OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway)
OCR GCSE Physics A P5.1 Wave Behaviour Exam Questions
Free OCR GCSE Physics A exam questions for P5.1 Wave Behaviour, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers transverse and longitudinal waves, amplitude, wavelength, frequency, period, wave speed, measuring wave speed, sound, ultrasound and seismic waves.
P5.1 Wave Behaviour exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About OCR GCSE Physics A P5.1 Wave Behaviour
P5.1 opens the P5 Waves in matter chapter of OCR Gateway Physics A. It describes waves as oscillations that transfer energy without transferring matter, compares transverse and longitudinal waves, and defines amplitude, wavelength, frequency and period. You use wave speed = frequency x wavelength and describe practical methods for measuring the speed of sound in air and of ripples on water. The separate physics content extends this to ultrasound for scanning and sonar, and how P and S seismic waves are used to explore the Earth's interior. It leads into P5.2 and P5.3. Examiners like wave speed calculations, echo questions and practical method descriptions.
What you need to know
- Wave types Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer (water waves, EM waves). Longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to it, with compressions and rarefactions (sound).
- Wave terms Amplitude is the maximum displacement from rest; wavelength is the distance between adjacent identical points; frequency is waves per second in Hz; period = 1 / frequency.
- Wave speed Wave speed = frequency x wavelength. Waves transfer energy, while the medium only oscillates.
- Measuring wave speed Sound in air: measure the time for an echo or use two microphones and an oscilloscope over a measured distance. Ripples: use a ripple tank with a stroboscope to find wavelength and a known frequency.
- Ultrasound Sound above about 20 000 Hz. Partially reflected at boundaries between materials; timing echoes gives distances for foetal scanning and sonar.
- Seismic waves P waves are longitudinal and pass through solids and liquids; S waves are transverse and only pass through solids. Their paths show the Earth has a liquid outer core.
Common mistakes in P5.1 Wave Behaviour
- Saying waves carry water or air particles along. The particles oscillate about fixed points; energy is transferred.
- Measuring amplitude from peak to trough. Amplitude is from the rest position to a peak.
- Forgetting to halve the distance in echo calculations.
- Saying S waves pass through the liquid outer core. S waves cannot travel through liquids.
- Mixing up period and frequency. Period is the time for one wave; frequency is the number of waves per second.
Try three P5.1 Wave Behaviour exam-style questions
1. A water wave has a frequency of 4.0 Hz and a wavelength of 0.15 m. Calculate its speed. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Wave speed = frequency x wavelength = 4.0 x 0.15; = 0.60 m/s.
2. A sonar pulse returns to a boat 0.40 s after being sent. The speed of sound in water is 1500 m/s. Calculate the depth of the seabed. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Distance = 1500 x 0.40 = 600 m; this is there and back; depth = 300 m.
3. Describe how to measure the speed of sound in air using echoes. (4 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Stand a measured distance from a large wall; clap and time the echo, or clap in time with echoes and time many claps; speed = 2 x distance / time; repeat and average to reduce errors.
P5.1 Wave Behaviour FAQs
What does OCR GCSE Physics A (Gateway Science) P5.1 Wave Behaviour cover?
It covers transverse and longitudinal waves, wave properties, wave speed and how to measure it, ultrasound and seismic waves.
Which paper is P5.1 examined on?
Topics P5 to P8 are assessed on Paper 2 (Foundation) or Paper 4 (Higher), which can also draw on knowledge from P1 to P4 and practical skills.
What equations do I need for Wave Behaviour?
Learn wave speed = frequency x wavelength, period = 1 / frequency and distance = speed x time for echo questions.
