AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), November 2021: Question 1
8 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Identify wave types and characteristics, calculate wave speed, and determine properties from wave diagrams.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
01 Figure 1 shows a water wave.
Figure 1
01.1 What type of wave is a water wave?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
Electromagnetic
Longitudinal
Transverse
01.2 Which statement describes the movement of the water at point X?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
The water at point X does not move.
The water at point X moves to the left and right.
The water at point X moves up and down.3
01.3 The wave has a frequency of 2.0 hertz.
The wavelength is 0.032 metres.
Calculate the wave speed.
Use the equation:
*02* wave speed = frequency × wavelength
Choose the unit from the box.
[3 marks]
m2/s m/s s2
Wave speed = Unit
01.4 What is transferred by all waves?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
Energy
Information
Water 4
Figure 2 shows four water waves.
The waves are all drawn to the same scale.
The waves all travel at the same speed.
Figure 2
01.5 Which wave has the longest wavelength?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
A B C D
01.6 Which wave has the highest frequency?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
A B C D
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 1
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
01.1 transverse 1 AO1
4.6.1.1
01.2 the water at point X moves up 1 AO2
and down 4.6.1.1
01.3 v = 2.0 × 0.032 1 AO2
v = 0.064 (m/s) 1 AO2
m/s 1 AO1
4.6.1.2
01.4 energy 1 AO1
4.6
01.5 D 1 AO1
4.6.1.2
01.6 B 1 AO1
4.6.1.2
Total 8
How to answer it
GCSE Physics Study Guide: Waves Basics
What this question tests
This question assesses your fundamental knowledge of wave properties, classifications (transverse vs. longitudinal), wave motion, energy transfer, and the application of the wave speed equation ( v = f × λ ). It tests basic recall (AO1) and simple application to diagrams and calculations (AO2).
Types of Waves
✅ Correct Answer
Tick: Transverse
💡 Key Knowledge
- Transverse waves: Oscillations are perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of energy transfer (e.g. water waves, light, ripples).
- Longitudinal waves: Oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer (e.g. sound waves).
Particle Movement in a Water Wave
✅ Correct Answer
Tick: The water at point X moves up and down.
❌ Common Errors
Students often incorrectly assume that because a wave travels horizontally across the surface of water, the water particles themselves travel forward with the wave. Remember: waves transfer energy, not matter!
Wave Speed Calculation
✅ Correct Answer
Wave speed = 0.064 | Unit = m/s
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Identify the formula: wave speed = frequency × wavelength
- Substitute the numbers: v = 2.0 × 0.032
- Calculate the final value: v = 0.064
- Select the correct unit: m/s (metres per second)
❌ Common Calculation Traps
Selecting m²/s or s² as units. Always check dimensional consistency: frequency is in Hz (s⁻¹) and wavelength is in metres (m), giving m/s.
What is Transferred by All Waves?
✅ Correct Answer
Tick: Energy
🧠 Exam Technique
Do not confuse what a wave travels through (like water or air) with what it actually transfers. All waves transfer energy from one place to another without permanently transferring matter.
Identifying Longest Wavelength
✅ Correct Answer
Tick: D
💡 Key Knowledge
Wavelength (λ) is the distance from one peak to the next adjacent peak. Wave D is stretched out the most horizontally, meaning it has the greatest peak-to-peak distance (longest wavelength).
Identifying Highest Frequency
✅ Correct Answer
Tick: B
💡 Key Knowledge
Frequency is the number of waves passing a point each second. Visually, this means the wave with the most compressed, frequent oscillations packed into the same distance. Wave B clearly shows the highest number of waves.
Topics
Physics · P6: Waves
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), November 2021. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.