AQA AS Level Physics Paper 2, June 2024: Question 32
1 mark · Medium difficulty · Multiple Choice
Identify the correct row comparing the characteristics of particles in progressive waves and stationary waves.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
32 Which row is correct for both a progressive wave and a stationary wave?
[1 mark]
Progressive wave Stationary wave
Some of the particles do not All the particles vibrate in phase
A
vibrate. with each other.
None of the particles vibrate with All the particles vibrate with the
B
the same amplitude. same amplitude.
Some of the particles do not
C All the particles vibrate.
vibrate.
All the particles vibrate in phase None of the particles vibrate in
D
with each other. phase with each other.
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
32 C All the particles vibrate. Some of the particles do not vibrate.
How to answer it
Comparing Progressive and Stationary Waves
What this question tests
This question assesses your fundamental understanding of the differences and similarities in particle behavior between progressive (travelling) waves and stationary (standing) waves. You need to recall how energy and oscillations are distributed across particles in both wave types.
Exam Question Breakdown
✅ Correct Answer: C
Progressive wave: All the particles vibrate.
Stationary wave: Some of the particles do not vibrate (nodes).
💡 Key Knowledge
- In a progressive wave, every particle along the wave profile oscillates with the same amplitude, just at different phases.
- In a stationary wave, positions called nodes have zero amplitude (do not vibrate), while antinodes have maximum amplitude.
🧠 Exam Technique
- Evaluate each column independently starting with the progressive wave statement.
- Eliminate rows quickly: we know progressive waves have no stationary nodes, meaning all particles vibrate, ruling out options A and B immediately.
❌ Common Errors
- Confusing phase relationships: Students often assume all particles in a progressive wave are in phase (which is only true for particles separated by a whole wavelength).
- Forgetting that stationary waves contain permanent points of zero displacement (nodes).
Topics
Physics · 3.3 Waves
Question and mark scheme from the AQA AS Level Physics examination, Paper 2, June 2024. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.