P1, Chapter 5

Name …………………………………………………….………… Class …………………………..

Waves
1 Draw labelled diagrams to explain what is meant by
a a transverse wave (2)

b a longitudinal wave (2)

2 Match the words in the list with the descriptions 1 to 4 in the table. (4)

A amplitude
B frequency
C wave speed
D wavelength

Description
1 The distance travelled by a wave crest every second.
2 The distance from one crest to the next.
3 The height of the wave crest from the rest position.
4 The number of crests passing a fixed point every
second.

3 Which of the following is a correct description of the image in a plane mirror?

A It is a virtual image
B It can be focused on to a screen
C It is on the surface of the mirror

New AQA GCSE Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011 1

 P1, Chapter 5

Name …………………………………………………….………… Class …………………………..

D It is upside down

....................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ (1)

4 When a ray of light passes from air into glass it usually changes direction.
a What is the name given to this effect?

....................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ (1)

b Which diagram correctly shows what happens to a ray of light as it passes

through a glass block?

....................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ (1)

5 The diagram represents some water waves passing through a narrow gap.
Give the name of the effect being shown by the waves. When is it most significant?

New AQA GCSE Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011 2

 P1, Chapter 5

Name …………………………………………………….………… Class …………………………..

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ (2)

6 Give one similarity and one difference between a sound wave and a light wave.

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ (2)

7 A sound wave in air has a frequency of 256 Hz. The wavelength of the wave is
1.3 m.
Calculate the speed of sound in air? Write down the equation you use. Show
clearly how you work out your answer and give the unit.

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ (2)

8 a Give one example of each of the following from everyday life.

i reflection of light

New AQA GCSE Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011 3

 P1, Chapter 5

Name …………………………………………………….………… Class …………………………..

....................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ (1)

ii reflection of sound

....................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ (1)

iii refraction of light

....................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ (1)

iv diffraction of sound

....................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ (1)

b We do not normally see diffraction of light in everyday life.

Suggest a reason for this.

....................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ (2)

9 Electromagnetic waves travel at a speed of 300 000 000 m/s.

BBC Radio 4 is transmitted using a wavelength of 1500 metres.
Calculate the frequency of these waves?
Write down the equation you use. Show clearly how you work out your answer
and give the unit.

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

New AQA GCSE Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011 4

 P1, Chapter 5

Name …………………………………………………….………… Class …………………………..

....................................................................................................................................

.......................................................................................................................... [H] (3)

10 In this question you will be assessed on using good English, organising

information clearly and using specialist terms where appropriate.

The diagram shows an oscilloscope trace of the sound wave produced by a

musical instrument.

Explain, in detail, how the wave form would change if the instrument produced a
sound which was louder and at a higher pitch.

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

....................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................................ (6)

New AQA GCSE Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011 5