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3 (a) Here is a graph of a sound wave - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2012 - Paper 1
Question 3
3 (a) Here is a graph of a sound wave. (i) Calculate the wavelength of this sound wave. (ii) A second sound wave has a longer wavelength but a smaller amplitude.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:3 (a) Here is a graph of a sound wave - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2012 - Paper 1
Step 1
Calculate the wavelength of this sound wave.
Answer
To find the wavelength of the sound wave from the graph, we first identify the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs. From the graph, the distance from the first peak (at 1 meter) to the third peak (at 4 meters) is 3 meters. Thus, the wavelength is:
ext{Wavelength} = rac{12}{3} ext{ m} = 4 ext{ m}Therefore, the wavelength of the sound wave is 4 meters.
Step 2
A second sound wave has a longer wavelength but a smaller amplitude.
Answer
The characteristics of the second sound wave can be summarized as follows:
- The longer wavelength indicates that the space between consecutive peaks (or troughs) is greater than that of the first sound wave.
- The smaller amplitude means that the peaks of the wave are closer to the equilibrium position, resulting in less energy transferred by the wave.
This wave would typically be drawn with a much longer peak-to-peak distance compared to the initial wave, demonstrating both these properties.