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Combined science (Edexcel Foundation)
Measuring waves

Starter quiz

  • The figure shows the displacement-time graph for a wave. Which of these correctly describe the features of this wave?
    The figure shows the displacement-time graph for a wave. Which of these correctly describe the features of this wave?
    • A is the wave period.
    • A is the wavelength.  ✓
    • B is the wavelength.
    • B is the amplitude.  ✓
    • C is the amplitude.
  • A student wants to measure the speed of a wave in a spring. Which quantities do they need to measure to calculate the speed?
    A student wants to measure the speed of a wave in a spring. Which quantities do they need to measure to calculate the speed?
    • The amplitude of the wave.
    • The distance the wave travels.  ✓
    • The wavelength of the wave.
    • The time the wave travels for.  ✓
    • The direction of the wave.
  • Waves can be produced in a rope by shaking one end up and down. Match the changes to their effects on the wave in the rope.
    Waves can be produced in a rope by shaking one end up and down. Match the changes to their effects on the wave in the rope.
    • to increase the amplitude
      ⇔
      shake the end up and down a greater distance ✓
    • to decrease the amplitude
      ⇔
      shake the end up and down a smaller distance ✓
    • to increase the frequency
      ⇔
      shake the end up and down more times each second ✓
    • to decrease the frequency
      ⇔
      shake the end up and down less times each second ✓
  • An oscilloscope and microphone are used to display the waveform for a sound wave. What will happen to the waveform if the frequency of the sound wave is increased?
    An oscilloscope and microphone are used to display the waveform for a sound wave. What will happen to the waveform if the frequency of the sound wave is increased?
    • The wave peaks will be closer together.  ✓
    • The wave peaks will be further apart.
    • The waves will be less tall.
    • The waves will be taller.
    • The wave shape will not change.
  • On a pond, a ripple travels 0.30 m in 0.40 s. What is the speed of the wave?
    • 1.2 m/s
    • 1.0 m/s
    • 0.75 m/s  ✓
    • 4.3 m/s
  • Sound waves travel at 330 m/s in air. How long will it take a sound wave to travel 5.0 km?
    • 0.15 s
    • 6.6 s
    • 15 s  ✓
    • 66 s
    • 150 s
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