P1 5 Waves Foundation Questions

Q1. (a) The diagram shows a ray of light being reflected by a plane mirror.
Which of the angles, a, b, c or d, is:
the angle of incidence;
the angle of reflection?

(2)
(b) The diagram shows a road junction seen from above.
A mirror placed at the side of the road allows the driver of car X to see car Y.
Using the same mirror symbol given in part (a), draw a plane mirror to show how it should
be placed so that the driver of car X can see car Y.
(2)
(Total 4 marks)
Q2. (a) The diagram shows a longitudinal wave being produced in a stretched spring.
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(i) Use the bold words from the diagram to complete the following sentence. Put only
one word in each space.
A longitudinal wave is one in which the ........................................... causing
the wave is parallel to the ............................................... of energy transfer.

(2)
(ii) Name the type of energy that is transferred by longitudinal waves.
..............................................................................................................
(1)
(b) The diagram shows water waves made by a wave machine in a swimming pool.
Every second, two waves go past a person standing in the swimming pool.
The waves have a wavelength of 0.8 metres.
Calculate the speed of the water waves.
Write down the equation you use, and then show clearly how you work out your answer.
Give the correct unit in your answer.
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Wave speed = ...........................................................

(3)
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(c) The graph shows how the speed of deep ocean waves depends on the wavelength of the
waves.
What can you conclude from the graph?
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(2)
(Total 8 marks)
Q3. Scientists have studied light from distant galaxies. The scientists found that light from
distant galaxies seemed to have increased in wavelength. Scientists have used these
observations to support the Big Bang theory.
(a) Draw a ring around the correct answer in each box to complete each sentence.
contracting.
(i) The increase in wavelength of light suggests the Universe is expanding.
staying the same size.

(1)
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(ii) The increase in wavelength of light suggests the Universe started
different points.
from a very small point.
collisions between galaxies.

(1)
(b) Light from stars can be analysed to find out if the star is moving towards us, away from us
or is stationary relative to the Earth.
Our Sun is stationary relative to the Earth.
The spectral lines from our Sun and three other stars are shown below.
Draw a ring around the correct answer in each box to complete each sentence.
moving away from the Earth.
(i) Star A is moving towards the Earth.
stationary relative to the Earth.

(1)
moving away from the Earth.
(ii) Star B is moving towards the Earth.
stationary relative to the Earth.

(1)
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moving at the same speed as star B.
(iii) Star C is moving faster than star B.
moving slower than star B.

(1)
(Total 5 marks)
Q4. The different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are shown below.
Gamma X-rays Ultraviolet Visible Infrared Microwaves Radio

rays light waves
(a) Name a part of the electromagnetic spectrum with:
(i) a longer wavelength than microwaves: ..........................................

(1)
(ii) greater energy than X-rays: ............................................................

(1)
(iii) a higher frequency than ultraviolet: .................................................

(1)
(b) The properties of water waves can be measured easily in a school lab.
The diagram shows information about waves.
(i) How many complete waves are shown in the diagram?
...........................
(1)
(ii) What is the wavelength of each wave in the diagram?
...................... cm
(1)
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(iii) What is the amplitude of the waves?
...................... cm
(1)
(iv) Complete the sentence below.
The oscillations of the waves in the diagram are perpendicular to the direction of
energy transfer. They are called ................................................................. waves.

(1)
(Total 7 marks)
Q5. Scientists investigated whether using mobile phones affects the number of sperm cells that
men produce.
The graph shows some of the results of their investigation.
The results were taken from 364 men who were being treated at a fertility clinic.
(a) Write a conclusion to the scientists results.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(1)
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(b) Suggest two ways in which the investigation could be improved.
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(2)
(Total 3 marks)
Q6. (a) The diagram shows the electromagnetic spectrum.
Two types of wave have been missed out.
Write the names of the missing waves in the empty boxes.
Ultraviolet Radio
X-rays Infrared rays Microwave
rays waves
(2)
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(b) Different types of waves are used by different types of communications equipment.
Draw one line from each situation in List A to the wave used to communicate in List B.
List A List B
Situation Wave used to
communicate
Microwave
TV remote control
Infrared rays
Satellite TV
Radio waves
Terrestrial TV
Ultraviolet rays
(3)
(Total 5 marks)
Q7. A ripple tank is used to investigate the behaviour of water waves.

A bar moves up and down to make the waves.
(a) What is the wavelength of each wave in the diagram?
Draw a ring around the correct answer.
2 cm 3 cm 6 cm
(1)
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(b) The ripple tank produces 10 waves in 2 seconds.
What is the frequency of the waves?
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
Frequency = ............................................... hertz

(1)
(c) The bar is made to move faster.
It now produces waves with:
a frequency of 20 hertz
a wavelength of 0.5 cm.
Calculate the speed of the water waves in cm/s.
Use the correct equation from the Physics Equations Sheet.
Show clearly how you work out your answer.
........................................................................................................................
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Speed = ....................................................... cm/s

(2)
(d) A student uses the ripple tank to investigate the relationship between depth of water and
speed of waves.
The graph shows the students results.
(i) There is one anomalous result.
On the graph, draw a ring around this anomalous result.

(1)
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(ii) On the graph, draw a line of best fit
(1)
(iii) Use your line of best fit to find the speed of the wave at a depth of 20 cm.
Wave speed = ............................................... cm/s

(1)
(Total 7 marks)
Q8. Waves have many different properties.
(a) Draw a ring around the correct answer in the boxes to complete each sentence.
are longitudinal.
Light waves are transverse.
may be either longitudinal or transverse.
are longitudinal.
Sound waves are transverse.
may be either longitudinal or transverse.

(2)
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(b) Waves can be refracted and reflected.
Draw one line from each property in List A to the correct diagram in List B.
(2)
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(c) Diagrams A, B, C and D show oscilloscope traces of four different sound waves.
The oscilloscope settings are the same each time.
(i) Give the letter of the loudest sound.
(1)
(ii) Give the letter of the highest pitch sound.
(1)
(Total 6 marks)
Q9. Electromagnetic waves form a continuous spectrum.
Three parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are:
gamma rays
infrared
visible light.
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(a) Place the parts in order of increasing energy.
Increasing energy
.................................. .................................. ..................................

(2)
(b) The parts of the electromagnetic spectrum all have different properties.
Draw a ring around the correct answer to complete each sentence.
frequency.
(i) The number of waves passing a point in 1 second is called the speed.
wavelength.
(1)
(ii) All parts of the electromagnetic spectrum travel at the same speed
a vacuum.
through glass.
water.
(1)
(c) The different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are used for different methods of
communication.
Complete the table by giving an example of a use of each part of the electromagnetic
spectrum for communication.
Part of
electromagnetic Use for communication
spectrum
Infrared
Microwave
Radio wave
Visible light
(4)
(Total 8 marks)
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Q10. Sound waves are mechanical waves.
The diagram shows the disturbance of air particles in the path of a sound wave at an instant in
time.
Direction of energy transfer
(a) (i) Which labelled arrow, A, B or C, correctly identifies the wavelength of the sound
wave?
Arrow: ..............................
(1)
(ii) What type of wave is a sound wave?
electromagnetic longitudinal transverse

(1)
(b) Two students investigate the reflection of sound waves from a building.
One student hits two metal bars together to produce a sound wave.
The second student starts a stop clock when the metal bars are hit together and stopsthe
stop clock when she hears the echo.
The students want to calculate the time it takes the sound wave to travel to the building.
(i) Why must the students divide the time on the stop clock by 2 to calculate the time it
takes the sound wave to travel to the building?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
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(ii) The students divide each time by 2 and record their results in a table.
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Mean
Time in seconds 0.33 0.27 0.30
Calculate the mean of the 3 results.
Write the mean in the table.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(2)
(iii) The time taken for the sound wave to reach the building, from different distances, is
shown in the graph.
Time in seconds
Use the mean time from the table to determine the distance to the building.
...............................................................................................................
Distance = .................................................. m
(1)
(iv) The students see differences between the results.
Choose one improvement the students could make to the investigation.
Tick ( ) one box.
Improvement Tick ( )
Decrease the distance between the students and the building.
Use a sound sensor and a datalogger to measure the time.
Play a long note on a musical instrument instead of using metal bars.

(1)
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(v) The students listen to the echo. The echo is quieter than the sound heard when the
metal bars are hit together.
How does the amplitude of the echo compare with the amplitude of the sound wave
produced by the metal bars?
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...............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 8 marks)
Q11. A scientist tests a design for a sailing boat using a scale model in a tank of water.
(a) Waves are produced on the surface of the water.
Use the diagram to calculate the wavelength of one wave.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
Wavelength = .................................................. cm
(2)
(b) After testing the scale model, a full-size boat is built. This boat is tested at sea.
(i) The waves at sea have a wavelength of 6 m. The frequency of the waves is 0.5 Hz.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
Speed = .................................................. m/s

(2)
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(ii) Suggest why a scale-model is tested before a full-size boat is built.
...............................................................................................................
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(1)
(Total 5 marks)
Q12. This question is about the properties of light.
(a) Which diagram, 1, 2 or 3, shows the path a ray of light takes when travelling from air into
glass?
Tick ( ) the box under the correct diagram.
Diagram 1 Diagram 2 Diagram 3
(1)
(b) Cats eyes are used on roads as markers. They reflect light from car headlights.
Diagram 4 shows the path of a ray of light entering a cats eye.
Diagram 4
(i) Continue the path of the ray of light on Diagram 4.
Show the direction of the ray.

(2)
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(ii) What is the name given to the dotted line on Diagram 4 labelled X?
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 4 marks)
Q13. The electromagnetic spectrum is made up of electromagnetic waves.
The electromagnetic waves form a continuous spectrum of different wavelengths.
(a) Draw a ring around the correct answer to complete the sentence.
longitudinal
All electromagnetic waves are mechanical waves.
transverse
(1)
(b) Part of the electromagnetic spectrum is shown in the diagram.
Wavelength in nm
(i) What is the range of wavelengths the human eye can detect?
The range is from ................................... nm to ................................... nm.

(2)
(ii) Draw a ring around the correct answer to complete the sentence.
As the frequency of the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum increases,
decreases.
the wave speed increases.
stays the same.

(1)
(Total 4 marks)
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Q14. A student used a laser to investigate the change of direction of light as it entered a glass
block.
The apparatus is shown in Figure 1.
The path of a ray of light as it enters the glass block is shown.
Figure 1
(a) The student marked crosses to show the path of the ray of light that left the glass block.
Use a ruler to help you to draw the path of the ray of light through and out of the glass
block.
(2)
(b) Light from lasers can damage your eyes.
Suggest one safety precaution that the student should have taken during his investigation.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(1)
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(c) The student measured angle a and angle b when the ray of light was incident at 5
different angles. He measured each set of values once. The students results are shown in
Figure 2.
Figure 2
Angle a in degrees
(i) The students line of best fit is incorrect.
Give one reason why.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) The student measured 5 different values of angle a in his investigation.
Suggest two ways the student could improve his investigation.
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...............................................................................................................
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(2)
(Total 6 marks)
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Q15. In 1929, an astronomer called Edwin Hubble measured the distances of 24 galaxies from
the Earth and the speeds at which the galaxies were moving away from the Earth.
Figure 1 shows his results.
Figure 1
Distance from Earth in arbitrary units
(a) Why did Hubble present his data on a line graph rather than on a bar chart?
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(1)
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(b) Hubble thought that the greater the distance, the greater the speed a galaxy was moving
away. Hubbles conclusion was that the Universe was expanding.
Since Hubble made his conclusion more data has been collected about the speeds other
galaxies are moving away from the Earth.
The data is shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2
Distance from Earth in arbitrary units
Why does the data in Figure 2 provide better evidence for Hubbles conclusion?
Tick ( ) two correct answers.
Reasons Tick ( )
The galaxies are closer to Earth.
More galaxies have been plotted on the graph.
The galaxies are closer to each other.
More distant galaxies also follow the same trend.

(2)
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(c) Hubbles conclusion supports the Big Bang theory about the origin of the Universe.
Another piece of evidence that supports the Big Bang theory is Cosmic Microwave
Background Radiation (CMBR).
What is Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation?
Tick ( ) two correct answers.
Tick ( )
Sound waves left over from the Big Bang.
Electromagnetic radiation.
Radiation given off by microwave ovens.
Radiation that fills the Universe.

(2)
(Total 5 marks)
Q16. The human ear can detect a range of frequencies of sound.

Sound level is measured in decibels, dB.
The figure below shows how the minimum sound level that can be detected by the human ear
depends on the frequency of sound.
Frequency in Hz
(a) A sound has a frequency of 2000 Hz.
What is the minimum sound level needed to detect the sound?
Minimum sound level: ...................................... dB

(1)
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(b) Which frequency shown in the figure above would require the loudest sound before it could
be heard?
Frequency: ...................................... Hz
(1)
(c) The lowest frequency of sound the human ear can detect is 20 Hz. The wavelength of a
sound wave with a frequency of 20 Hz is 17 metres.
Calculate the speed of a sound wave with a frequency of 20 Hz.
........................................................................................................................
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Speed = ...................................... m / s
(2)
(d) Sound waves can be reflected from a wall.
What name is given to reflected sound waves?
........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 5 marks)
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Q17. Electromagnetic waves can be diffracted, reflected and refracted.
(a) Draw one line from each property to the correct diagram that demonstrates the property.
(2)
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(b) Infrared, microwaves, radio waves and visible light can all be used for communication.
Draw one line from each part of the electromagnetic spectrum to its use.
(3)
(Total 5 marks)
Q18. The diagram shows some of the kinds of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Choose words from this list to complete the empty boxes on the diagram.
alpha radiation infrared radiation radio waves X-rays
(Total 3 marks)
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Q19. A hard, flat surface reflects sound just like a plane (flat) mirror reflects light.
You want to hear the reflection (echo) of the ticking watch through a tube.
Which is the best position to put the tube?
Choose from positions A-E on the diagram ......................................................................
(You may draw on the diagram if you want to.)

(Total 2 marks)
Q20. A man is walking along the bank of a river.
He sees a fish which seems to be at X.
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(a) Show, on the diagram, where the fish really is.
Complete the ray of light which goes from the fish into the mans eye.
(2)
(b) Complete the sentence.
The ray of light is ........................................ as it passes from the water into the air.
(1)
(Total 3 marks)
Q21. Two friends are standing on a beach.
When they shout they can hear themselves a second later.
Explain, as fully as you can, why this happens.

(You may answer on the diagram if you want to.)
..............................................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................................
(Total 2 marks)
Q22. (a) The diagram shows two mirrors at right angles to each other. A ray of light shines
onto one mirror as shown.
Carefully draw the path of the ray which is reflected from both mirrors.
Draw an arrow on the ray to show the direction of the light.
(3)
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(b) Light can also be made to change direction as it passes into and out from a block of glass.
Complete the ray diagram below.
(2)
(Total 5 marks)
Q23. The diagram shows a water wave drawn to scale.
(a) What is the wavelength of this water wave? ............................... cm

(1)
(b) What is the amplitude? ............................... cm

(1)
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(c) Twelve waves pass an observer in four seconds.
What is the frequency of the waves? Show clearly how you work out your answer and give
the unit.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
Frequency = .....................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)
Q24. An aquarium contains only one fish. But if you look at the comer of the aquarium, there
seem to be two fish.
The diagram below shows the top of the aquarium.
Two light waves have been drawn from the fish.
(a) Complete the diagram to show how the light waves reach the eye.
(2)
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(b) Complete each sentence by using the correct words from the box.
colour diffraction longitudinal reflection

refraction speed transverse
When the light waves pass from glass into the air they change ................................
This causes a change in direction called ................................
Light waves are ................................ waves.

(3)
(Total 5 marks)
Q25. (a) The diagram shows an electric bell inside a glass jar. The bell can be heard ringing.
In the following sentences, cross out the two lines that are wrong in each box.
When all the air has been taken out of the glass jar, the ringing sound will
This is because sound through a vacuum.

(2)
(b) The microphone and cathode ray oscilloscope are used to show the sound wave pattern
of a musical instrument.
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One of the following statements describes what a microphone does. Tick the box next to
the correct statement.
A microphone transfers sound energy to light energy.
A microphone transfers sound energy to electrical energy.
A microphone transfers electrical energy to sound energy.

(1)
(c) Four different sound wave patterns are shown. They are all drawn to the same scale.
(i) Which sound wave pattern has the highest pitch?
..........................................................................................................................
Give a reason for your answer.
..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii) Which sound wave pattern is the loudest?
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(2)
(Total 7 marks)
Q26. (a) A swimming pool has a wave making machine. The diagram shows the water wave
pattern for 3 seconds.
(i) How many water waves are shown in the diagram?
..........................................................................................................................
(1)
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(ii) What is the frequency of the water waves?
..........................................................................................................................
(1)
(iii) Which one of the units below is used to measure frequency? Underline your
answer.
hertz joule watt

(1)
(b) The diagram shows the direction of the waves across the pool. The waves reflect off the
side of the pool.
Draw a line on the diagram to show the direction of the waves after they hit the side of the
pool.
(1)
(c) The swimming pool is used to test a model of an electricity generator. The waves make
the floating generator move up and down. This energy is transferred to electricity.
(i) In the following sentence, cross out the two lines that are wrong in the box.
The diagram shoes that the amplitude of the waves as the waves
pass the generator.
(1)
(ii) What type of energy does the generator transfer to electricity?
..........................................................................................................................
(1)
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(iii) Energy from ocean waves could be used to generate electricity. Would this be a
renewable or non-renewable energy resource?
..........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 7 marks)
Q27. (a) The diagram represents the electromagnetic spectrum. Four of the waves have not
been named. Draw lines to join each of the waves to its correct position in the
electromagnetic spectrum. One has been done for you.
(2)
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(b) Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct answer and crossing out in the
box the two lines which are wrong.
The speed of radio waves through a vacuum is the speed of
light through a vacuum.

(1)
(d) The diagram shows an X-ray photograph of a broken leg.
Bones show up white on the photographic film. Explain why.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)
Q28. (a) The diagram shows a wave pattern.
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Which letter, L, M or N shows:
(i) the wavelength? ...................
(ii) the amplitude? .....................

(2)
(c) Describe how you could show that visible light travels in straight lines. You may wish to
draw a diagram to help explain your answer.
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..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
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(2)
(Total 4 marks)
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Q29. The diagram shows four oscilloscope wave traces. The controls of the oscilloscope were
the same for each wave trace.
Which one of the waves traces, A, B, C or D, has:
(i) the largest amplitude, ................................................................................................

(1)
(ii) the lowest frequency? ................................................................................................

(1)
(Total 2 marks)
Q30. Light is given out by the Sun and a distant galaxy.
(a) Compared to the light from the Sun, the light from the distant galaxy has moved towards
the red end of the spectrum.
(i) What name is given to this effect?
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
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(ii) Complete the following sentence by drawing a ring around the line in the box that is
correct.
The fact that light from a distant galaxy seems to move towards the red end of
galaxies are shrinking

the spectrum gives scientists galaxies are changing colour
evidence that
the universe is expanding
(1)
(b) Scientists have a theory that the universe began from a very small point and then exploded
outwards.
(i) What name is given to this theory?
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Which statement gives a reason why scientists think that the universe began with an
explosion?
Put a tick ( ) in the box next to your choice.
At the moment it is the best way of explaining our scientific knowledge.
It can be proved using equations.
People felt the explosion.

(1)
(Total 4 marks)
Q31. (a) Mobile phones send digital signals using electromagnetic waves.
(i) Which one of the following types of electromagnetic wave is used to carry
information between masts in a mobile phone network?
Draw a ring around your answer.
light microwave radio

(1)
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(b) Some people worry that using a mobile phone may be bad for their health.
Look at this information taken from a recent newspaper article.
Scientists in Sweden found that the regular use of a mobile phone increases the
risk of a cancerous growth between the ear and the brain.
Some people who use mobile phones for a long time complain of headaches
and tiredness. The same effect has not been noticed in laboratory tests.
There is no reliable evidence to link using mobile phones with ill health.
The waves from a mobile phone are not strong enough to cause long-term heat
damage to cells in the body.
(i) Complete the following sentence by drawing a ring around the word in the box that is
correct.
The evidence from different scientists doing the same investigation is reliable if
different
all the scientists get identical results.
random
(1)
(ii) What information in the article supports the idea that mobile phones are bad for your
health?
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(iii) Some scientists say that using a mobile phone is totally safe.
What information in the article supports this view?
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
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Q32. The diagram shows a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum divided into seven
sections.
The different properties of the waves in each section make them useful in different ways.
The waves in which section, A, B, C, D, E, F or G, are:
(a) used to send a signal to a satellite in space
.........................................
(1)
(b) used to communicate with a submarine under the water
.........................................
(1)
(c) used by a radio station to broadcast programmes around the world
.........................................
(1)
(d) the waves with the shortest wavelength?
.........................................
(1)
(Total 4 marks)
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Q33. In the diagram below, a frog sits on a rock in a pond.
(a) Complete the following sentences by drawing a ring around the correct line in the box.
(i) The frog can see its image in the pond because the surface of the pond acts
concave
like a convex mirror.
plane
(1)
(ii) Draw a ring around each of two words from the box below to describe the image in
the pond.
bigger inverted real smaller upright virtual

(2)
(b) There is an insect underneath the rock.
Use a ruler to draw rays of light on the diagram to show how the frog uses reflection to
see the insect.
Mark the direction of the rays.
(3)
(Total 6 marks)
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Q34. (a) A student uses two pieces of equipment, A and B, to display a sound wave.
(i) Use words from the box to complete the sentence.
a loudspeaker a microphone an oscilloscope a screen
A is ............................................ and B is ....................................................... .

(2)
(ii) Use words from the box to complete the sentence.
the amplitude half the amplitude the frequency half the frequency
The distance x marked on the diagram measures ......................................... of the

sound wave.
(1)
(iii) Complete the sentence.
The distance x becomes smaller. This is because the sound has
become ............................................................................................................ .
(1)
(b) There is no air in space.
Astronauts in space cannot hear sounds from outside their spacesuits.
Explain this.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
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Q35. A puppy can see an image of himself in a plane mirror.
The diagram shows how the puppy can see his disc.
(a) On the diagram, use a ruler to draw a ray to show how the puppy can see the top of his
ear, which is marked as T.
(3)
(b) What is a plane mirror?
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 4 marks)
Q36. A microphone and a cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO) can be used to show the pattern of a
sound wave.
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Four sound wave patterns, A, B, C and D, are shown.
They are all drawn to the same scale.
(a) Which one of the patterns has the smallest amplitude? .....................................................
(b) Which one of the patterns has the lowest frequency? ........................................................
(Total 2 marks)
Q37. (a) The picture shows a speed gun being used to measure how fast a tennis player hits
the ball.
Some of the microwaves from the speed gun are absorbed by the ball and some are
reflected by the ball.
(i) Complete the following sentence by choosing one of the phrases from the box.
longer than the same as shorter than
The wavelength of the microwaves reflected from the ball are
................................................................... the wavelength of the microwaves
from the speed gun.

(1)
Page 44 of 124
(ii) Complete the following sentence by drawing a ring around the correct line in the box.
decrease slightly
When the ball absorbs microwaves, its temperature will not change
increase slightly
(1)
(b) The microwaves reflected from the ball have a higher frequency than the microwaves from
the speed gun.
The graph shows how the difference between the two frequencies depends on the speed
of the ball.
(i) Describe the pattern that links the difference between the two frequencies and the
speed of the ball.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) The speed gun measures the difference between the two frequencies as 3200 Hz.
Use the graph to find the speed of the tennis ball.

Show clearly on the graph how you obtain your answer.
Speed of the tennis ball = .............................. m/s

(2)
Page 45 of 124
(iii) Which one of the following gives the reason why the data has been shown as a line
graph and not as a bar chart?
Frequency and speed are both categoric variables.
Frequency and speed are both continuous variables.
Speed is a continuous variable and frequency is a categoric variable.

(1)
(Total 6 marks)
Q38. The table shows the electromagnetic spectrum.

Three types of wave have been missed out.
(i) Use words from the box to complete the table.
infra red rays radio waves X-rays

(2)
(ii) Which one of the following gives a use of gamma rays?
to communicate with satellites
to see objects
to kill cancer cells
(1)
Page 46 of 124
(iii) Complete the following sentence by drawing a ring around the correct word in the
box.
energy
All electromagnetic waves move gases from one place to another.
particles
(1)
(Total 4 marks)
Q39. Scientists have observed that the wavelengths of the light given out from galaxies that are
moving away from the Earth are longer than expected.
(a) (i) What name is given to this observation?
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Draw a ring around the correct answer to complete the following sentence.
shrinking.
This observation gives evidence for the idea that the Universe is not changing.
expanding.
(1)
Page 47 of 124
(b) The graph shows that there is a link between the speed at which a galaxy moves away
from the Earth and the distance of the galaxy from the Earth.
The positions of three galaxies, A, B and C, are marked on the graph.
From which galaxy, A, B or C, would the wavelength of the light reaching the Earth
seem to have changed the most?
Galaxy .............................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)
Q40. (a) The diagram shows a longitudinal wave being produced in a stretched spring.
(i) Use the bold words from the diagram to complete the following sentence. Put only
one word in each space.
A longitudinal wave is one in which the ..................................... causing
the wave is parallel to the ..................................... of energy transfer.

(2)
Page 48 of 124
(ii) Name the type of energy that is transferred by longitudinal waves.
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(b) The diagram shows water waves made by a wave machine in a swimming pool.
Every second, two waves go past a person standing in the swimming pool.
Write down the equation you use, and then show clearly how you work out your answer.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
Wave speed = ......................................... m/s

(2)
Page 49 of 124
(c) The graph shows how the speed of deep ocean waves depends on the wavelength of the
waves.
What can you conclude from the graph?
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)
Q41. (a) The diagram shows a ray of light being reflected by a plane mirror.
Which of the angles, a, b, c or d, is:
the angle of incidence;
the angle of reflection?

(2)
Page 50 of 124
(b) The diagram shows a road junction seen from above.
A mirror placed at the side of the road allows the driver of car X to see car Y.
Using the same mirror symbol given in part (a), draw a plane mirror to show how it should
be placed so that the driver of car X can see car Y.
(2)
(Total 4 marks)
Q42. (a) Scientists use telescopes to observe stars and galaxies.

Some telescopes are on Earth, but some are on satellites in space.
Why do telescopes in space give better images than telescopes on the Earth?
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b) Scientists have observed that the wavelengths of the light given out from galaxies that are
moving away from the Earth are longer than expected.
(i) What name is given to this observation?
Put a tick ( ) in the box next to your answer.
blue-shift
green-shift
red-shift
(1)
Page 51 of 124
shrinking.
This observation gives evidence for the idea that the universe is not changing.
expanding.
(1)
(c) Use the graph to answer the following questions.
(i) What is the link between the speed that a galaxy moves away from the Earth and the
distance between the galaxy and the Earth?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
Page 52 of 124
(ii) The positions of three galaxies, A, B and C, are marked on the graph.
From which galaxy, A, B or C, would the wavelength of the light reaching the Earth
seem to have changed the most?
Galaxy .................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
Q43. The diagram shows the seven types of wave that make up the electromagnetic spectrum.
Gamma X-rays Ultraviolet Visible Infra red Micro- Radio

rays rays light rays waves waves
(a) (i) Microwaves and visible light can be used for communications.
Name one more type of electromagnetic wave that can be used for
communications.
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Name one type of electromagnetic wave that has a longer wavelength than
microwaves.
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(b) Wi-Fi is a system that joins a laptop computer to the internet without using wires.
A 2400 megahertz microwave signal is used to link a computer to a device called a router.
What quantity is measured in hertz?
Draw a ring around your answer.
frequency wavelength wave speed

(1)
Page 53 of 124
(c) A politician commented on the increasing use of Wi-Fi. He said: I believe that these
systems may be harmful to children.
(i) Suggest one reason why more scientific research into the safety of Wi-Fi systems is
needed.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
a fact.
What the politician said was an opinion.
a prediction.
(1)
(Total 5 marks)
Q44. A school is near a busy road. A car travels past the school at high speed.
Photograph supplied by Design Pics/Thinkstock
The students notice that the sound of the car engine seems to change as the car travels past
the school. A teacher says that this is an example of the Doppler effect. The students decide to
study the sound they hear from passing cars.
(a) (i) Give one risk the students should consider when doing their study.
...............................................................................................................
(1)
Page 54 of 124
(ii) As a car travels towards the students, the frequency of the sound the students hear
is different to the frequency of the sound they would hear if the car was stationary.
Draw a ring around the correct answer in the box to complete the sentence.
decreased.
Compared to the sound from the stationary car, the frequency has increased.
become quieter.
(1)
(b) In the same way as the sound from the car engine changes, the light from most galaxies
also seems to have a change in observed frequency. This is called red-shift.
(i) The diagram shows four galaxies, P, Q, R and S. The arrows show the direction the
galaxies are moving relative to the Earth.
Which one of the galaxies is moving the fastest?
Write the correct answer in the box.
Which one of the galaxies will produce the biggest red-shift?
(2)
(ii) Most scientists support a theory that the Universe began from a very small initial
point. Red-shift can be used as evidence for this theory.
What name is given to the theory that the Universe began from a very small initial
point?
........................................................................................................................
(1)
Page 55 of 124
(iii) Cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) provides more evidence for this
theory. CMBR is detected coming from space.
Where does CMBR come from?
Tick ( ) one box.
CMBR only comes from near the Sun.
CMBR comes from all parts of the Universe.
CMBR only comes from the Moon.
(1)
(iv) Which statement gives the reason why most scientists support the theory that the
Universe began from a very small initial point?
Tick ( ) one box.
The evidence proves it happened.
There is no other way of explaining how the Universe began.
At the moment it is the best way of explaining our scientific

knowledge.
(1)
(Total 7 marks)
Page 56 of 124
The pictures show four devices. Each device uses a different type of electromagnetic wave.
Draw one line from each device to the type of electromagnetic wave the device uses. One
line has been drawn for you.
(3)
(b) Visible light waves travel through space at a speed of 300 000 km/s.
How fast do infrared waves travel through space?
........................................................................................................................
(1)
(c) Draw a ring around the correct answer in the box to complete the sentence.
a longer wavelength than
Infrared waves have the same wavelength as visible light waves.
a shorter wavelength than

(1)
(d) The two diagrams, A and B, show a light ray travelling into a glass block.
(i) Look at Diagram A.
What name is given to the process that happens as the light enters the glass block?
........................................................................................................................
(1)
Page 57 of 124
(ii) Look at Diagram B.
The light enters the glass block without changing direction.
Why?
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 7 marks)
Q46. (a) The diagram below shows six of the seven types of wave that make up the
electromagnetic spectrum.
Gamma Visible Radio

Ultraviolet Infrared Microwaves
rays light waves
(i) What type of electromagnetic wave is missing from the diagram?
........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Which of the following electromagnetic waves has the most energy?
gamma rays radio waves visible light

(1)
(iii) Which of the following electromagnetic waves is given out by a TV remote control?
infrared microwaves ultraviolet

(1)
(b) Draw a ring around the correct answer in the box to complete the sentence.
a slower speed than
Microwaves travel through a vacuum at the same speed as radio waves.
a faster speed than

(1)
Page 58 of 124
(c) The diagram shows waves being produced on a rope.
The waves are not reflected by the wall.
(i) Draw an arrow on the diagram to show the direction in which the waves transfer
energy.
(1)
(ii) Which one of the arrows, labelled, X, Y or Z, shows the amplitude of a wave?
(1)
(iii) The waves produced on the rope are transverse.
Name one other type of transverse wave.
........................................................................................................................
(1)
(d) The rope is shaken up and down, producing 3 waves every second.
(i) State the frequency of the waves.
.............................. Hz
(1)
(ii) Calculate the speed of the waves.
Show clearly how you work out your answer.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
Wave speed = .................................................. m/s

(2)
(Total 10 marks)
Page 59 of 124
Q47. The diagram shows a ray of light from a ray box that is reflected by a plane mirror.
(a) What name is given to the dashed line labelled J?
incident normal reflection

(1)
(b) Draw a ring around the correct answer in the box to complete the sentence.
be doubled.
If the angle marked K is halved, then the angle marked L will not change.
be halved.
(1)
(c) A student looking into the mirror can see an image of the ray box.
Which two words can be used to describe the image that the student sees?
Draw a ring around the two correct answers.
inverted magnified real upright virtual

(2)
(Total 4 marks)
Page 60 of 124
Q48. (a) A lorry has an air horn. The air horn produces sound waves in the air.
(i) Use one word to complete the following sentence.
Sound waves cause air particles to ................................................................. .

(1)
(ii) The air horn produces sound waves at a constant frequency of 420 Hz.
The wavelength of the sound waves is 0.80 m.
Calculate the speed of the sound waves.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
Speed = .......................................................... m/s

(2)
(b) A person standing at the side of the road, as the lorry goes past, hears the sound from the
air horn change pitch.
(i) What determines the pitch of a sound?
amplitude frequency loudness

(1)
(ii) As the lorry moves away from the person, the air horn continues to produce sound
waves with a wavelength of 0.80 m.
What is the wavelength of the sound waves the person heard?
shorter than 0.8 m equal to 0.8 m longer than 0.8 m

(1)
Page 61 of 124
(iii) The sound waves the person heard from the moving air horn are different to the
sound waves the air horn produced.
What name is given to this effect?
diffraction Doppler refraction

(1)
(Total 6 marks)
Q49. A person can see an image of himself in a tall plane mirror.
The diagram shows how the person can see his hat.
(a) Which point, A, B or C, shows the position of the image of his hat?
Write the correct answer, A, B or C, in the box.
(1)
(b) On the diagram, use a ruler to draw a light ray to show how the person can see his shoe.
(3)
(c) Which one of the words in the box is used to describe the image formed by a plane
mirror?
imaginary real virtual

(1)
(Total 5 marks)
Page 62 of 124
Q50. Diagram 1 shows four of the seven types of wave in the electromagnetic spectrum.
Diagram 1
Visible Radio
J K L Infrared Microwaves
light waves
(a) The four types of electromagnetic wave named in Diagram 1 above are used for
communication.
(i) Which type of electromagnetic wave is used when a traffic signal communicates
with a car driver?
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Which type of electromagnetic wave is used to communicate with a satellite in

space?
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(b) Gamma rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Which letter, J, K or L, shows the position of gamma rays in the electromagnetic

spectrum?
J K L
(1)
Page 63 of 124
(c) Diagram 2 shows an infrared wave.
Diagram 2
(i) Which one of the arrows, labelled A, B or C, shows the wavelength of the wave?
Write the correct answer, A, B or C, in the box.
(1)
(ii) Draw a ring around the correct answer to complete the sentence.
shorter than
The wavelength of infrared waves is the same as the wavelength of radio waves.
longer than
(1)
(d) Mobile phone networks send signals using microwaves. Some people think the energy a
persons head absorbs when using a mobile phone may be harmful to health.
(i) Scientists have compared the health of people who use mobile phones with the
health of people who do not use mobile phones.
Which one of the following statements gives a reason why scientists have done
this?
Tick ( ) one box.
To find out if using a mobile phone is harmful to health.
To find out if mobile phones give out radiation.
To find out why some people are healthy.
(1)
Page 64 of 124
(ii) The table gives the specific absorption rate (SAR) value for two different mobile
phones.
The SAR value is a measure of the maximum energy a persons head absorbs when
a mobile phone is used.
Mobile Phone SAR value in W/kg
X 0.28
Y 1.35
A parent buys mobile phone X for her daughter.
Using the information in the table, suggest why buying mobile phone X was the best
choice.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)
Q51. Using an optical telescope to look at stars is not always easy because:
too many street lights often make it too light to see faint stars
clouds reduce the light getting to the telescope
atmospheric pollution often distorts the images.
Large optical telescopes are often positioned high up a mountain.
Describe the advantages of positioning a telescope high up a mountain.
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
(Total 3 marks)
Page 65 of 124
The pictures show four devices that use electromagnetic waves. Each device uses a different
type of electromagnetic wave.
Draw a line from each device to the type of electromagnetic wave that it uses. One has been
done for you.
(3)
(b) A headline from a recent newspaper article is shown below.
(i) What serious health problem may be caused by using a sunbed too much?
...............................................................................................................
(1)
Page 66 of 124
(ii) The pie chart compares the number of deaths in Britain each year which may have
been caused by using sunbeds too much, with those which may have been caused
by too much exposure to the Sun.
It is difficult for a doctor to be certain that a person has died because of using a
sunbed too much.
Suggest why.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(iii) A spokesperson for a leading cancer charity said:
We want people, especially young people, to know

the possible dangers of using a sunbed.
Why is it important that you know the possible dangers of using a sunbed?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 6 marks)
Q53. (a) Scientists have observed that the wavelengths of the light from galaxies moving away
from the Earth are longer than expected.
(i) What name is given to this observation?
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Draw a ring around the correct answer to complete each sentence.
light can be stretched.
This observation gives scientists evidence that galaxies are changing colour.
the Universe is expanding.

(1)
Page 67 of 124
(iii) There is a pattern linking the size of the observed increase in the wavelengths of light
from a galaxy and the distance the galaxy is from the Earth.
Which one of the graphs, L, M or N, shows the correct pattern?

(1)
(b) Observations help scientists answer questions about the Universe.
Scientists cannot answer every question.
Which one of the following questions cannot be answered by scientists?
Tick ( ) one box.
How old is the Universe?
Why was the Universe created?
How fast does light travel through the Universe?
(1)
(Total 4 marks)
Page 68 of 124
Q54. A student investigated the refraction of light as it passed out of a clear plastic block into the
air.
Diagram 1 shows the apparatus the student used.
Diagram 1
(a) The angle i is the angle of incidence.
Use the letter r to mark the angle of refraction on Diagram 1.

(1)
Page 69 of 124
(b) The student measured the angle of refraction for different angles of incidence.
The results are shown in the graph.
Angle of incidence in degrees
(i) One of the results seems to be anomalous.
Draw a ring around the anomalous data point on the graph.

(1)
(ii) The student did measure the angles of incidence accurately.
What is likely to have caused the anomalous result?
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(iii) What conclusion can the student make from the results shown in the graph?
less than
The angle of refraction is equal to the angle of incidence.
greater than
(1)
Page 70 of 124
(c) Light travelling from water into air is refracted in the same way as when light travels from
plastic into air.
Diagram 2 shows a large bottle, filled with water. The bottle is made from clear plastic.
Draw on Diagram 2 the path of the light ray as it passes out of the bottle into the air.
Diagram 2
(2)
Page 71 of 124
(d) In some countries, people are too poor to pay for electricity. Some people living in small
houses with no natural light use bottles filled with water as a sort of light bulb.
The bottles are fitted into small holes in the roof of the house. Sunlight goes into the bottle
of water. When the light leaves the bottle, the light is refracted, causing sunlight to spread
into the room.
Diagram 3
(i) What is likely to be the most important outcome of using this simple device to
provide light?
Tick ( ) one box.
People will have enough light to work inside their homes.
Fewer plastic bottles will be thrown into rubbish tips.
Plastic bottles will increase in value.
(1)
(ii) Suggest one disadvantage of using this device compared with using a light bulb.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 8 marks)
Page 72 of 124
Q55. (a) Diagram 1 shows two waves.
Diagram 1
(i) Name one wave quantity that is the same for the two waves.
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Name one wave quantity that is different for the two waves.
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(iii) The waves in Diagram 1 are transverse.
Which one of the following types of wave is not a transverse wave?
gamma rays sound visible light

(1)
(b) Diagram 2 shows water waves in a ripple tank moving towards and passing through a gap
in a barrier.
Diagram 2
(i) The water waves spread out after passing through the gap in the barrier.
What name is given to the process causing the waves to spread out?
...............................................................................................................
(1)
Page 73 of 124
(ii) Every second, 8 waves pass through the gap in the barrier. The waves have a
wavelength of 0.015 metres.
Calculate the speed of the water waves and give the unit.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
Speed = ......................................................................
(3)
(Total 7 marks)
Q56. (a) The visible light spectrum has a range of frequencies.
Figure 1 shows that the frequency increases from red light to violet light.
Figure 1
Increasing frequency
Red Green Violet
Use the correct answers from the box to complete the sentence.
decreases stays the same increases
As the frequency of the light waves increases, the wavelength
of the light waves ............................................................ and
the energy of the light waves ............................................................ .

(2)
Page 74 of 124
(b) Figure 2 shows what happens to the light energy when a ray of light hits a glass block.
Figure 2
98% of the incident energy is either reflected or transmitted by the glass block.
What happens to the other 2% of the incident energy?
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(1)
Page 75 of 124
(c) Bottled beer will spoil if the intensity of the light passing through the glass bottle into the
beer is too high.
Figure 3 shows the intensity of the light that is transmitted through three different pieces of
glass.
Figure 3
Wavelength 10 9 in metres
(i) The pieces of glass all had the same thickness.
Suggest why.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(ii) Bottles made of brown glass are suitable for storing beer.
Suggest why.
...............................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 5 marks)
Page 76 of 124
Q57. (a) Figure 1 shows a signal generator connected to a loudspeaker.
The signal generator is adjusted to change the sound wave produced by the loudspeaker.
Figure 1
A microphone connected to a cathode ray oscilloscope (CRO) is used to detect the sound
waves from the loudspeaker.
Figure 2 shows the CRO traces, A, B and C, produced by three different sound waves.
The settings on the CRO were the same for each trace.
Figure 2
A B C
Use the correct letter, A, B or C, to complete each sentence.
(i) The sound wave with the highest frequency is shown by trace .
(1)
(ii) The sound wave with the smallest amplitude is shown by trace .
(1)
Page 77 of 124
(b) The loudspeaker produces a sound wave with a frequency of 850 hertz and a wavelength
of 0.4 metres.
Calculate the speed of this sound wave. Give the unit.
Choose the unit from the list below.
joules metres / second watts
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
Speed = ...............................................................
(3)
(c) A motorbike is driven towards a microphone and CRO which are placed by the side of the
road.
The motorbike emits a sound wave of constant frequency.
As the motorbike moves towards the microphone, the frequency of the sound wave
higher than
detected by the microphone will be the same as the frequency of the sound wave
lower than
produced by the motorbike.
longer than
The wavelength of the sound wave detected by the microphone will be the same as
shorter than
the wavelength of the sound wave from the motorbike.

(2)
(Total 7 marks)
Page 78 of 124
M1. (a) b
1
c
1
correct order only
(b) mirror opposite road junction

1
mirror facing correct way, angle correct

judged by eye
1
[4]
M2. (a) (i) oscillation

1
direction
1
correct order only
(ii) sound
1
(b) 1.6
allow 1 mark for correct substitution into correct equation ie 2 0.8
2
m/s
1
(c) as the wavelength increases so does the wave speed

1
extra information, eg wave speed increases faster

between 0-40 m than between 100-140 m
1
or
not in proportion
[8]
M3. (a) (i) expanding

1
(ii) a very small point

1
Page 79 of 124
(b) (i) moving towards the Earth
1
(ii) moving away from the Earth

1
(iii) moving faster than star B

1
[5]
M4. (a) (i) radio (waves)

1
(ii) gamma (rays)

accept
do not accept
1
(iii) X-rays
or
gamma (rays)
accept
do not accept
1
(b) (i) 2
1
(ii) 4(cm)
1
(iii) 3(cm)
ignore + or in front of 3(cm)
1
(iv) transverse
1
[7]
M5. (a) the longer the time you spend using a mobile phone the less sperm cells you have
allow negative correlation between time using mobile phone and
number of sperm cells
do not accept just affects numbers of sperm
ignore figures
1
Page 80 of 124
(b) any two from:
use a larger sample of people
check to see if other scientists get the same results
use a sample of men who were not visiting fertility clinics
use same type of (mobile) phone
use men of similar age / health

ignore more hours unqualified
2
[3]
M6. (a) correct order only
gamma (rays)
allow waves
1
(visible) light
1
(b)
extra line from statement cancels the mark

1
1
1
[5]
M7. (a) 2 cm
1
(b) 5 (hertz)
ignore incorrect units
1
(c) v=f
10 (cm/s)
allow correct substitution for 1 mark (20 0.5) or (2 5)
2
Page 81 of 124
(d) (i) point at 6 cm on x-axis should be circled
1
(ii) line of best fit drawn through points ignoring anomalous point at 6 cm
line should be a curve through every point (including 0) except
anomalous point
tolerance +1 square at each cross
ignore line after 16 cm
do not accept straight lines joining crosses
1
(iii) 3.5 (cm/s)

tolerance + half a square from students line
allow ecf from (d)(ii)
if no extrapolation accept 3.5
1
[7]
M8. (a) (light waves) are transverse

1
(sound waves) are longitudinal

1
(b)
extra line from property cancels the mark

1
1
(c) (i) B
1
(ii) D
1
[6]
Page 82 of 124
M9. (a)
3 correct = 2 marks
1 or 2 correct = 1 mark
allow IR for infrared
allow visible or light for visible light
2
(b) (i) frequency

1
(ii) vacuum
1
(c) IR - remote control / fibre optic

ignore phones and cables unless qualified
1
microwave - mobile phone / satellite (TV)

1
radio (terrestrial) TV / radio transmissions

allow walkie talkies
1
visible light photography / fibre optic

allow valid examples of communication using visible light e.g. traffic
lights, sign language
1
[8]
M10. (a) (i) B

1
(ii) longitudinal
1
(b) (i) the sound wave travels to the building and back
allow (because) it is an echo
1
(ii) 0.30 / 0.3

allow 1 mark for
or
Page 83 of 124
(iii) 100 (m)
allow ecf from (b)(ii) with a tolerance of 10 (m)
1
(iv) use a sound sensor and a datalogger to measure the time

1
(v) (amplitude of echo is) smaller

ignore quieter
allow lower
1
[8]
M11. (a) 2.5(cm)

10 / 4 for 1 mark
2
(b) (i) 3 (m/s)

allow 0.5 6 for 1 mark
2
(ii) any one from:
cheaper
(easier) to make adjustments
easier to handle
external conditions can be controlled
for safety
fit for purpose

allow to see if it works / floats / has faults
1
[5]
M12. (a) 1st box ticked

1
(b) (i) continuous reflected ray parallel to incident ray (by eye)
1
an arrow shown correctly

arrow must be drawn on a continuous ray reflected by top mirror
1
(ii) normal
1
[4]
M13. (a) transverse

1
Page 84 of 124
(b) (i) 700
in either order
1
400
1
(ii) stays the same

1
[4]
M14. (a) straight line continued through glass block to meet edge of the block
do not allow dotted / dashed lines
judge by eye
1
straight line drawn through crosses to meet the edge of block

judge by eye
ignore reflection within the block
ignore normal line
1
(b) any one from
safety / dark glasses

ignore goggles / glasses
unqualified
safety / dark goggles
ignore special goggles / glasses
ignore sunglasses / eye protection
dont look at laser (directly)
allow dont shine laser into someones eyes
1
(c) (i) any one from:
too many points above line

allow line of best fit only goes through 2 points
allow line doesnt go through most points
allow line should go through more / most points
allow 3 points have been ignored
no points below the line
line should be curved
allow there should be equal numbers of points on both sides of line
1
Page 85 of 124
(ii) any two from:
use smaller interval between readings

eg allow go up in 10s
take readings at more angles
allow take readings at different angles / named angles
repeat the experiment / readings and calculate a mean
allow repeat the experiment to identify anomalies
use a narrower ray of light
ignore take more readings
ignore compare results (with other students)
2
[6]
M15. (a) data / distance is continuous

accept data is not categoric
allow so can see if there is a correlation
1
(b) More galaxies have been plotted on the graph.

1
More distant galaxies also follow the same trend.

1
(c) Electromagnetic radiation

1
Radiation that fills the Universe

1
[5]
M16. (a) 2(dB)

1
(b) 5500(Hz)
1
(c) 340(m / s)
allow 1 mark for correct substitution (20 x 17) provided no
subsequent step
2
(d) echo(es)
1
[5]
Page 86 of 124
M17. (a) Property Diagram
1 or 2 correct = 1 mark
3 correct = 2 marks
any extra line negates mark
2
(b) Part Use
any extra line negates mark

3
[5]
M18. X-rays
for 1 mark each

[3]
Page 87 of 124
M19. D
gains 1 mark
but E (D + E = 1)
gains 2 marks
[2]
M20. (a) line (from fish) to complete ray to eye

[mark awarded even if begins outside the box]
[credit only if fish shown to left of normal]
fish within the region shown or X or start of ray

(i. e. not necessarily directly below x) each for 1 mark
(b) bent/refracted/deviated/speeded up
for 1 mark
1
[3]
M21.
idea that (in words or on diagram)
sound reflects / bounces off cliff
returns the way it came / produces an echo

each for 1 mark
[2]
Page 88 of 124
M22. (a) first reflection vertically down to the
fourth hatch line or just to the left of
it reaching mirror (must come from
incident ray given)
second reflection back parallel to incident ray must be linked to first part of ray
1
appropriate arrow on a part of the ray (may be given if lines wrong)

(must come from source of light)
maximum of one mark to be lost for poor diagrams not using a
ruler for straight lines
first time you come across wavy line, it is penalised
1
(b) ray in block bent downwards, not beyond the normal

do not credit if exactly on normal
1
emergent ray parallel to incident ray

do not credit a continuation of the line straight through the block
these are independent
1
[5]
Page 89 of 124
M23. (a) 4
1
(b) 3
1
(c) 3
correct answer with no working = 2
allow 1 mark for f = number time
or correct working i.e., 12 4
N.B. correct answer from incorrectly
recalled relationship / substitution = 0
2
Hz / hertz
accept HZ, hz, hZ
allow waves / cycles per second
allow wps, w/s, cps, c/s
1
[5]
M24. (a) one mark for each ray correctly drawn straight to glass then bent towards pupil
accept both rays hitting any part of eye
judge straightness by eye
accept dotted or dashed lines
ignore any arrows
N.B. the rays must reach the eye
2
(b) speed
1
refraction
1
transverse
1
[5]
M25. (a) stop

accept any indication
cannot travel
2
(b) middle box ticked

accept a tick next to the statement even if not in the box
do not accept two ticks
1
Page 90 of 124
(c) (i) B
highest frequency
accept most waves (in box)
accept squashed together
do not accept squashed
accept close (together)
accept shortest wavelength
2
(ii) D
largest amplitude
accept tallest or highest wave
do not accept biggest wave
do not accept high wave
2
[7]
M26. (a) (i) 3

1
(ii) 1
accept a definition of frequency ignore units
1
(iii) hertz
1
(b) straight line in correct direction

judge by eye (from a of waves to s of across) ignore arrow
accept equal angles shown on waves
1
(c) (i) gets smaller

1
(ii) kinetic
accept movement
1
(iii) renewable
1
[7]
Page 91 of 124
M27. (a) all three correct
one only correct, 1 mark only

allow names in boxes
there should be only one line from or to each box
2
(b) the same as

1
(d) any two from:
bones absorb X-rays
so film not exposed
X-rays pass through flesh or skin or
body or tissue (to expose film)

allow X-rays cannot pass through bones
2
[5]
M28. (a) (i) L

1
(ii) N
1
(c) the answer should be in the form:

not inside the eye
either for both marks an arrangement which could demonstrate visibly

light travels in straight lines
full credit should be given for answer presented as a diagram
and
an explanation of how it shows the straightness
Page 92 of 124
or for one mark
named device which uses principle of light travelling in straight lines to work
examples
light (from a street lamp) strikes an object producing a shadow
laser light travelling through (fine) dust shows a straight beam
three pieces of card with central holes need to be lined up to be
able to see through the third hole from the first
ray box type experiment using mirrors/prisms, etc
beams on paper or in smoke
torch beams through smoke
example devices:
pinhole camera (qualification may get second mark)
periscope
optical fibre
reflection in a mirror
2
[4]
M29. (i) B
1
(ii) A
1
[2]
M30. (a) (i) red shift

1
accept Doppler effect
(ii) the universe is expanding

1
(b) (i) big bang

1
(ii) at the moment it is the best way of explaining............

1
[4]
Page 93 of 124
M31. (a) (i) microwave
1
(b) (i) identical

1
(ii) increased risk of cancerous growth (between ear and brain)

1
complaints of headaches and tiredness

1
(iii) any two from:
tests in a laboratory did not give effects of tiredness or headaches
waves not strong enough to cause long term heat damage to cells
evidence to link mobile phones and ill health is not reliable

2
[6]
M33. (a) (i) plane

accept any unambiguous indication
1
(ii) inverted
1
virtual
1
Page 94 of 124
(b) reflection takes place at the surface of the pond and angle of incidence
= angle of reflection
as judged by eye
1
reflected ray is a straight line to frogs eye through the air

1
correct direction arrow either from insect or to frogs eye

only one arrow essential but
do not accept if either arrow contradicted example of a fully correct
response
1
[6]
M34. (a) (i)

correct order essential
(A =) a microphone
1
(B =) an oscilloscope
or cathode ray oscilloscope or CRO
1
(ii) the amplitude

1
(iii) quieter / softer

do not accept less (which could refer to the amplitude, frequency
or wavelength)
1
Page 95 of 124
(b) sound cannot travel through a vacuum / (empty) space / free space
accept there is no medium for the sound to travel through
1
(because) there is / are nothing / no particles to vibrate

accept (because) there is / are nothing / no particles between them
and the source (of the sound)
1
[6]
M35. (a) reflection at the mirror of ray from tip of real puppys ear to real puppys eye (1)
may be drawn freehand
accurate (1)
ruler must have been used and the reflected ray is an extension of
the straight line from point virtual ear however the virtual part of the
line need not be shown
arrow to show correct direction (1)

only one arrow needs to be shown but there must be no
contradiction
example of (3) mark response
(b) flat
accept its not curved/bent
accept its straight
1
[4]
M36. (a) C (only)

1
(b) A (only)
1
[2]
Page 96 of 124
M37. (a) (i) shorter than
1
(ii) increase slightly

1
(b) (i) go up in the same ratio

or (directly) proportional or as speed (of the tennis ball) increases so does the
(difference in) frequency
accept as one goes up, so does the other
accept positive correlation
1
(ii) 20 (m/s)
allow 1 mark for showing correct method on graph
(ie horizontal or vertical line anywhere on graph)
if indicated by a cross, must be half square of correct value)
2
(iii) frequency and speed are both continuous variables

1
[6]
##
(i) X-rays
infra red (rays)
radio (waves)
all three in correct order
allow 1 mark for 1 correct
2
(ii) to kill cancer cells

1
(iii) energy
1
[4]
M39. (a) (i) red-shift

1
(ii) expanding
1
Page 97 of 124
(b) C
1
it is furthest from the Earth

or
it is furthest away
or
it has the largest red-shift
or
it is moving (away) the fastest
only score if C is chosen
1
[4]
M40. (a) (i) oscillation

1
direction
1
correct order only
(ii) sound
1
(b) 1.6
allow 1 mark for correct
substitution into correct equation ie 2 x 0.8
2
(c) as the wavelength increases so does the wave speed

1
extra information eg wave speed increases faster between

0-40 m than between 100-140 m
or
not in proportion
1
[7]
M41. (a) b
1
c
1
correct order only
Page 98 of 124
(b) mirror opposite road junction
1
mirror facing correct way, angle correct

judged by eye
1
[4]
M42. (a) any one from:
above the atmosphere

accept no atmospheric pollution
no clouds in the way
no light pollution
answers in terms of being closer to space negate
answers in terms of looking at the Earth negate
1
(b) (i) red-shift

1
(ii) expanding
1
(c) (i) as one gets bigger the other gets bigger

accept (directly) proportional
accept positive correlation
1
(ii) C
1
it is furthest from the Earth

only scores if C is chosen
or
it is furthest away
or
has the largest red-shift
or
it is moving (away) the fastest
1
[6]
Page 99 of 124
M43. (a) (i) infra red (rays)
accept IR
or
radio (waves)
do not accept heat waves
do not accept TV waves
1
(ii) radio (waves)

this answer only
1
(b) frequency
1
(c) (i) answer should be in terms of establishing if harmful or not

harmful ie trying to clear up any uncertainty
do not accept answers that assume it is harmful
eg Wi-Fi systems will make you ill
need to know if it is harmful / makes you ill

accept idea that safety issue may worry people
accept idea that (more) research may reassure people
accept idea of finding out (the truth)
1
(ii) an opinion
1
[5]
M44. (a) (i) any suitable risk

eg being injured by a car
accept a measure to reduce the risk eg
stand well away from edge of pavement
stay on school grounds / dont go onto the street
be aware of the dangers of traffic
car travelling at high speed is insufficient
1
(ii) increased
1
(b) (i) S
1
S
1
Page 100 of 124

(ii) big bang (theory)
1
(iii) CMBR comes from all parts of the Universe

1
(iv) At the moment it is the best way of explaining our scientific knowledge
1
[7]
M45. (a) 3 lines drawn linking:
camera to visible light

1
television to radio waves

1
remote control to infrared
if more than one line is drawn from any device all those lines are
incorrect
1
(b) 300 000 km/s

unit required
or
300 000 000 m/s

accept the same (as light)
accept the speed of light
1
Page 101 of 124

(c) a longer wavelength than
1
(d) (i) refraction

do not allow a misspelling that might be reflection
1
(ii) travelling along the normal

accept light is at 90 to the surface / block
light is not entering at an angle is insufficient
1
[7]
M46. (a) (i) X-ray(s)

1
(ii) gamma rays

1
(iii) infrared
1
(b) the same speed as

1
(c) (i) horizontal arrow drawn pointing to the right

judge by eye
accept drawn anywhere on diagram
1
(ii) Y
1
(iii) any one from:
any type of electromagnetic wave

accept electromagnetic wave(s)
water (wave)
do not accept seismic waves
(earthquake / seismic) S waves

do not accept P waves
do not accept earthquakes
1
(d) (i) 3
1
Page 102 of 124

(ii) 3.6
or
their (d)(i) 1.2 correctly calculated

v=f
allow 1 mark for correct substitution
ie 3 or their (d)(i) 1.2 provided that no subsequent step is shown
2
[10]
M47. (a) normal

1
(b) be halved
1
(c) upright
1
virtual
1
[4]
M48. (a) (i) vibrate / oscillate

accept a correct description
move is insufficient
1
(ii) 336
allow 1 mark for correct substitution, ie 420 0.8(0) provided no
subsequent step shown
2
(b) (i) frequency

1
(ii) longer than 0.8m

1
(iii) Doppler
1
[6]
M49. (a) C
1
(b) reflection at the mirror of ray from shoe to persons eye

may be drawn freehand
1
Page 103 of 124

angle of incidence = angle of reflection
judged by eye
a ruler must have been used
1
arrow to show correct direction on either incident or reflected ray

only one arrow needed but if more drawn must be no contradiction
both incident and reflected ray must be shown
1
(c) virtual
1
[5]
M50. (a) (i) (visible) light

accept visible
1
(ii) microwaves
1
(b) J
1
(c) (i) B
1
(ii) shorter than

1
(d) (i) To find out if using a mobile phone is harmful to health

1
Page 104 of 124

(ii) any two from:
(X has a) low(er) SAR value

it refers to mobile phone
accept has a low(er) rate
(maximum) energy absorbed (by the head) is less

accept energy emitted (by phone) is less
accept radiation for energy
(if mobiles are harmful) less likely to cause harm

accept will not cause harm
accept it is safer
2
[8]
M51. less / no light pollution

accept no / fewer streetlights
1
less cloud cover / above clouds

1
less atmospheric pollution

accept air for atmosphere
accept idea of thinner atmosphere
do not accept closer to stars
1
[3]
M52. (a) all three lines correct
allow 1 mark for each correct line

if more than one line goes from a device then all lines from that
device are wrong
3
(b) (i) skin cancer

do not accept cancer
do not accept sunburn
correct answer only
1
Page 105 of 124

(ii) other factors may be involved
accept may have been in the Sun too long
accept (over)-use of sunbeds and (over)- exposure to the Sun
(both) give the same symptoms
accept any other sensible factor that could lead to doubt
do not accept irrelevant answers eg may be run over by a car
do not accept killed by exposure to the Sun
1
(iii) can assess risk

answers should be in terms of assessing our own health risk
or
make your own decision

accept so you limit its use / dont use one
do not accept so you dont get skin cancer
do not accept so you dont get sunburn
1
[6]
M53. (a) (i) red-shift

accept Doppler (effect)
1
(ii) the Universe is expanding

1
(iii) N
1
(b) Why was the Universe created?

1
[4]
M54. (a) angle of refraction correctly identified

accept any correct indication
1
(b) (i) result at i = 25 identified

1
(ii) measuring angle of refraction incorrectly

accept any practical suggestion that would lead to the angle r being
incorrect
eg placing the protractor in the wrong place
not marking the refracted ray correctly / accurately / ray box has
been moved
do not accept measured angle i and angle r incorrectly
do not accept plotted incorrectly
1
Page 106 of 124

(iii) greater than
1
(c) shown refracting out of the bottle with angle of refraction larger than angle of
incidence
allow 1 mark for refraction shown on correct side of normal with

angle of refraction smaller than angle of incidence
2
(d) (i) People will have enough light to work inside their homes
1
(ii) accept any sensible suggestion

do not accept roof leaks
eg does not work at night

no control over light cannot switch on and off
eg cannot control brightness
1
[8]
M55. (a) (i) wavelength

accept frequency
accept speed
1
(ii) amplitude
accept energy
height is insufficient
1
(iii) sound
1
(b) (i) diffraction

accept diffract
a description is insufficient
1
(ii) 0.12
allow 1 mark for correct substitution, ie 8 0.015 provided no
subsequent step shown
2
Page 107 of 124

metre per second or m/s or metre/second
do not accept mps
units must be consistent with numerical answers
1
[7]
M56. (a) decreases

correct order only
1
increases
1
(b) absorbed
makes the glass warmer is insufficient
(energy) is wasted is insufficient
1
(c) (i) intensity (of transmitted light ) depends on thickness

or
to enable a valid comparison
or
it is a control variable
accept absorption depends on thickness
it would affect the results is insufficient
fair test is insufficient
1
(ii) transmits the least light

or
absorbs the most light
accept very little light is transmitted
do not accept transmits none of the light
do not accept absorbs all of the light
any reference to heat negates this mark
1
[5]
M57. (a) (i) A

1
(ii) B
1
(b) 340
allow 1 mark for correct substitution ie 850 0.4
provided no subsequent step shown
2
metres / second
accept m / s
1
Page 108 of 124

(c) higher than
1
shorter than
1
[7]
Page 109 of 124

E3. (a) (i) The vast majority of students selected the correct answer that the Universe is
expanding.
(ii) Although the majority of students said the Universe started from a very small point
almost a quarter thought it started from collisions between galaxies.
(b) (i) Over half of students thought star A is moving away from Earth, rather than towards
Earth. This suggests that they could not interpret the diagram as showing a shift to
the blue end of the spectrum, or they did not know what this indicated.
(ii) Over half of students thought that star B is moving towards the Earth, rather than
away from Earth.
(iii) Over two-thirds selected the correct answer that star C is moving faster than star B.
E4. (a) (i) Two-thirds of students identified radio waves as having a wavelength longer than
microwaves.
(ii) Almost two-thirds of students identified gamma rays as having more energy than X-
rays.
(iii) Despite the high number of correct responses for questions (a)(i) and (a)(ii), less
than half the students could identify a part of the electromagnetic spectrum with a
higher frequency than ultraviolet.
(b) (i) Just under two-thirds of students identified that two complete waves were shown on
the diagram.
(ii) Only a quarter of students were able to work out the correct wavelength from the
diagram.
(iii) Just over half the students gave the correct amplitude of the waves.
(iv) Only a quarter of students were able to identify the type of wave as transverse.
E5. (a) Many students were able to give an acceptable conclusion, but others simply
described parts of the data. To gain credit, statements had to be comparative eg mobile
phone use has a greater risk (than using corded phones). Many answers simply said
using mobile phones affects the number of sperm.
(b) Over half of students scored at least one mark for this question. A larger sample or the
inclusion of men not at the fertility clinic were the most common correct responses. There
were many unqualified answers relating to the hours of mobile phone use or the use of
different phones. Some students said women and children should be included.
Page 110 of 124

E6. (a) A range of errors was made in this question. Some students gave the names of rays
already given in the spectrum, the names of appliances or words such as transverse,
sound, solar, electric, gametes, satellite and indicator. Some wrote visible but with no
mention of light and a few wrote invisible. The position of gamma in the electromagnetic
spectrum was better known than that of light.
(b) Once again extra lines were drawn. The methods of transmission for satellite and
terrestrial TV were not well known, with most thinking that satellite TV was transmitted by
radio waves and terrestrial TV by microwaves or UV rays. Almost a fifth of students
achieved full marks.
E7. (a) A very well answered question. The most common incorrect response was 3 cm.
(b) Less than half of students answered this question correctly. The most common incorrect
response was 20 with others giving an incorrect answer of 0.2.
(c) Most students gained full credit for this question. A number of students were able to
substitute correctly into the formula but were then unable to calculate 20 0.5. Some
students selected the wrong equation.
(d) Generally, graph skills were poor.
(i) Most students correctly circled the anomaly.
(ii) The drawing of a line of best fit was done very badly with only a tenth of students
gaining one mark. Many students did not appreciate that a line of best fit can be a
curve or they did not include the (0, 0) point. Sometimes a ruler was used to join the
points with straight lines, or a curve that had little relationship to the points was
drawn.
(iii) Some students did not use the line they had drawn to take the graph reading. Others
had a guess without drawing any line at all. Just over a third of students gained credit
for this question.
E8. (a) Most students scored a mark for this question. For incorrect answers, longitudinal and
transverse were often given the wrong way round.
(b) Most students achieved full marks however, once again, several students drew more than
one line from each box. The most common error was linking refraction to the diffraction
diagram.
(c) (i)+(ii) These questions were well answered with a few students putting answers B and D
the wrong way round.
Page 111 of 124

E9. (a) Most common 1 mark responses identified gamma as the part of the spectrum with the
most energy. Many students mixed up visible and infrared in terms of energy.
(b) (i) Just under two thirds of students knew that the number of waves passing a point in 1
second is called the frequency. The most common incorrect response was
wavelength.
(ii) Over half of the students knew that electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed
through a vacuum.
(c) The specification focusses on the uses of parts of the electromagnetic spectrum for
communication only. Microwave ovens are not used for communication, so did not gain
credit. Many students gave remote control as a use for infrared, and mobile phones for
microwave. Few correct answers were seen for radio waves and visible light, as to see
things was insufficient for light.
E10. (a) (i) Just under half of the students could identify the wavelength of the sound wave.
All representations of waves should be taught.
(ii) Just over half of the students knew that a sound wave is longitudinal. Many thought it
is transverse.
(b) (i) About a third of students correctly realised that the sound wave must travel to the
building and back. Most incorrect answers focussed on the two metal bars or the two
students as reasons to divide by two.
(ii) Most students correctly calculated the mean time.
(iii) Most students gave the correct reading from the graph. Mistakes arose when
students thought they needed to do a calculation to answer the question. If they
made a mistake in part (b)(ii) they could still gain this mark if they had correctly read
the graph using their own figure for the time.
(iv) Three quarters of the students chose the correct improvement of using a sound
sensor and data logger to measure the time.
(v) A lot of students misinterpreted the question thinking it was asking them for a reason
why the amplitude changed, rather than the simpler question of how it changed.
Many said that the echo would be quieter, but this was given in the question so was
not creditworthy.
E11. (a) Many students gave the correct answer of 2.5 cm. Others made errors in counting the
number of waves; 3 or 5 waves were often recorded instead of 4. Others tried to use the
wave equation from the Physics Equation Sheet. If the question says use the diagram, it
means that there is information in the diagram to be used.
(b) (i) The majority of students answered the question correctly. It was pleasing to see so
many students showing their working as this would gain credit even if the final
answer was incorrect. Students who answered incorrectly had attempted to
rearrange the equation and calculated 6 divided by 0.5 instead of 0.5 times 6.
Students should be reminded that rearranging equations will only be required on the
Higher Tier paper, not the Foundation Tier. Students should be aware that only the
last equation on the Physics Equation Sheet applies to SCA2 papers.
(ii) Most responses said to see if the boat floats, or to see if it works, both of which
gained credit.
Page 112 of 124

E12. (a) More than half the students selected the correct diagram showing a ray of light
travelling from air into glass.
(b) (i) Some very untidy rays were drawn by hand. Ray diagrams should be drawn with a
ruler. There were 2 marks for this question. 1 mark is for drawing a continuous
straight line parallel to the incident ray and a second mark for showing an arrow on
the ray. If the ray was shown to reflect into the shaded part of the cats eye no marks
were given.
(ii) Very few students knew the dotted line is called the normal.
E13. (a) Less than half the students knew that electromagnetic waves are transverse waves,
the majority thought they were longitudinal.
(b) (ii) Less than ten per cent of the students knew that the wave speed of an
electromagnetic wave would stay the same if the frequency increased.
E14. (a) Many students did not use a ruler to draw the rays, and many drew rays that were too
thick. Those students who gained 1 mark usually gained it for correctly drawing the ray that
was outside the block. A large number of students drew the first ray from the end of the ray
within the block to the first cross, and therefore did not draw a straight line. As they had not
extended the ray already printed within the block they could not gain the first marking point.
This often meant they did not gain the second mark, which was for drawing a ray through
the two crosses to meet the edge of the block, as their ray only went to the first cross, and
did not reach the block.
(b) Just under half of the students gained the mark for saying Wear safety glasses, Dont
shine the laser into someones eyes, or Dont look directly at the laser light. Goggles,
glasses, sunglasses or eye protection were insufficient responses. The idea of safety, or
ideally dark, glasses was needed.
(c) (i) A wide range of correct responses was given. Many said the line should go through
more points or they said there should be an equal number of points on both sides of
the line. Identifying that there were too many points above the line, or that the line
simply connected two points, the first and the last, was also creditworthy. Only a few
recognised that the line should have been drawn as a curve. Incorrect statements
made reference to anomalies, when there were no anomalies in the data, or
students said that the line didnt go through any points, when it went through two
points.
(ii) Many students said the investigation could have been improved by repeating it. This
was not enough to gain the mark; they had to continue and add that a mean should
then be calculated, or that it would allow anomalies to be identified. The most
common correct response was to measure more angles. An incorrect answer that
was frequently seen was to measure five different values for angle b. This was what
had been done in the investigation, so perhaps students had just got the idea from
the question, which told them the student measured five different values for angle a.
Others said they should compare the results with other students, which was ignored.
Page 113 of 124

E15. (a) Only a few students scored a mark on this question. Many students thought the data
was plotted as a line graph so he could plot a line of best fit, see anomalies or see a
pattern clearly. Other reasons were because there was too much data to fit on a bar chart,
or there would be too many bars. Some weaker responses were that it was easier to plot,
easier to understand or easier to compare.
(b) Just over a third of the students gained 2 marks for realising that plotting data for more
galaxies, and that the more distant galaxies follow the same trend, provides better
evidence for Hubbles conclusion. The most common distractor was The galaxies are
closer to each other.
(c) The most common mark gained was for saying that Cosmic Microwave Background
Radiation (CMBR) is radiation that fills the Universe. Fewer identified that it is
electromagnetic radiation. The most common distractor was that CMBR is Sound waves
left over from the Big Bang.
E16. (a) Most students interpreted the graph correctly and identified the minimum sound level
needed to detect sound at 2000 Hz as 2 dB.
(b) Many students did not fully understand what the graph was showing, and found it more
difficult to take a reading from the x-axis than taking one from the y-axis, as they had done
in part (a).
(c) The question was well answered and most students gained full marks. A few gained 1
mark for showing 2017, but then worked this out to give an incorrect answer. Students
should be informed that the first mark in a calculation is for the substitution, and so should
be encouraged to show their working. A few multiplied 20 by 20, rather than by 17. Others
carried out a division instead of a multiplication.
(d) Only about a quarter of the students knew that reflected sound waves are called echoes.
E17. (a) Students had to draw three correct lines to gain 2 marks, and almost three quarters of
the students did this. They could gain 1 mark for one or two correctly drawn lines. The
most common correct response was for identifying reflection.
(b) There was 1 mark for each of three correct lines. Almost all students gained at least 1
mark, usually for visible light being used for photography. Many thought that either
microwaves or radio waves are used for remote controls.
E22. In spite of the fact that the front of the examination paper stated that a ruler was required,
many candidates did not use one for this question, and thus ran the risk of losing marks for a
poor line being drawn. A few candidates showed the ray passing straight through the mirror in
part (a), whilst many candidates were very careless with the reflected rays. Rays that clearly did
not obey the equal angles rule could not score marks. The vast majority of candidates however
did appreciate that the rays come from the source of light rather than go towards it.
Refraction in part (b) was even less well known. Although most candidates appreciated that
there would be some change of direction, and that the light would emerge parallel to the incident
ray, the most common response was to show the ray inside the block travelling along the
normal.
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E23. Candidates once again appeared confused between wavelength and amplitude.
(a) Candidates often gave the wavelength as 12, believing that what was required was the
total length of the waves that had been drawn in the diagram.
(b) Amplitude was more often given correctly than wavelength, though a common answer was
6, being the distance from the top of the crest to the bottom of the trough.
(c) Some candidates did correctly work out the right answer, but many used incorrect
relationships to do this and therefore received no marks. Where the answer was not
correct, many candidates received the independent mark for a suitable unit such as Hz or
waves per second.
E24. (a) Many candidates seemed unaware that they needed to use a ruler. Often, a freehand
line appeared to be curved and therefore examiners were unable to award a mark.
Candidates were instructed to show how the light waves reach the eye but in some cases
the lines stopped well short of the eye. A common error was to show refraction occurring
in the middle of the tank at the point where the candidates own line started, and then no
refraction when the ray left the tank.
(b) This discriminated well, with the best candidates scoring maximum marks. Many thought
that the light changes colour and there was often confusion between reflection and
refraction.
E25. Most candidates answered part (a) correctly, the main error being to state that the sound of
the bell in the glass jar gets quieter, perhaps a testimony to the practical difficulty of achieving
an adequate vacuum in the laboratory. In part (b) many candidates did not know the energy
transfer for a microphone. In part (c) candidates lost marks where the correct letters were
identified but the accompanying reasons did not convey an adequate sense of comparison
between the dimensions of the wave patterns.
E26. Most candidates scored highly in this question. Only part (a)(ii) produced numerous
incorrect responses indicating a lack of understanding of the word frequency.
E27. Although this question was generally answered well, in part (a) a significant number of
candidates drew lines from the waves to boxes which already contained a named wave. In part
(b) few candidates knew that radio waves and light have the same velocity through a vacuum. In
part (d) a large number of candidates showed no understanding of X-rays exposing photographic
film. Consequently they suggested other reasons for the bones showing white. These included
variations on bones are white, better for doctors to see and bones reflect light.
Page 115 of 124

E28. Most candidates correctly identified L as the wavelength in part (a), although M was a
common, incorrect answer to part (a)Qi). In part (c) many candidates described an optics
experiment but failed to answer the question m terms of showing that light travels in straight
lines.
E29. Few candidates were able to identify both the correct amplitude and frequency from the
wave traces.
E30. Recall of cosmic phenomena was good in parts (a)(ii) and (b)(i), but recall of the term red
shift was poor.
E31. In part (a)(i), the correct answer of microwaves was given by only about 50% of candidates.
In part (b)(i) most candidates were aware of the need for identical results to confirm the reliability
of an investigation. Although parts (b)(ii) and (b)(iii) were both worth two marks the vast majority
of candidates were satisfied, in each part, to supply only one piece of information from the
newspaper article. For this reason most candidates scored only one mark for each part.
E32. Many candidates made a good start with this question. The most common error being in
part (c) where candidates were unable to understand that radio waves could be reflected by the
Earths atmosphere.
In part (d) it was disappointing to see that many candidates were unable to match the shortest
wavelength with the waves next to the smallest number on the diagram.
E33. (a) (i)(ii) Most candidates knew that the surface of a pond acts like a plane mirror but
only a small minority chose both of the words inverted and virtual to describe the
image in the pond. Many candidates chose one of these words correctly.
(b) This was rarely answered correctly for three marks. Common errors were;
to show reflection taking place other than at the surface of the water
to show the direction of light from the frog to the insect.
Page 116 of 124

E34. (a) (i)(ii) Most candidates correctly identified the equipment as a microphone and an &
(iii) oscilloscope but most incorrectly stated that the distance x represents half the
amplitude of the sound wave, and that when x becomes smaller the pitch/frequency/
wavelength of the sound becomes less.
(b) Most candidates gained some credit for knowing that sound cannot travel through a
vacuum but many, by failing to make it clear that space contains nothing to vibrate, did not
gain a second mark.
E35. (a) Less than a third of candidates gained full marks. Many either gained no marks or
made no attempt at the question.
(b) Less than half the candidates could give a correct meaning to the term plane in the
context of a plane mirror. Some suggested it means a mirror without ornamentation.
E36. Most were able to identify the wave patterns with the smallest amplitude and with the lowest
frequency.
E37. (a) (i) The majority of candidates picked up the clue from the diagram, and correctly
stated that the wavelength of the microwaves reflected from the ball are shorter than
those from the speed gun.
(ii) The majority of candidates identified that the temperature of the ball will increase
slightly.
(b) (i) Some candidates appeared not to understand what was meant by the word pattern.
Thus they were offering answers such as It goes straight up. Most candidates did
score a mark here, even if they stated that the frequency was increasing rather than
the difference in frequency increasing.
(ii) It was pleasing to see that most candidates were able to obtain the correct answer of
20m/s. The most common mistake was to read the scale on the y axis incorrectly:
many candidates thought that they needed to count two little squares up from the
3000Hz line to reach 3200Hz. They therefore reached a figure of more than 20m/s.
Those candidates who heeded the advice in the rubric to show clearly on the graph
how you obtain your answer were able to score one mark if they showed a suitable
method on the graph, even if they subsequently arrived at the wrong answer.
(iii) The majority of candidates selected the correct answer.
Page 117 of 124

E38. (i) Most candidates knew that radio waves have the longest wavelength, but many put X-
rays and infra red rays the wrong way round.
(ii) Most candidates realised that a use of gamma rays is to kill cancer cells.
(iii) Only about 50% of the candidates knew that electromagnetic waves move energy from
one place to another.
E42. (a) In spite of the fact that this question is frequently asked, the majority of candidates
failed to obtain the mark. The most common answer was to say that the stars are so
much closer if the telescope is mounted on a satellite. Several candidates stated that the
telescopes would have a better view of the Earth if they were mounted on a satellite.
These candidates had clearly not read the first line of the question, which told them that
scientists use telescopes to observe stars and galaxies.
(b) (i) Most candidates realised that the observation is known as red-shift.
(ii) Most candidates realised that observation of red-shift gives evidence for the idea that
the universe is expanding.
(c) (i) Most of the better candidates could state that as the distance increased, the speed
increased, although few used terms such as proportional. Many of the weaker
candidates stated that the speed and the distance were always equal to each other.
(ii) About half of the candidates correctly identified galaxy C as being the galaxy from
which the wavelength would have changed the most, with about two fifths of
candidates being able to supply a correct reason.
E43. (a) (i) Most candidates correctly chose radio waves or infra red.
(ii) Only just over half of the candidates correctly stated that radiowaves have a longer
wavelength than microwaves.
(b) Just under half of the candidates knew that it is frequency that is measured in hertz.
(c) (i) Only the better candidates realised that the purpose of doing more scientific
research is to obtain evidence and establish whether or not Wi-Fi is harmful. Many
candidates started from the assumption that Wi-Fi is harmful, and that the research
was to find ways of reducing the harm. Some candidates misunderstood the
question and talked about the dangers of allowing children to access the Internet.
(ii) Most candidates realised that the politicians statement was an opinion, although a
significant number of candidates assumed that it was a fact.
Page 118 of 124

E44. (a) Almost two-thirds of students could provide a sensible risk that should be considered,
although some were more concerned about protecting the students' hearing rather than
anything else. Some students thought they were being asked for a control measure, and
were describing how the students could make it a fair test.
(ii) Just over two-thirds of students realised that the frequency would increase as the car
travelled towards them.
(b) (i) Most students scored at least one of the two marks for this question but only a fifth
scored both marks.
(ii) The great majority of students knew of the Big Bang theory.
(iii) About two-thirds of students scored this mark.
(iv) Jst over half of students scored this mark.
E45. (a) Surprisingly, less than a third of students scored all three marks. Many linked
television to visible light rays. Perhaps they had misread the question as being which
type of wave the device produces rather than which type of wave the device uses.
(b) This was the Quality of Written Communication (QWC) question on the paper which
required the students to demonstrate their ability to use good English, organise their
information clearly and use specialist terms where appropriate. Many students were able
to supply some basic information as physics points, but often their responses lacked
either the structure and organisation or the logical sequencing to achieve Level 2 and
score three or four marks.
(c) Only just over half of students knew that infrared waves have a longer wavelength than
visible light waves.
(d) (i) Again poorly answered, only a third of students recognising the process as
refraction. Most thought that the process was either reflection or diffraction.
(ii) Many students found it difficult to express themselves clearly enough to gain a mark
here. It was common to read answers such as the light is not entering at an angle
or the light is entering straight. Some students were writing that there is no normal,
while others went further and stated that there needs to be a normal for the light to
bounce off.
Page 119 of 124

E46. (a) (i) Most students recognised that the waves missing from the diagram were X-
rays.
(ii) Most students knew that gamma rays have the most energy.
(iii) About three-quarters of the students knew that a TV remote control uses infrared.
(b) Only about a quarter of the students realised that all electromagnetic waves travel at the
same speed in a vacuum. The majority believed that microwaves would travel faster than
radio waves.
(c) (i) Although the number of students drawing the arrow in the correct direction was just
in the majority, a large proportion of students made no attempt at this question. Many
had double headed arrows.
(ii) About half of the students correctly chose Y as the amplitude, while the majority of
the other students chose Z.
(iii) Fewer than half of the students gave a correct answer. The majority of wrong
answers were longitudinal or sound. A large number of students failed to attempt
this question.
(d) (i) Very few students obtained the correct answer for the frequency of the wave, the
most common answer being 3.6 instead of 3.
(ii) Most students obtained an acceptable answer for this calculation, albeit by
multiplying their answer for part (d)(i) by 1.2. It is strange that most of the students
who stated in part (d)(i) that the frequency was 3.6 put in a value of 3 in the
calculation in this part.
E47. (a) About half of the students correctly identified the dotted line as the normal.
(b) The majority of students realised that if the angle of incidence was halved the angle of
reflection would also be halved.
(c) Very few students scored both marks for this question. Curiously, many students chose a
pair of mutually exclusive terms, eg inverted and upright.
Page 120 of 124

E48. (a) (i) About half of the students knew that sound waves cause the air particles to
vibrate. A common answer that was insufficient to gain a mark was simply to say
that sound waves caused the air particles to move.
(ii) The majority of students could correctly complete the calculation to find the speed of
the waves. The most common mistake was to divide 420 by 0.8 instead of
multiplying.
(b) (i) Fewer than half of the students knew that it is the frequency that determines the pitch
of a sound. The most common incorrect answer was amplitude.
(ii) Fewer than half of the students knew that the wavelength would be longer than
0.8 m.
(iii) Most students could identify the effect as being the Doppler effect.
E49. (a) Most students thought that the image would be at position B rather than position C.
(b) Most students could show a ray reflected from the mirror but not all were able to show it
reflecting at an appropriate angle. Although most students put arrows on the rays, in many
cases these showed the light to be emerging from the eye.
It was pleasing to note that the great majority of students used a ruler to draw the rays.
(c) Most students knew that the image was virtual. The most common incorrect answer was
imaginary.
E50. (a) (i) Most students realised that traffic lights communicate using visible light.
(ii) Most students thought that satellites used radio waves for communication rather
than microwaves.
(b) About two thirds of the students correctly identified position J as being gamma rays.
(c) (i) Most students correctly identified B as showing the wavelength.
(ii) Most students knew that the wavelength of infrared waves is shorter than the
wavelength of radio waves.
(d) (i) Most students realised that scientists were trying to find out if using a mobile phone
is harmful to health, although a significant proportion thought that it was to find out if
mobile phones give out radiation.
(ii) Although many students were able to score both marks in this question, about half of
them only scored one mark, either for explaining that mobile phone X would cause a
smaller amount of energy to be absorbed by the head or that mobile phone X would
be safer. Some students thought that the SAR value showed how much energy the
phone itself absorbed.
E51. The first two marking points were identified in the majority of answers to this question. In too
many cases, however, the response to the third point was 'no pollution at the top of a mountain',
without referring to 'atmospheric' or 'air pollution'. As usual, in questions about this topic, being
'closer' to the stars was considered crucial by many.
Page 121 of 124

E52. (a) Most students scored 2 or 3 marks in this question. The most common error was to
suggest that TV remote controls employed microwaves.
(b) (i) Cancer was identified as the serious health problem by most students, but not all
were able to give the correct response of 'skin cancer'.
(ii) There were many vague answers given here but the majority of correct responses
stated that the symptoms of (over)-exposure to the Sun and (over)-use of sunbeds
were very similar, thereby making the cause of death difficult to ascertain.
(iii) Many students simply repeated the stem of the question in their answer 'so we
know the possible dangers of using a sunbed'. Few answered in terms of assessing
their own health risk when using these devices.
E53. (a) (i) About half of the students knew that this observation is called red-shift.
(ii) The great majority of students knew that the observation gives scientists evidence
that the Universe is expanding. The most popular incorrect answer was that light can
be stretched.
(iii) Most students correctly identified graph N as representing the relationship between
observed increase in wavelength and distance from Earth.
(b) Most students knew that the question Why was the Universe created? is one that
scientists are unable to answer. The most popular wrong choice was How fast does light
travel through the Universe?
E54. (a) Fewer than half of the students could correctly identify the angle of refraction. The
most common mistake was to label the angle between the refracted ray and the plastic
block. Some students chose to label a ray rather than an angle.
(b) (i) The great majority of students correctly identified the anomalous point. Of those who
failed to score a mark the usual reason was because they had circled the point
plotted at 30 as well as the point at 25.
(ii) Only about a quarter of the students were able to suggest a sensible reason for the
anomalous result, usually related to the block or the ray box having moved. There
were many cases where this question was not attempted.
(iii) Most students chose the correct response that the angle of refraction is greater than
the angle of incidence.
(c) Half of the students failed to score any marks on this question. Many students showed
internal reflection rather than refraction. Of those who did show refraction, a large
proportion showed the emergent ray on the wrong side of the normal.
(d) (i) About half of the students chose the correct answer that people will have enough
light to work inside their homes. The other half mainly chose the incorrect answer
that fewer plastic bottles will be thrown into rubbish tips.
(ii) Most students realised that there would be no light at night using this system. A few
were concerned about the holes in the roof. Others thought that evaporation of water
from the bottle would be a problem.
Page 122 of 124

E55. (a) (i) Fewer than half of the students produced a correct response for this question. A
common answer that gained no mark was simply length.
(ii) Again fewer than half of the students gained the mark for this question. A common
answer that gained no mark was simply height.
(iii) Responses were divided almost equally between the correct answer sound and
the incorrect answer visible light.
(b) (i) Many students left this question unattempted. There were very many wrong answers,
the most popular being refraction and distillation.
(ii) Most students were able to calculate the value of 0.12 correctly, but many either
forgot to add the unit or chose the wrong unit. The abbreviation mps was also
common, but did not gain any credit.
E56. (a) About a third of the students correctly identified the change in the wavelength and
energy of a light wave when its frequency is increased.
(b) A small proportion of students knew that some light energy is absorbed when it passes
through a piece of glass. Most simply stated that it disappeared.
(c) (i) The majority of students failed to go further than stating the thickness was kept
constant to make the test fair. A low proportion of students were able to state that the
intensity of transmitted light depended on the thickness of glass and therefore
needed to be controlled.
(ii) Many students were distracted by the fact that brown colours are good absorbers of
thermal energy. About two fifths of the students correctly stated that brown glass had
the smallest intensity of transmitted light.
E57. (a) (i) Just under a half of the students correctly identified trace A as having the
highest frequency.
(ii) Four fifths of students correctly identified that trace B has the smallest amplitude.
(b) About four fifths of the students correctly calculated the speed of the sound wave. Just
over a half of the students also correctly identified the correct unit.
(c) About a third of the students correctly stated the change in both the frequency and the
wavelength. About two fifths of the students correctly stated the change in either the
frequency or the wavelength.
Page 123 of 124

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P1 5 Waves Foundation Questions

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P1 5 Waves Foundation Questions

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Q1. (a) The diagram shows a ray of light being reflected by a plane mirror.

Which of the angles, a, b, c or d, is:

the angle of incidence;

the angle of reflection?

(b) The diagram shows a road junction seen from above.

A longitudinal wave is one in which the ........................................... causing

the wave is parallel to the ............................................... of energy transfer.

(ii) Name the type of energy that is transferred by longitudinal waves.

The waves have a wavelength of 0.8 metres.

Calculate the speed of the water waves.

Give the correct unit in your answer.

Wave speed = ...........................................................

What can you conclude from the graph?

(i) The increase in wavelength of light suggests the Universe is expanding.

staying the same size.

from a very small point.

collisions between galaxies.

moving away from the Earth.

(i) Star A is moving towards the Earth.

stationary relative to the Earth.

moving away from the Earth.

(ii) Star B is moving towards the Earth.

stationary relative to the Earth.

(iii) Star C is moving faster than star B.

moving slower than star B.

Gamma X-rays Ultraviolet Visible Infrared Microwaves Radio

(a) Name a part of the electromagnetic spectrum with:

(i) a longer wavelength than microwaves: ..........................................

(ii) greater energy than X-rays: ............................................................

(iii) a higher frequency than ultraviolet: .................................................

The diagram shows information about waves.

(i) How many complete waves are shown in the diagram?

(ii) What is the wavelength of each wave in the diagram?

(iv) Complete the sentence below.

energy transfer. They are called ................................................................. waves.

The graph shows some of the results of their investigation.

(a) Write a conclusion to the scientists results.

Q6. (a) The diagram shows the electromagnetic spectrum.

Two types of wave have been missed out.

Write the names of the missing waves in the empty boxes.

Q7. A ripple tank is used to investigate the behaviour of water waves.

(a) What is the wavelength of each wave in the diagram?

Draw a ring around the correct answer.

What is the frequency of the waves?

Frequency = ............................................... hertz

(c) The bar is made to move faster.

It now produces waves with:

a wavelength of 0.5 cm.

Calculate the speed of the water waves in cm/s.

Use the correct equation from the Physics Equations Sheet.

Show clearly how you work out your answer.

Speed = ....................................................... cm/s

The graph shows the students results.

(i) There is one anomalous result.

On the graph, draw a ring around this anomalous result.

Wave speed = ............................................... cm/s

Q8. Waves have many different properties.

Light waves are transverse.

may be either longitudinal or transverse.

Sound waves are transverse.

may be either longitudinal or transverse.

The oscilloscope settings are the same each time.

(i) Give the letter of the loudest sound.

(ii) Give the letter of the highest pitch sound.