Packs STUDY.

KS4 SCIENCE
Wave Basics
Wave speed = Frequency x Wavelength

Study
This Study Pack aims to cover:
1. Describing Waves using keywords – wavelength, amplitude & frequency
Student Name

2. How to calculate Wave speed, Wavelength and frequency using The Wave

speed Equation. SP9

Study Packs are prepared by Qualified Teachers and Specialists and are a complete range of comprehensive
compiled resources based on the UK National Curriculum covering the Primary and Secondary Frameworks
including SATs and GCSE examinations.
 Contents
Wave speed calculation Notes 2-6

Practice questions 7-16

Exam questions 17-25

Mark scheme 26-32

1
2
Longitudinal and transverse waves
You should be able to describe the characteristics of transverse and longitudinal waves.

Transverse waves
In transverse waves, the oscillations (vibrations) are at right angles to the direction of travel and
energy transfer

Light and other types of electromagnetic radiation are transverse waves. All types of electromagnetic
waves travel at the same speed through a vacuum, such as through space.

3
Longitudinal waves
In longitudinal waves, the oscillations are along the same direction as the direction of travel and
energy transfer.

Sound waves and waves in a stretched spring are longitudinal waves. P waves (relatively fast moving
longitudinal seismic waves that travel through liquids and solids) are also longitudinal waves.

Longitudinal waves show area of compression and rarefaction. In the animation, the areas of
compression are where the parts of the spring are close together, while the areas of rarefaction are
where they are far apart.

Amplitude, wavelength and frequency

You should understand what is meant by the amplitude, wavelength and frequency of a wave.

Amplitude
As waves travel, they set up patterns of disturbance. The amplitude of a wave is its maximum
disturbance from its undisturbed position. Take care: the amplitude is not the distance between the top
and bottom of a wave
Wavelength
The wavelength of a wave is the distance
between a point on one wave and the same
point on the next wave. It is often easiest to

4
 Frequency
The frequency of a wave is the number of waves produced by a source each second. It is also the
number of waves that pass a certain point each
second.

The unit of frequency is the hertz (Hz). It is common for kilohertz (kHz), megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz
(GHz) to be used when waves have very high frequencies. For example, most people cannot
hear a high-pitched sound above 20 kHz, radio stations broadcast radio with frequencies of
waves
about 100 MHz, while most wireless computer networks operate at 2.4 GHz.

5
6
Wave calculations Aim
To practise wave calculations.

1 Calculate and insert the missing values in the table below.

frequency  wavelength = speed
(in hertz, Hz) (in metres, m) (in metres/second, m/s)

Frequency Wavelength (in Speed

(in hertz, Hz) metres, m) (in metres/second, m/s)

A 500 1500

B 0.50 1200

C 1000 0.34

D 0.03 300 million

E 150 million 300 million

F 20 000 0.015
2 Water waves on a lake pass by a boat which is anchored.
a) A wave crest passes the boat every 4.0 seconds. Calculate the frequency of the waves in
hertz.
...................................................................................................................................................
b) The distance from one wave crest to the next wave trough is 5.0 m.
i) Calculate the wavelength of the waves.

.............................................................................................................................................
ii) Calculate the speed of the water waves.

.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................................

Waves – knowing the words is half the battle

Aims
In this worksheet you will practise your understanding of some of the basic terms involved with waves. If
you know what the words mean it will help you understand the topic of waves.

The diagram shows a wave on the surface of water at one point in time.

7
 a On the diagram draw an arrow to show: i the amplitude of the wave. Label the arrow as
amplitude.
ii the wavelength of the wave. Label the arrow as wavelength.

b i How many waves are there between P and Q? …………………………………..

ii The distance between P and Q is 600 cm. What is the wavelength of the wave?

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

c Water waves are transverse. On the diagram draw an arrow to show how the particles in the
water at Q vibrate as the wave passes. Label the arrow “transverse vibration”.

d i The top point on a wave is called a crest. What is the name for the bottom point of a wave?

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

ii As the wave moves, what do you see happening to the crests?

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

iii As the wave moves, what do you see happening to a particle at Q? Complete the sentence:

In a transverse wave a particle vibrates

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

The diagram shows molecules of air in a sound wave. These molecules also vibrate. They vibrate as
a longitudinal wave. You may have seen a slinky being used to show a longitudinal vibration.

8
 a On the diagram draw an arrow to show how the molecule at P vibrates as the sound wave passes.
Label the arrow ‘longitudinal vibration’.

b i P is a point in the wave called a rarefaction. What is the name of the point Q in the wave?

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

ii Is the air pressure higher at P or at Q? Explain how you know.

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

iii In your own words, describe the vibration of a particle at P. Complete the sentence.

In a longitudinal wave a particle vibrates ………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Look at the list of words that are used to describe waves.

frequency amplitude wavelength longitudinal

electromagnetic seismic (shock)

Which word in the list describes:

a the distance between one crest and the next crest of a wave?......................................................

b the maximum distance a particle in a wave vibrates from its mean position?...............................

c the number of waves passing a point in one second?.................................................................

d a type of wave that is always transverse?.......................................................................... …….

Waves
1 Draw labelled diagrams to explain what is meant by
a a transverse wave (2)

b a longitudinal wave (2)

2 Match the words in the list with the descriptions 1 to 4 in the table. (4)

9
A amplitude

B frequency

C wave speed
D wavelength
Description
1 The distance travelled by a wave crest every second.
2 The distance from one crest to the next.
3 The height of the wave crest from the rest position.
4 The number of crests passing a fixed point every second.

3 Which of the following is a correct description of the image in a plane mirror?

A It is a virtual image

B It can be focused on to a screen

C It is on the surface of the mirror

D It is upside down

................................................................................................................................... (1)

4. Give one similarity and one difference between a sound wave and a light wave.

...................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................... (2)

5. A sound wave in air has a frequency of 256 Hz. The wavelength of the wave is 1.3 m.
Calculate the speed of sound in air? Write down the equation you use. Show clearly how you
work out your answer and give the unit.

...................................................................................................................................
................................................................................................................................... (2)

6 a Give one example of each of the following from

everyday life. i reflection of light

(1)
....................................................................................................................................................................................

ii reflection of sound
(1)
....................................................................................................................................................................................

iii refraction of light

(1)
....................................................................................................................................................................................

iv diffraction of sound

................................................................................................................................... (1)

b We do not normally see diffraction of light in everyday life.

Suggest a reason for this.

10
................................................................................................................................... (2)
[Link] waves travel at a speed of 300 000 000 m/s.
BBC Radio 4 is transmitted using a wavelength of 1500 metres.
Calculate the frequency of these waves?
Write down the equation you use. Show clearly how you work out your answer and give the
unit.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................... [H] (3)

8 In this question you will be assessed on using good English, organising information clearly and using
specialist terms where appropriate.

The diagram shows an oscilloscope trace of the sound wave produced by a musical instrument.

Explain, in detail, how the wave form would change if the instrument produced a sound which was
louder and at a higher pitch.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................... ...........................

........................................................................................................

6 marks
11
 Wave speed formula worksheet
Aims
In this worksheet you will look at a wave diagram to calculate speed and frequency and show your
understanding of how sound travels through air.

Questions
[Link] diagram shows four wave crests as they move across a ripple tank at a time t = 0.

a What is the wavelength of one wave? ………………………………………………………… b

A crest takes 6 seconds to move from A to D.
i How long does a crest take to move from C to D? ……………………………………… ii Use
your answer to work out what fraction of a wavelength passes the point D in one second.

.....................................................................................................................

distance iii Use the formula speed =

to find the speed of the wave. time

.....................................................................................................................

iv Use the formula speed = frequency  wavelength to find the frequency of the wave.

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................

v Your answer to part ii and iv should be the same. Why is this?

(Hint – what does frequency mean?)

.....................................................................................................................

c On the diagram, draw the position of the four crests 3 seconds later.
Use your answers to part a and b to help you.

12
Sound travels through the air from a loudspeaker. The diagram shows some of the molecules in the
air as the sound passes.

d The sound passes from left to right. i Describe what happens to the molecules in
the air as the sound travels.

.....................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................

ii On the diagram above, draw an arrow to show how the molecule at P moves. iii
On the diagram above, mark a distance that represents one wavelength.
Label your distance ’wavelength’.
e On the diagram, P is shown at a rarefaction. What is meant by a rarefaction?

..........................................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................................

f The sound has a frequency of 600 Hz. The speed of sound in air is 300 m/s.
Use the formula speed = frequency  wavelength to calculate the wavelength of the sound
wave.

..........................................................................................................................

g The pitch of the sound increases. i What happens to the frequency of the sound?

.....................................................................................................................

ii What happens to the wavelength of the

sound? .....................................................................................................................
13
 iii What happens to the movement of the molecule in the air at P?

.....................................................................................................................

h) Electromagnetic waves travel at a speed of 300 000 000 m/s.

BBC Radio 4 is transmitted using a wavelength of 1500 metres.

Calculate the frequency of these waves?
Write down the equation you use. Show clearly how you work out your answer and give the
unit.

...................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................... [H] (3)

I ) Radio waves are received by a house at the bottom of a hill. The waves travel at a speed of 3 x 108 ms 1 and have
a frequency of 6 x 105 Hz.
a Rearrange the formula wave speed = frequency  wavelength to complete the equation below.
wavelength =

b Calculate the wavelength of these waves (Take care. On most calculators you type
3 EXP 8  6 EXP 5 

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

c The diagram shows the radio waves moving over the hill.

How have the waves reached the house?

………………………………………………………………………………………

d Another radio station emits waves of frequency 6 x 108 Hz.

i Calculate the wavelength of these radio waves. ………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

ii Fill in the gaps in the sentence below.

As the frequency of the radio waves decreases, the wavelength ………………………, while

the speed of the waves …………………………………………

14
 Wave Test yourself
1. Draw on the wavelength and the amplitude of the following waves. (4)

6 Seconds

6 Seconds

2. Calculate the time period and the frequency of each wave. (4) 3. A
wave travelling at 3000 m/s has a wavelength of 1 m.
a. Calculate the frequency of the wave.
b. Calculate the time period of the wave.
c. How many complete wave cycles will occur in:
i. 1 second?
ii. 10 seconds?
iii. 1 minute? (5)
4. A radio wave has a wavelength of 1000 m and a frequency of 3x105 Hz.
Calculate the wave speed. (1)
5. A gamma wave has a wavelength of 1x10 m and a frequency of 3x1020
-12

Hz. Calculate the wave speed. (1)

1. Draw on the wavelength and the amplitude of the following waves. (4)
15
 6 Seconds

6 Seconds

2. Calculate the time period and the frequency of each wave. (4) 3. A
wave travelling at 3000 m/s has a wavelength of 1 m.
a. Calculate the frequency of the wave.
b. Calculate the time period of the wave.
c. How many complete wave cycles will occur in:
i. 1 second?
ii. 10 seconds?
iii. 1 minute? (5)
4. A radio wave has a wavelength of 1000 m and a frequency of 3x105 Hz.
Calculate the wave speed. (1)
5. A gamma wave has a wavelength of 1x10-12 m and a frequency of 3x1020
Hz. Calculate the wave speed. (1)

Exam Questions
Q1. The diagram shows a water wave drawn to scale.
16
 (a) What is the wavelength of this water wave? ............................... cm
(1)

(b) What is the amplitude? ............................... cm

(1) (c) Twelve waves pass an observer in four seconds.

What is the frequency of the waves? Show clearly how you work out your answer and
give the unit.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

Frequency = .....................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

Q2. The diagram shows oscilloscope traces of four waves, A, B, C and D. All four waves are
drawn to the same scale.

Which wave has:

(a) the longest wavelength; ..........

(b) the greatest amplitude; ..........

(c) the highest frequency? ..........

(Total 3 marks)

Q3. The diagram shows some waves travelling along a rope.

17
 (a) Show on the diagram

(i) the wavelength of one of the waves

(2)
(ii) the amplitude of one of the waves
(2)

(b) The waves shown on the diagram were produced in two seconds.

What is the frequency of the waves?

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

Q4. (a) The diagram shows a wave pattern.

Which letter, L, M or N shows:

(i) the wavelength? ...................

(ii) the amplitude? .....................

(2)

(c) Describe how you could show that visible light travels in straight lines. You may wish to
draw a diagram to help explain your answer.

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)

Q5. The vibration caused by a P wave travelling at 7.6 km/s has been recorded on a seismic
chart.

18
 (i) How many waves are produced in one second?

.....................................................................................................................................
(1) (ii) Write down the equation which links frequency, wavelength and wave speed.

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(iii) Calculate the wavelength of the P wave. Show clearly how you work out your answer and give the
unit.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

Wavelength = ...............................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)

Q6. The diagram shows four oscilloscope wave traces. The controls of the oscilloscope were the
same for each wave trace.

Which one of the waves traces, A, B, C or D, has:

(i) the largest amplitude, ................................................................................................

(1)
(ii) the lowest frequency? ................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 2 marks)

Q7. (a) The diagram shows a longitudinal wave being produced in a stretched spring.

19
(i) Use the bold words from the diagram to complete the following sentence. Put only one
word in each space.

A longitudinal wave is one in which the ..................................... causing

the wave is parallel to the ..................................... of energy transfer.

(2) (ii) Name the type of energy that is transferred by longitudinal waves.

...............................................................................................................
(1)
(b) The diagram shows water waves made by a wave machine in a swimming pool.

Every second, two waves go past a person standing in the swimming pool.

The waves have a wavelength of 0.8 metres.

Calculate the speed of the water waves.

Write down the equation you use, and then show clearly how you work out your answer.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

Wave speed = ......................................... m/s

(2)

(c) The graph shows how the speed of deep ocean waves depends on the wavelength of the waves.

20
 What can you conclude from the graph?

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................ (2)
(Total 7 marks)

Q8. Water waves can be made by vibrating a wooden bar up and down in a tray of water.

The bar moves up and down at a frequency of 5 hertz.

(a) Calculate the speed, in cm/s, of the water waves.

Write down the equation you use and then show clearly how you work out your answer.

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

........................................................................................................................

Wave speed = ................................... cm/s

(3)

(b) The graph shows how the speed of deep ocean waves depends on the wavelength of the
waves.

21
 Use the graph to
predict a speed for waves
with a wavelength of 140
m.

Show clearly how you have used

the graph to work out your
answer.

Speed of waves =
.................................. m/s
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

Q9. (a) Microwaves are one type of electromagnetic wave.

(i) Which type of electromagnetic wave has a lower frequency than microwaves?

...........................................................................................................................
(1) (ii)

What do all types of electromagnetic wave transfer from one place to another?

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b) The picture shows a tennis coach using a speed gun to measure how fast the player
serves the ball.

(i) The microwaves transmitted by the speed gun have a frequency of 24 000 000 000 Hz and travel through the
air at 300 000 000 m/s.

Use the equation in the box to calculate the wavelength of the microwaves emitted from the speed gun.

wave speed = frequency × wavelength

Show clearly how you work out your answer.

...........................................................................................................................

22
 ...........................................................................................................................

Wavelength = .............................. m
(2)
(ii) Some of the microwaves transmitted by the speed gun are absorbed by the ball.

What effect will the absorbed microwaves have on the ball?

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(iii) Some of the microwaves transmitted by the speed gun are reflected from the
moving ball back towards the speed gun.

Describe how the wavelength and frequency of the microwaves change as they are
reflected from the moving ball.

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
(2
) (Total 7 marks) Q10. All radio waves travel at 300 000 000 m/s in air.

(i) Give the equation that links the frequency, speed and wavelength of a wave.

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) Calculate the wavelength, in metres, of a radio wave which is broadcast at a frequency of
909 kHz. Show clearly how you work out your answer.

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

Wavelength = ............................... metres

(2)
(Total 3 marks)

Q11. Microwaves are used to transmit signals to the satellite. The microwaves have a wavelength of
0.6 metres (m) and travel through space at a speed of 300 000 000 metres per second (m/s).

(i) Write down the equation which links frequency, wavelength and wave speed.

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii) Calculate the frequency of the microwaves. Show clearly how you work out your answer
and give the unit.

23
 .....................................................................................................................................

.................. Frequency = ..........................................

(3)

Q12. The diagram shows a wave travelling along a rope.

(a) On the diagram:

(i) show the wavelength and label it W;

(ii) show the amplitude and label it A.

(2) (b) The wavelength of the wave is 0. I m. Its frequency is 2 Hz.

Calculate the speed of the wave. Show clearly how you work out your answer and give
the unit.

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

Speed of wave .................................................................

(3)
(Total 5 marks)

Q13. (a) The wavelengths of four different types of electromagnetic wave, including visible
light waves, are given in the table.

Type of wave Wavelength

Visible light 0.0005 mm

A 1.1 km

B 100 mm

C 0.18 mm

Which of the waves, A, B or C, is an infra red wave? ....................................

(1
) (b) A TV station broadcasts at 500 000 kHz. The waves travel through the air at 300 000 000 m/s.

Use the equation in the box to calculate the wavelength of the waves broadcast by this
station.

wave speed = frequency × wavelength

24
 Show clearly how you work out your answer.

..................................................................................................................................... ..........
...........................................................................................................................

Wavelength = .............................. m
(2)
(c) What happens when a metal aerial absorbs radio waves?

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(d) Stars emit all types of electromagnetic waves. Telescopes that monitor X-rays are mounted
on satellites in space.

Why would an X-ray telescope based on Earth not be able to detect X-rays emitted from
distant stars?

.....................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... (1)
(Total 6 marks)

Q14. Radio waves, ultra-violet, visible light and X-rays are all types of electromagnetic
radiation.

(a) Choose wavelengths from the list below to complete the table. 3 × 10 m 1 × –8

10 m–11
5 × 10 m 1500 m
–7

TYPE OF RADIATION WAVELENGTH (m)

Radio waves

Ultra-violet

Visible light

X-rays
(4)

(b) Microwaves are another type of electromagnetic radiation.

Calculate the frequency of microwaves of wavelength 3 cm.

(The velocity of electromagnetic waves is 3 × 108 m/s.)

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................... (4)
25
(Total 8 marks)

26
Mark scheme
M1. (a) 4 M4. (a) (i) L
1 1

(b) 3 (ii) N
1 1

(c) 3 (c) the answer should be in the form: not

correct answer with no working = 2 inside the eye
allow 1 mark for f = number ÷ time
or correct working i.e., 12 ÷ 4
either for both marks an arrangement which could
N.B. correct answer from incorrectly
recalled relationship / substitution = 0 demonstrate visibly light
2 travels in straight lines
full credit should be given for answer presented as a
diagram and
Hz / hertz
an explanation of how it shows the straightness
accept HZ, hz, hZ
allow waves / cycles per second
or for one mark
allow wps, w/s, cps, c/s
1
named device which uses principle of light travelling in
straight lines to work
M2. (a) D examples
1 light (from a street lamp) strikes an object producing a
shadow
(b) C laser light travelling through (fine) dust shows a straight
1 beam
three pieces of card with central holes need to be lined
(c) B up to be able to see through the third hole from the
1 first ray box type experiment using mirrors/prisms, etc
beams on paper or in smoke torch beams through
[5]
smoke
M3. (a) (i) a horizontal distance indicated and labelled
gains 1 mark
example devices:–
–pinhole camera (qualification may get second mark)
but horizontal distance indicated between
identical points on –periscope
adjacent waves (to within 3-4mm) and –optical fibre
labelled
–reflection ‘in a mirror
gains 2 marks 2
2
[3]

(ii) peak ↔ trough indicated* M5. (i) 0.5 1

gains 1 mark [4]
(ii) wave speed = frequency wavelength accept v =
but
f × λ accept s for v
peak / trough ↔ mean indicated*
accept m/s = Hz m accept
(* to within 1-2mm either end)
gains 2 marks
(allow 1 mark if both lines unlabelled or 2 marks if
both lines providing
accurately drawn and unlabelled) subsequent
2 method correct
1
(b) • 1.5
(iii) 15.2 km
• hertz / Hz or (waves / cycles) per both numerical answer and unit are required for both
second marks numerical answer and unit must be consistent
for 1 mark each allow 1 mark for 15.2 with incorrect or no unit allow 2
(do not allow marks for an answer of 1.52 km if the answer to
wavelength /
(b)(i) was given as 5 r 1 mark for correct
hertz per second)
2 transformation or 1 mark for correct use of speed
= distance/time
unit on its own
gains no credit
2

M7. (a) (i) oscillation

1
M6. (i) B
1 direction
1
[6] correct order only [4]

27
28
 (ii) sound
(ii) A 1
1 (b) 1.6
allow 1 mark for correct
[2) substitution into correct equation ie 2 x 0.8
2
M8. (a) 40 (cm/s) correct
answer an answer 0.4 m/s gains
(c) as the wavelength increases so does the wave speed 1
full credit if answer is incorrect
allow 1 mark for correct wavelength λ = 8 cm extra information eg wave speed increases faster
or between
allow 2 marks for correct substitution into the 0-40 m than between 100-140 m
correct equation, ie. V = 5 × 8 or
or
allow 2 marks for clearly stated wrong
wavelength correctly substituted into correct
equation and correctly calculated, ie not in proportion
λ = 16 cm/s 1
V = 5 × 16
= 80

(b) line extended following pattern [7]

3
M10. (i) speed = frequency ×
1 wavelength accept the equation rearranged
14 m/s
accept their numerical value, if not 14, accept v or s = f × λ do not allow w for
provided the first mark has been awarded wavelength do not accept

M9. (a) (i) radio(waves) 1 [5]

1
(ii) energy
correct answer only
unless subsequent
calculation correct
1
(b) (i) 0.0125 (m) 1
allow 1 mark for correct transformation and
substitution
(ii) 330 (m) allow 1 mark for λ =

2
(ii) make it hot(ter)
do not accept cook it
accept (air) particles inside ball will move faster
accept water in the ball gets hotter

1 or 300 000 000 = 909 000 × λ

(iii) wavelength decreases
or answer of 330000(m) or 330033(m)
ignore reference to speed 2

1
frequency increases M12. (a) any two successive peaks labelled W
accept any 2 points on same part of adjacent waves
1 [7] correct by eye
1
M11. (i) wave speed = frequency × wavelength [3]
accept correct transformation
half ‘height’ of wave labelled A
accept v = f × λ
correct by eye
accept s for speed
accept m/s = Hz x m N.B. at least one of the answers must be labelled
1

accept if subsequent use of (b) 0.2

correct answer with no working = 2 allow 1 mark for s =
f x w or correct working i.e., 2 × 0.1
N.B. correct answer from incorrectly recalled
is correct relationship = 0
2
(ii) 500 000 000 1 m/s (unit)
credit for 1 mark correct transformation in words or independent mark do not allow mps or mHz
numbers or correct substitution 1

2
Hertz
3 marks for 500 000k Hz or 500 MHz
numerical answer and unit must be consistent for full
credit [5]

1 [4]

29
30
M13. (a) C or 0.18 mm
1

(b) 0.6 m
allow 1 mark for correct transformation
and substitution allow 1 mark for changing
frequency to Hz
answer 600 gains
1 mark
2

(c) creates an alternating current

accept ‘ac’ for alternating current
accept alternating voltage
1

with the same frequency as the radio wave

accept signal for radio wave

or it gets hotter
1

(d) X-rays cannot penetrate the atmosphere

accept atmosphere stops X-rays do
not accept atmosphere in the way

or X-rays are absorbed (by the atmosphere)

before reaching Earth
ignore explanations
1
[6]

M14. (a) radio – 1500 ultra

violet 3 × 10–8
visible – 5 × 10–7
X-rays – 1 × 10–11
4

(b) 1 × 1010Hz 1010HzOK

for 4 marks

else 1 × 1010
for 3 marks

else 3 × 108/0.03 for 2 marks

else v = frequency × wavelength or 3 × 10 8 = 0.03f any

answer with unit Hz scores 1, 2 or 3
for 1 mark
4
[8]

31
Waves – knowing the words is half the battle
Answers to questions a and c (wavelength
can be any complete wave)

wavelength

amplitude
transverse
i3 vibration b
ii 200 cm

d i Trough. ii They
move to the right.
iii In a transverse wave a particle vibrates up and down at right angles to the direction of travel of the wave.
a

b i Compression.
ii The air pressure is higher at Q. The molecules are closer together. iii In a longitudinal
wave a particle vibrates back and forth along the direction of travel of the wave.

3 a wavelength b
amplitude c
frequency d
electromagnetic

Wave speed worksheet answers 2 a Diagram must show direction of wave travel.

Diagram must show direction of vibration perpendicular to direction of wave travel.

b Diagram must show direction of wave travel. 2
Diagram must show direction of vibration parallel to direction of wave travel.

 A amplitude 3 4
B frequency 4
C wave speed 1
D wavelength 2

 A It is a virtual image. 1

4 Similarity: They can both be reflected, refracted, diffracted. 2

Difference: Light waves are much faster /sound waves are much slower OR light waves are
transverse/sound waves are longitudinal.

5 v = f × λ so 256 × 1.3 = 333 m/s 2

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 6 a i Any example using a mirror/water or a shiny smooth surface. 1 ii Any example of an echo. 1 iii
Any example using a lens, e.g. spectacles, cameras. 1 iv Any example of hearing a sound around a corner. 1
b The wavelength of light is very small, so diffraction only occurs when light passes through a very narrow
gap. 2 OR
The wavelength of light is very small, so the diffraction effect is very small.

7 Wave speed = frequency  wavelength 3

speed
Frequency =
wavelength
300 000 000 m/s
Frequency =
1500 m
Frequency = 200 000 Hz

8 There is a clear, balanced and detailed description of how the wave form would change including 5-6
increased amplitude and frequency. The answer shows almost faultless spelling, punctuation and
grammar. It is coherent and in an organised, logical sequence. It contains a range of appropriate or
relevant specialist terms used accurately.

There is a description of at least one of the ways in which the wave form would change. There are some errors
3-4
in spelling, punctuation and grammar. The answer has some structure and organisation. The use of
specialist terms has been attempted, but not always accurately.

There is a brief description of at least one way in which the wave form would change, which has little clarity
and detail. The spelling, punctuation and grammar are very weak. The answer is poorly
organised with almost no specialist terms and/or their use demonstrating a general lack of 1-2 understanding
of their meaning. No relevant content.
Examples of physics points made in the response:
• louder sound means larger amplitude 0
• so height of crests increases
• depth of troughs increases
• speed is constant
• higher pitch means higher frequency • so wavelength becomes smaller • crests are closer together.

Waves speed formula answers

Answers to questions

a)Three wavelengths is 12 cm, so one wavelength is 4 cm.

b A crest takes 6 seconds to move from A to D.

i 1/3 of 6 seconds = 2 seconds ii half a wave, 0.5 iii 2 cm/s iv 0.5 Hz
v Frequency is the number of waves that pass a point in one second.
c

d i The molecules stay in the same place but vibrate backwards and forwards from left to right.
ii See diagram iii
See diagram

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 e) A position where the molecules are far apart and where air pressure is the lowest as the wave passes. f)300
 600 = 0.5 m
g)

iv frequency increases ii wavelength decreases iii The molecule at P vibrates faster from side to
side; each complete vibration takes a shorter time. h)

Wave speed = frequency  wavelength 3

speed
Frequency =
wavelength
300 000 000 m/s
Frequency =
1500 m
Frequency = 200 000 Hz

i).a wavelength = wave speed / frequency

b  = c / f = 3 x108 / 6 x 105 = 500 m

c By diffraction over the hill.

d Another radio station emits waves of frequency 6 x 108 Hz.

i  = c / f = 3 x 108 / 6 x 108 = 0.5 m

ii Fill in the gaps in the sentence below.

As the frequency of the radio waves decreases, the wavelength increases, while
the speed of the waves remains the same.

Test yourself Worksheet Answers

[Link] correctly drawn for both (2) or for one (1) Amplitudes
correctly drawn for both (2) or for one (1)

[Link] wave: time period = 6 s/2 = 3 s (1)

Frequency = 1/3 s = 0.3 Hz (1)

Second wave: time period = 6 s/6 = 1 s (1) Frequency
= 1/1 s = 1 Hz (1)

3.A wave travelling at 3000 m/s has a wavelength of 1 m.

a. f = v/ = 3000/1 = 3000 Hz. (1)

b. T = 1/f = 1/3000 = 3.3x10-4 s (1)
c. How many complete wave cycles will occur in:
i. 1/3.3x10-4 s = 3000 wave cycles. (1)
ii. 10/3.3x10-4 s = 30000 wave cycles. (1)
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 iii. 60/3.3x10-4 s = 180 000 wave cycles. (1)
4. v = f = 1000 x 3x105 = 3x108 m/s (1)
5.v = f = 1x10-12 x 3x1020 = 3x108 m/v (1)

Total Marks: 15

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