Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2020

Last exams 2024

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Stationary Waves (CIE AS Physics)

Exam Questions

57 mins33 questions
1
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3 marks
(i)
By reference to the direction of transfer of energy, state what is meant by a transverse wave.

[1]

(ii)
State the principle of superposition.

[2]

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2a
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4 marks

A stationary wave on a string is shown in Fig. 1.1.

Explain how the wave is formed, referring to the principle of superposition in your answer.

8-1-2a-m-standing-wave
2b
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1 mark

On Fig. 1.1, draw the stationary wave that would be formed on the string in part (a) with two more nodes and two more antinodes.

2c
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5 marks

Fig. 1.2 shows the appearance of a stationary wave on a stretched string at one instant in time.

8-1-2c--m-stationary-wave-1-q

Mark clearly on the diagram

(i)
the equilibrium position,
[1]
 
(ii)
at least two nodes by labelling them N, and two antinodes by labelling them A,
[2]
  
(iii)
the direction in which points Q, R, S and T are about to move.

[2]

2d
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3 marks

For the wave in Fig. 1.2 the frequency of vibration is 180 Hz and the speed of the waves along the string is 60 m s–1.

For this wave

  
(i)
Calculate the time period the stationary wave on the string.
[1]
 
(ii)
Calculate the length of the string.
[2]

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3a
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3 marks

Fig. 1.1 shows a stationary wave formed on a guitar string fixed at P and Q when it is plucked at its centre.

8-1-3a-m-standing-wave

X is a point on the string at maximum displacement.

Explain why a stationary wave is formed on the string

3b
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3 marks

The stationary wave in Fig. 1.1 is the D string of the guitar which has a frequency of 146.83 Hz.

Calculate the time taken for the string at point X to move from maximum displacement to its next maximum displacement.

3c
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2 marks

The progressive waves on the string travel at a speed of 190 m s–1.

Calculate length of the D string.

3d
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3 marks

A guitarist presses on the string at point R to shorten it and create the higher note ‘E’. The distance between R and Q in Fig. 1.2 is 0.29 m.

8-1-3d-m-shortened-string

The speed of the progressive wave remains at 190 m s–1 and the tension remains constant.

Calculate the frequency of note E.

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