete oscillations in 1.0 minute. Calculate the frequency of the wave produced. frequency = Hz
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(ii)[2]
The frequency of the water wave is increased by moving the wooden bar up and down more quickly. State what happens to the speed and what happens to the wavelength of the wave produced. speed (ii)
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(iii)[2]
The crests of the water wave move into the shallow region shown in Fig. 5.2. shallow region crest Fig. 5.2 On Fig. 5.2, draw the crests in the shallow region.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5c[1]
Describe what is meant by the diffraction of a water wave.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(i)[1]
State what is meant by ‘frequency’.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(ii)[2]
The trace shown on Fig. 4.2 is produced in 0.050 s. Calculate the frequency of the sound wave.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(iii)[1]
A student near the tuning fork observes the trace and listens to the sound. He notices that the amplitude of the trace decreases. State how the sound heard by the student changes.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(iv)[1]
The tuning fork is replaced by a new tuning fork that produces a sound wave of half the frequency. The controls on the oscilloscope are not changed. On Fig. 4.3, draw the trace obtained with the new tuning fork. The trace obtained with the original tuning fork is shown. original trace
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · May/June 2025 · Q1a[1]
On Fig. 1.1, draw a normal to the block at the point R. Extend your normal 6 cm above side AD and below side BC. Label the point where the normal crosses side BC of the block with the letter T. Measure the angle θ between SR and the normal. θ = °
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · May/June 2025 · Q1b[1]
The student: • • • positions an illuminated slit on the ray‑trace sheet so that a ray of light passes along the line SR towards R marks with small crosses (x) two points on the ray that leaves side BC of the block removes the transparent block. On Fig. 1.1, draw a straight line through the two crosses to meet side BC o...
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · May/June 2025 · Q1c(i)[1]
Measure the length a of line ET on Fig. 1.1. a = cm
See it on the paper → - 5054/42 · May/June 2025 · Q1c(ii)[1]
Measure the length b of line ER on Fig. 1.1. b = cm
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2024 · Q4a(i)[1]
State what is meant by ‘frequency’.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2024 · Q4b(i)[3]
Describe, by referring to the movement of the particles in the wave, the difference between a longitudinal wave and a transverse wave. You may include a labelled diagram to help your description.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2024 · Q4b(ii)[1]
State one source of waves that generates both longitudinal and transverse waves.
See it on the paper → - 5054/41 · May/June 2024 · Q3a(i)[1]
Measure and record distance x on Fig. 3.1. x = cm
See it on the paper → - 5054/41 · May/June 2024 · Q3a(ii)[1]
Fig. 3.1 is drawn to a scale of one fifth full size. Use your answer to (a)(i) to calculate the actual object distance u from the lens. u = cm
See it on the paper → - 5054/41 · May/June 2024 · Q3a(iii)[1]
Deduce the image distance v, the distance from the lens to the screen when a clear image is seen. v = cm
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
The equation v = fλ was known and used by most candidates. The most common error was either due to the incorrect transposition of the formula to make wavelength the subject, or not coping with the manipulation of the large powers of ten in the mathematics.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5054/21 Q4(a) (Cambridge)
Only stronger candidates gave a correct description of the difference between a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave. Few candidates linked the vibration direction to the direction of propagation of the wave. Answers needing more specific detail such as “in a transverse wave the particles move at right angles to the wave” were very common.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5054/21 Q5(b) (Cambridge)
A small number of candidates defined wavelength or discussed amplitude. Most candidates gave answers that related to frequency and so gained some credit. However, many answers did not gain full credit as the statements relating to time were too vague. The answer should have referred to unit time or per unit time or to rate. Candidates need to know that phrases such as “in a certain time” or “in a...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 5054/22 Q6(a) (Cambridge)
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