Physics 0625 · IGCSE · Sound

Sound — practice question

A sound wave propagates through air. Fig. 6.1 gives a pressure-time graph for the air at one point. The graph has pressure on the vertical axis, time on the horizontal axis, a straight line marked atmospheric pressure, and a sinusoidal curve that rises above and falls below this line.
(a(i))[2]

On Fig. 6.1: • put one label C to show a compression • put one label R to show a rarefaction.

(a(ii))[1]

Explain why this graph cannot be used to determine the wavelength of the sound wave.

(a(iii))[1]

State what happens to: • the amplitude of the sound • the frequency of the sound.

(b)[3]

Calculate the wavelength of this sound in water.

(c)[1]

State the approximate speed of sound in air.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: C placed at the peak of the sine wave

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