4 Waves

AQA Physics Exam-style mark scheme

Question Answer Marks Guidance

1a Maximum displacement from equilibrium / mean position / 1
midpoint / etc. 
1bi Any one from:
• surface of water / water waves / in ripple tank  Max
• rope 
1
• slinky clearly qualified as transverse 
• secondary (S) earthquake waves 
1 b ii For a transverse wave the oscillation (of the medium) is Max
perpendicular to wave travel 
1
OR a transverse wave can be polarised 
OR all longitudinal waves require a medium. 
1ci Vertical line (in plane of polarising film) on B ± 5°  1
1 c ii
2

Maxima at 0, 180, and 360, minima at 90 and 270 

Line reaches same minimum and maximum every time and
reasonable shape. 
1d for example:
Appropriate use  Reason for polarising filter 2
being used, 
for example:
Polarising glasses / to reduce glare
sunglasses / windscreens
Camera to reduce glare / enhance
image
(In a) microscope to identify minerals or rocks
Polarimeter to analyse chemicals /
concentration or type
of sugar
Stress analysis to reveal areas of high and
low stress / other relevant
detail
LCD displays very low power / other
relevant detail
3D glasses to enhance viewing
experience, etc.
Total 8
From AQA Physics A PHYA2 Mechanics, Materials and Waves mark scheme June 2010 (Question 3)

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 4 Waves
AQA Physics Exam-style mark scheme

Question Answer Marks Guidance

2ai One loop (accept single line only, accept single dashed line)
Nodes at each bridge (± length of arrowhead) 1
Antinode at centre 
2 a ii λ0 = 2L or λ = 0.64 × 2 
= 1.3 (m)  (1.28) 2
2 a iii (c = fλ) = 108 × a ii 
= 138 to 140(.4) (m s–1)  ecf from a ii 2
2bi Four antinodes  (single or double line)
First node on 0.16 m (within width of arrowhead) 2
Middle node between the decimal point and the centre of the
‘m’ in ‘0.64 m’
Middle three nodes labelled ‘N’, ‘n’ or ‘node’ 
2 b ii (4 f0 =) 430 (Hz)  (432) 1 Correct answer only,
no e.c.f.
v
or use of f = gives 430 to 440 Hz
λ
2c Decrease the length / increase tension / tighten string  1
Total 9
From AQA Physics A PHYA2 Mechanics, Materials and Waves mark scheme January 2010 (Question 4)
3a Number of (complete) waves (passing a point) in 1 s  1 Allow: Cycles
OR number of waves / time (for the waves to pass a point)  Allow: Unit time
OR (complete number of) oscillations / vibrations per second

1
OR with T defined as time for 1 (complete) oscillation 
T
3b For two marks: 2 Allow: Vibration
Oscillation of particles / medium / material / etc. (but not Allow: Direction of
oscillation of wave) is parallel to / in same direction as  energy transfer / wave
the direction wave (travels).  propagation.
For one mark:
Particles / material / medium move(s) / disturbance /
displacement parallel to / in same direction as the direction
wave travels 
OR
(oscillations) parallel to direction of wave travel. 
A one mark answer with:
mention of compressions and rarefactions 
OR
(longitudinal waves) cannot be polarised 
Gets two marks

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 4 Waves
AQA Physics Exam-style mark scheme

Question Answer Marks Guidance

3c 1540 2
f= = 3 100 000 (Hz)  (3 080 000)
0.50 × 10 –3

Two significant figures 

Total 5
From AQA Physics A PHYA2 Particles, Quantum Phenomena and Electricity mark scheme June 2014
(Question 7)
4a (Wave) B  Second mark can only
be scored if first mark
(The parts of the) spring oscillate / move back and forth in 2
is scored.
direction of / parallel to wave travel
OR
mention of compressions and rarefactions. 

4bi (Double-ended arrow / line / brackets) from between two

points in phase 
1
4 b ii Wave A: arrow vertically upwards  2 Arrow on point P
pointing upwards on
Wave B: arrow horizontally to the left  the diagram of wave A.
Arrow on point Q
pointing to the left on
diagram of wave B.
4c (Transmitted radio waves are often) polarised. 
Aerial (rods) must be aligned in the same plane (of 2
polarisation / electric field) of the wave. 

Total 7
From AQA Physics A PHYA2 Mechanics, Materials and Waves mark scheme June 2012 (Question 7)
5ai It oscillates / vibrates 
(allow: goes up and down / side to side / etc., repeatedly, 2
continuously, etc.)
about equilibrium position / perpendicularly to central line. 
5 a ii X and Y: Antiphase / 180 (degrees out of phase) / π (radians
out of phase) 
2
X and Z: In phase / zero (degrees) / 2π (radians) 
5bi v = fλ
780 × 0.32 2
= or 780 × 0.16 
2
780 × 320
OR or 780 × 160 
2 Accept answer to four
= 125  (m s )
–1 significant figures
(124.8).

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 4 Waves
AQA Physics Exam-style mark scheme

Question Answer Marks Guidance

5 b ii 1
cycle 
4 3
1
T= OR = 1.28 × 10 
–3

780
0.25 × 1.28 × 10
–3

= 3.2 × 10 (s) 
–4

OR
Allow correct alternative approach using distance of 0.04 m
1
travelled by progressive wave in cycle divided by speed. 
4
0.04
 = 3.2 × 10–4 (s) 
125
5ci Antinode  1
5 c ii 2 × 0.240 
= 0.48 m  480 m gets 1 mark out of 2 2
5 c iii v 125 1
(f = = 124.8 or ) = 260 (Hz) ecf from c ii 
λ 0.48
Total 13
From AQA Physics A PHYA2 Mechanics, Materials and Waves mark scheme June 2012 (Question 6)

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