Sound: past paper questions
Real questions on sound
The newest 20 of 28 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 5054/22 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(i)[2]
the mass of the water that hits the wall in 1.0 s mass = kg
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2025 · Q3a(ii)[2]
the horizontal momentum of the water that hits the wall in 1.0 s. momentum = kg m / s (ii)
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2025 · Q4a[2]
Describe the motion of the air particles as the sound wave passes from the tuning fork to the microphone.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2025 · Q4c(i)[2]
On Fig. 4.4, draw the three wavefronts after they pass through the gap.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2025 · Q4c(ii)[1]
State the name of the process involved as the wavefronts pass through the gap and reach P.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2024 · Q5a[2]
Ultrasound waves cannot travel in a vacuum. Explain why.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2024 · Q5b[2]
Describe how a longitudinal wave differs from a transverse wave.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2024 · Q5c(i)[3]
Calculate the wavelength of this ultrasound wave in soft human tissue. wavelength = m
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2024 · Q5c(ii)[2]
The ultrasound wave passes from the soft tissue into bone where the speed of the ultrasound wave is greater than 1500 m / s. State what happens to the frequency and to the wavelength of the ultrasound wave as it passes into the bone. frequency
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2024 · Q4a(ii)[2]
Calculate the speed of ultrasound in air. Show your working. speed = m / s
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · May/June 2024 · Q4a(iii)[1]
State one use of ultrasound.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2022 · Q4a[3]
Describe an experiment to show that a medium is required to transmit sound waves. You may draw a labelled diagram if you wish.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2022 · Q4b[2]
When a sound wave passes through air or water, the molecules of the air or water move. Describe the motion of the molecules due to the sound wave.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2022 · Q4c[1]
Describe what is meant by ‘a rarefaction’.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · October/November 2022 · Q4d[2]
Fig. 4.1 shows a dolphin. Fig. 4.1 The range of audible sound frequencies for the dolphin is 75 Hz to 140 000 Hz. In water, the speed of sound is 1500 m / s. Calculate the smallest wavelength of sound in water that the dolphin can hear. wavelength =
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2021 · Q8b(ii)[3]
The vibrating cone produces sound in the surrounding air. Explain, in terms of molecules, how the cone produces a sound wave that travels through the air.
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2021 · Q8b(iv)[2]
Using Fig. 8.2, determine the number of times that the cone reverses its direction of motion in 1.0 s. number =
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2021 · Q8b(v)[2]
The speed of sound in air is 340 m / s. Calculate the wavelength of the sound. wavelength =
See it on the paper → - 5054/21 · October/November 2021 · Q8c(i)[2]
Explain any effect on the loudness of the sound.
See it on the paper → - 5054/22 · May/June 2021 · Q4a(i)[1]
On Fig. 4.1, draw tube B in the position where the sound heard by the student is loudest.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
The answers given to this part varied widely. Some candidates gave clear and detailed descriptions of an experiment with which they were clearly familiar.
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 5054/22 Q4(a) (Cambridge)
This part was only answered well by stronger candidates. Many answers did not describe the vibration of the molecules.
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 5054/22 Q4(b) (Cambridge)
Appropriate answers were common with candidates referring to the molecular separation more often than the pressure or density. Answers such as “where the wavelength is greater” showed a common misunderstanding. There were a few candidates who described what was meant by refraction.
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 5054/22 Q4(c) (Cambridge)
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