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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 calculate the wavelength, we need to analyze the graph. The graph shows 3 complete cycles (one full wave consists of a peak and a trough). The distance from the first peak to the first peak of the next wave is approximately 4 meters. Therefore, the wavelength ( ( \lambda )) can be calculated using the formula:
Thus, the wavelength of the sound wave is approximately ( 1.33 , \text{m} ).
Step 2
A second sound wave has a longer wavelength but a smaller amplitude.
Answer
In this case, since the second sound wave has a longer wavelength, we can infer that the distance between its peaks will be greater compared to the first wave. However, its amplitude, which determines the height of the wave, will be lower. This means that while the wave stretches over a greater distance, it oscillates with less intensity.