Practice C.2 Wave model with authentic IB Physics exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1A, 1B, 2 structure, covering key topics like mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
The graph shows the displacement-time representation of two transverse waves (solid and dashed) travelling through the same medium. Both waves have the same amplitude and frequency.
State the amplitude of either wave.
Determine the period of the waves.
Determine the phase difference between the two waves.
Outline one difference between the two waves other than phase.
Explain how the graph supports the principle of superposition.
Two waves of equal amplitude and frequency travel in opposite directions along a string fixed at both ends.
Explain how a standing wave is formed.
Describe the difference between nodes and antinodes in a standing wave.
A standing wave with three antinodes forms on a string of length . Calculate the wavelength of the wave.
The wave has a frequency of . Determine the speed of the wave on the string.
Sketch the wave pattern on the string, labeling all nodes and antinodes.
A ripple tank is used to demonstrate wave behaviour. Straight water waves are directed towards a barrier with a small gap in it.
Describe the diffraction pattern observed when the gap width is smaller than the wavelength of the incident waves.
Suggest how the diffraction pattern changes as the gap becomes significantly wider than the wavelength.
Explain how the degree of diffraction depends on the relationship between wavelength and gap width.
State one similarity and one difference between diffraction of light and water waves.
Discuss how diffraction experiments provide evidence for the wave model of light.
The graph shows the transverse displacement in millimetres of points on a stretched string as a function of distance in metres along the string at a fixed instant in time.
State the amplitude of the wave.
State the wavelength of the wave.
The wave has a frequency of . Calculate the speed of the wave.
Identify whether this is a transverse or longitudinal wave. Justify your answer.
A light wave travels from air into glass.
Define the term “refraction”.
State what happens to the speed of light as it enters the glass.
Identify whether the wavelength increases, decreases, or remains constant in the glass.
Suggest why the direction of the wave changes when it enters the glass.
A student shines a red laser onto a double slit and observes a pattern on a screen.
Sketch and label the intensity pattern observed.
State how the fringe spacing would change if the slit separation is increased.
Explain this change using the interference equation.
A student listens to sound waves from two identical loudspeakers placed in open windows 2.0 m apart. The speakers emit sound of frequency in phase. The student walks parallel to the wall at a distance of 10 m, observing alternating loud and quiet regions.
Explain the formation of alternating loud and quiet regions along the path of the student.
Calculate the wavelength of the sound in air. Assume the speed of sound is .
Determine the path difference required for the first minimum in sound intensity.
Identify the type of interference at the first minimum and justify your answer.
Sketch a top-down view of the setup showing the two windows, wavefronts from each source, and locations of constructive and destructive interference. For part (e), describe the sketch as follows: A top-down diagram showing: Two sources 2.0 m apart Circular wavefronts emanating from both sources A horizontal walking line 10 m below the source line Alternating bands of constructive (loud) and destructive (quiet) interference labelled along that line.
Two speakers emit sound waves of the same frequency and are placed a fixed distance apart.
Define constructive interference.
Explain the condition for constructive interference in terms of path difference.
Describe what a person hears when standing at a point of destructive interference.
A water wave travels with speed and wavelength .
Define the term wavelength.
Calculate the frequency of the wave.
State the unit of frequency.
The graph shows the displacement in millimetres of a point on a string as a function of time in seconds.
State the type of wave represented by the graph.
Determine the amplitude and period of the wave.
Calculate the frequency of the wave.
Outline how you could confirm whether this motion represents simple harmonic motion.
Sketch a graph of the velocity of the point against time, from to .