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IB DP Physics Questions

4.4 Wave Behaviour

Question 1

When two waves of the same frequency and amplitude overlap and interfere constructively, the resulting amplitude is:

A. Halved

B. The same as the original waves

C. Doubled

D. Zero

Question 2

In a double-slit experiment, the central maximum is observed to be:

A. The brightest and widest fringe

B. The dimmest and narrowest fringe

C. The same brightness and width as other fringes

D. Absent

Question 3

Which of the following best describes destructive interference?

A. Two waves combine to produce a wave of greater amplitude.

B. Two waves combine to produce a wave of zero amplitude.

C. Two waves pass through each other without any change.

D. Two waves combine to produce a wave of half the original amplitude.

Question 4

In a single-slit diffraction experiment, as the width of the slit decreases, the width of the central maximum:

A. Increases

B. Decreases

C. Remains the same

D. Becomes zero

Question 5

The superposition principle states that:

A. Waves can pass through each other without any change.

B. The displacement of a medium caused by two or more waves is the algebraic sum of the displacements caused by each wave.

C. Waves always interfere constructively.

D. Waves always interfere destructively.

Question 6

a) Two waves of the same frequency and amplitude travel in the same direction and overlap. If the phase difference between them is pi radians, describe the type of interference that occurs. [2]

b) Given that the wavelength of the waves is 0.5 m and the speed of the waves is 2 m/s, calculate the frequency of the waves. [2]

Question 7

a) A single slit diffraction experiment is set up using monochromatic light. Explain why a central maximum is observed on the screen. [2]

b) If the width of the single slit is doubled, describe the effect this will have on the width of the central maximum. [2]

Question 8

a) In a double-slit experiment, the path difference between the waves from the two slits is equal to half the wavelength. What type of interference is observed at this point? [2]

b) Given that the slit separation is 0.1 mm and the screen is placed 2 m away from the slits, calculate the wavelength of the light used if the first order bright fringe is observed 1 mm away from the central maximum. [2]

Question 9

a) Two coherent light sources produce waves that overlap at a point P. If the path difference between the waves reaching P is three-quarters of the wavelength, what type of interference occurs at P? [2]

b) Define the term 'diffraction'. [2]

c) A single slit diffraction experiment is set up with a slit width of 0.1 mm. If the wavelength of the light used is 500 nm, calculate the angle at which the first minimum occurs. [3]

Question 10

a) Describe the difference between constructive and destructive interference in terms of phase difference. [2]

b) In a double-slit experiment, the distance between the slits is 0.3 mm. If the first order bright fringe is observed 1 mm away from the central maximum on a screen placed 2 m away, calculate the wavelength of the light used. [3]

c) Explain why diffraction is more noticeable with longer wavelengths. [2]

Question 11

In a double-slit experiment, the dark fringes on the screen are a result of:

A. Constructive interference

B. Destructive interference

C. Refraction of light

D. Polarisation of light

Question 12

Plane-polarised light can be produced by:

A. Refracting it through a prism

B. Passing it through a double slit

C. Reflecting it off a mirror

D. Passing it through a Polaroid filter

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a wave undergoing diffraction?

A. It bends around obstacles

B. It spreads out after passing through a slit

C. It always speeds up after passing through a slit

D. It can interfere with other waves

Question 14

In the context of wave behaviour, what does the term 'central maxima' refer to?

A. The point of highest amplitude in a standing wave

B. The brightest fringe in a diffraction pattern

C. The point where waves converge after reflection

D. The darkest point in an interference pattern

Question 15

When light undergoes diffraction, its wavelength:

A. Increases

B. Decreases

C. Remains the same

D. Becomes zero

Question 16

a) What is meant by the term 'central maximum' in a diffraction pattern? [2]

b) A double-slit experiment produces an interference pattern on a screen. If the distance between adjacent bright fringes is 2 mm and the screen is 1 m away from the slits, calculate the angle between these fringes. [3]

c) How does increasing the width of a single slit affect the width of the central maximum in the diffraction pattern? [2]

Question 17

a) In the context of wave behaviour, define 'superposition'. [2]

b) Two coherent light sources produce waves that overlap. If the resultant amplitude at a point is zero, what can you infer about the phase difference between the waves? [2]

c) A double-slit experiment is set up with a slit separation of 0.3 mm. If the third order bright fringe is observed 3 mm away from the central maximum on a screen placed 2 m away, calculate the wavelength of the light used. [3]

Question 18

a) Define the term 'interference' in the context of wave behaviour. [2]

b) In a double-slit experiment, two coherent light sources produce interference fringes on a screen. If the distance between adjacent bright fringes is 2.5 mm and the screen is 1.5 m away from the slits, calculate the angle between these fringes. [3]

c) Given that the slit separation is 0.25 mm, determine the wavelength of the light used in the experiment. [3]

d) Explain why increasing the distance between the slits decreases the fringe spacing on the screen. [2]

Question 19

a) What is meant by the term 'central maximum' in the context of a diffraction pattern? [2]

b) In a single-slit diffraction experiment, the width of the slit is 0.15 mm. Calculate the angle at which the first minimum occurs if the wavelength of the light used is 600 nm. [3]

c) Describe the difference between the interference pattern produced by a single slit and a double slit. [3]

d) If the width of the single slit is halved, describe the effect this will have on the position of the first minimum. [2]

Question 20

a) Describe the principle of superposition. [2]

b) Two waves of equal amplitude and frequency overlap at a point. If the phase difference between them is π/2 radians, what can you infer about the resultant amplitude at that point? [3]

c) In a double-slit experiment, the third order bright fringe is observed 4 mm away from the central maximum on a screen placed 2 m away. If the slit separation is 0.2 mm, calculate the wavelength of the light used. [3]

d) Explain why the central maximum in a single-slit diffraction pattern is brighter than the subsequent fringes. [2]

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