Refraction & Reflection (OCR A Level Physics): Exam Questions

This question is about waves.

The period of a progressive wave can be determined from Fig. 16.1. Add a correct label to the horizontal axis so that the period can be found.

Fig. 16.1

A progressive wave has wavelength , frequency f and period T.

Show that the speed v of the wave is given by the equation v = f.

A scientist is investigating the interference of light using very thin transparent material.

A sample of the transparent material is placed in a vacuum.

Fig. 16.2 shows the path of two identical rays of light L and M from a laser.

Fig. 16.2

The refractive index of the material is 1.20. The thickness of the material is 1.5 × 10^–6 m.

The wavelength of the light in vacuum is 6.0 × 10^–7 m.

i) Show that the difference in time t for the two rays to travel between the dashed lines X and Y is 1.0 × 10^–15 s.

t = ....................................... s  [3]

ii) Calculate the period T of the light wave.

T = ...................................... s  [2]

iii) The rays of light are in phase at the dashed line X.

Use your two answers above to state the phase difference φ in degrees between the light rays at Y.

φ = ........................................ °  [1]

The speed v of surface water waves in shallow water of depth d is given by the equation v = , where g is the acceleration of free fall.

The speed v is about 1ms^–1 for a depth of about 10cm.

You are provided with a rectangular plastic tray, supply of water and other equipment available in the laboratory.

Describe how an experiment can be conducted in the laboratory to test the validity of the equation above and how the data can be analysed to determine a value for g.