Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Interference

Interference — practice question

(a(i))[1]

State, with reference to the direction in which energy propagates, what is meant by a transverse wave.

(a(ii))[2]

State the principle of superposition in waves.

(b)

As shown in Fig. 4.1, circular water waves can be generated by vibrating dippers at points P and Q. The waves from P alone have the same amplitude at point R as the waves from Q alone. The distance $PR$ is $44\,\text{cm}$ and the distance $QR$ is $29\,\text{cm}$. The dippers vibrate in phase with a period of $1.5\,\text{s}$ and produce waves with speed $4.0\,\text{cm s}^{-1}$.

(b(i))[2]

Determine the wavelength of these waves.

(b(ii))[3]

Using the distances $PR$ and $QR$, explain why the water particles are at rest at point R.

(c)

A wave is formed on the surface of a different liquid. At one instant, Fig. 4.2 shows how the vertical displacement $y$ varies with distance $x$ along the liquid surface.

(c(i))[2]

Determine the ratio $\frac{I_2}{I_1}$ for the wave at $x = 2.0\,\text{cm}$ and $x = 10.0\,\text{cm}$, where the intensities are $I_1$ and $I_2$ respectively.

(c(ii))[1]

State the phase difference, together with its unit, between the oscillations of the liquid particles at $x = 3.0\,\text{cm}$ and $x = 4.0\,\text{cm}$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Particles displaced at right angles to the direction of energy propagation

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