Quick answer: A wave carries energy without carrying matter. This Physics 9-10 test on wave speed has 8 questions worth 20 marks, to do in 45 minutes: two types of wave, wave speed and wave on a spring. The mark scheme is on a separate page; free printable PDF.
This physics grades 9-10 test on wave speed test works like a real class test. The mark scheme is on a separate page, so revise with the lesson first.
Answer all questions. Show your working and include units where needed. A calculator is allowed. The paper is marked out of 20, and the marks for each question are shown in brackets.
Level: Physics grades 9-10 (GCSE · IGCSE · O Level · Class 9-10) · Curriculum: HS-PS4-1, GCSE P6
Wave speed test: the test questions
Question 1 Two types of wave (2 marks)
- State what is meant by a transverse wave. (1 mark)
- Name one example of a longitudinal wave. (1 mark)
Question 2 Wave speed (3 marks)
A water wave has a frequency of 12 Hz and a wavelength of 0.35 m. Calculate its speed. (3 marks)Question 3 Wave on a spring (4 marks)
- State the amplitude. (1 mark)
- State the wavelength. (1 mark)
- Calculate the frequency. (1 mark)
- Calculate the period. (1 mark)
Question 4 Moving into shallow water (3 marks)
Water waves move from deep to shallow water in a ripple tank. Describe what happens to (a) the speed, (b) the wavelength, (c) the frequency. (3 marks)Question 5 Reflection angle (3 marks)
Wavefronts hit a straight barrier so that they make an angle of 25° with it. Calculate the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection, and state the law you used. (3 marks)Question 6 Diffraction (2 marks)
Explain what happens when water waves of wavelength 2 cm pass through a gap 2 cm wide, and why a gap 20 cm wide has a different effect. (2 marks)Question 7 Counting waves (2 marks)
A wave has a frequency of 0.20 Hz. Calculate its period and the number of waves passing a point in one minute. (2 marks)Question 8 Unchanged quantity (1 mark)
State the quantity that does not change when a wave is refracted. (1 mark)
