AQA GCSE Physics Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), June 2022: Question 7
16 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Short Answer
Answer a series of questions about sound waves including definitions, frequency conversions, calculations of period, wavelength, wave speed, distance, time, and wave interference effects.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
07 Sound travels as longitudinal waves.
07.1 Complete the sentences.
Choose the answers from the box.
[2 marks]
amplitude frequency speed wavelength
The distance between the centre of one compression of a sound wave and the centre
of the next compression is called the .
The number of waves passing a point each second is called the
.
07.2 Complete the sentence.
Choose the answer from the box.
[1 mark]
opposite perpendicular parallel
In a longitudinal wave, the oscillations are
to the direction of energy transfer.
07.3 A sound wave has a frequency of 8.0 kHz.
Which of the following is the same as 8.0 kHz?
[1 mark]
Tick ( ) one box.
0.0080 Hz
8.0 Hz
8000 Hz
800 000 Hz
07.4 Calculate the period of a sound wave with a frequency of 8.0 kHz.
Use the Physics Equations Sheet.
[2 marks]
Period = s
07.5 Calculate the wavelength of a sound wave with a frequency of 6600 Hz.
speed of sound = 330 m/s
Use the equation:
speed
wavelength =
frequency
Choose the unit from the box.
[3 marks]
kg m N
*30* 32
Wavelength = Unit
Figure 14 shows the arrangement of two loudspeakers at a concert venue.
Figure 14
The loudspeakers in Figure 14 are tested by playing the same song through both
loudspeakers.
A sound technician listens to the song.
Use the Physics Equations Sheet to answer questions 07.6 and 07.7.
07.6 Write down the equation which links distance (s), speed (v) and time (t).
[1 mark]
07.7 Distance A on Figure 14 is 13.2 m.
speed of sound = 330 m/s
Calculate the time taken for the sound to travel from loudspeaker A to the technician.
[3 marks]
Time taken = s
07.8 The sound from each loudspeaker travels at the same speed.
For the sound technician to hear the song clearly, the sound from loudspeaker B
*32* should be emitted slightly before the sound from loudspeaker A.
Explain why.
[3 marks]
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
Question 7
AO /
Question Answers Extra information Mark
Spec. Ref.
07.1 this order only AO1
wavelength 1 4.6.1.2
frequency 1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
07.2 parallel 1 AO1
4.6.1.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
07.3 8000 Hz 1 AO2
4.6.1.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
07.4 period = allow ecf from question 07.3 1 AO2
8000 4.6.1.2
0.000125 (s) 1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
07.5 λ = 1 AO2
6600
λ = 0.050 allow 0.05 1 AO2
m 1 AO1
4.5.6.1.2
AO /
Spec. Ref.
07.6 distance (travelled) = speed × allow any correct rearrangement 1 AO2
time 4.5.6.1.2
or
s = vt
AO /
Spec. Ref.
07.7 13.2 = 330 × t 1 AO2
4.5.6.1.2
13.2
t = 1
t = 0.04 (s) allow 0.040 (s) 1
AO /
Spec. Ref.
07.8 loudspeaker B is further from ‘it’ means speaker B 1 AO3
the technician (than speaker A) 4.6.1.2
so the sound would take more 1
time to travel (to the technician)
so the sound from each speaker 1
arrives at the technician at the 21
same time
Total Question 7 16
How to answer it
AQA GCSE Physics: Waves & Sound Study Guide
What this question tests
This question assesses your understanding of wave properties (longitudinal waves, wavelength, frequency, amplitude, period), standard wave calculations (using v = f × lambda and T = 1 / f ), distance-speed-time relationships, and applying practical wave physics to real-world scenarios involving sound propagation and delays.
Wave Definitions
✅ Correct Answers
- 1st blank: wavelength
- 2nd blank: frequency
💡 Key Knowledge
- Wavelength: The distance from one point on a wave to the equivalent point on the next wave (e.g., compression to compression).
- Frequency: The number of complete waves passing a point per second, measured in Hertz (Hz).
Nature of Longitudinal Waves
✅ Correct Answer
In a longitudinal wave, the oscillations are parallel to the direction of energy transfer.
❌ Common Errors
Students frequently confuse longitudinal waves with transverse waves and write "perpendicular". Remember: longitudinal = par-all-el (both contain parallel structures).
Unit Conversions (kHz to Hz)
✅ Correct Answer
8000 Hz (Tick the third box down)
💡 Key Knowledge
The prefix kilo (k) means 1,000. To convert from kilohertz (kHz) to hertz (Hz), multiply the value by 1,000.
8.0 kHz × 1000 = 8000 Hz
Calculating Wave Period
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Equation: Period = 1 / frequency ( T = 1 / f )
- Substitute values: Period = 1 / 8000
- Calculate: = 0.000125 s
🧠 Exam Technique
Always check your standard form or decimal place count carefully when working with small fractions. Writing 0.000125 s clearly ensures full marks.
Wavelength Calculation and Units
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Equation given: wavelength = speed / frequency
- Substitute: wavelength = 330 / 6600
- Calculate: = 0.05 m
- Unit selection: m (metres) from the box.
❌ Common Errors
Selecting kg or N because they are familiar physics units. Always match the quantity being calculated to its SI unit: wavelength is a distance, measured in metres (m).
Distance, Speed, and Time Equation
✅ Correct Answer
distance = speed × time OR s = v × t (or any correct rearrangement like v = s / t )
💡 Key Knowledge
This is a fundamental equation from the Physics Equations Sheet. Memorise the speed triangle ( s = v × t ) to instantly recall alternative rearrangements.
Calculating Travel Time
📐 Step-by-Step Calculation
- Rearrange equation: time = distance / speed ( t = s / v )
- Substitute: t = 13.2 / 330
- Calculate: 0.04 s (or 0.040 s)
🧠 Exam Technique
Always show your working out explicitly. Even if you make a calculator slip on the final decimal, method marks are often awarded for correct substitution.
Real-World Sound Delay Analysis
✅ Correct Answer (3-point bullet logic)
- Loudspeaker B is further away from the technician than loudspeaker A.
- Therefore, the sound from B takes more time to travel to the technician.
- Hence, sound B must be emitted slightly earlier so that the sounds from both speakers arrive at the same time.
❌ Common Errors & Examiner Insights
Top-level responses clearly reference relative distances and link them directly to travel times. A common student mistake is discussing sound wave interference or frequency changes instead of focusing purely on travel time differences across varying distances.
Topics
Physics · P6: Waves · P5: Forces
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Physics examination, Physics Paper 2 (Foundation), June 2022. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.