IB Physics HL C.2 Wave model questions

Exam-style multiple choice and written questions with full markschemes. Check multiple choice answers straight away, or type, photograph or draw a written answer and get it marked.

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Question 1

Multiple choiceMedium1 mark

A source produces periodic waves in medium X with wavelength $\lambda$ period $T$ and speed $v$ The source is adjusted to produce waves with period $T/2$ in medium Y, where their speed is $3v$ What is the wavelength of the waves in medium Y?

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Answer: B. Since $v=f\lambda$ and $f=1/T$ wavelength is $\lambda=vT$ The wavelength in medium Y is $(3v)(T/2)=3vT/2=3\lambda/2$

A: applies the period change but leaves the wave speed unchanged.
C: applies the speed change but leaves the period unchanged.
D: uses $2T$ instead of $T/2$ then applies the speed factor of 3.

Remember: wavelength is the product of wave speed and period.

Question 2

Multiple choiceMedium1 mark

A travelling wave P has frequency $f$ and wavelength $\lambda$ A second travelling wave Q has the same speed as P and a frequency of $2f$ In Q, particles oscillate parallel to the direction of travel. Which description of Q is correct?

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Answer: C. Q is longitudinal because its particles oscillate parallel to the direction of travel. Since the two waves have the same speed, $v=f\lambda=(2f)\lambda_Q$ so $\lambda_Q=\frac{\lambda}{2}$

A: reverses the wave classification and treats wavelength as directly proportional to frequency.
B: finds the wavelength correctly but labels parallel oscillations as transverse.
D: identifies the wave correctly but uses a direct rather than inverse frequency–wavelength relationship.

Remember: at fixed wave speed, frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional.

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