GCSE Physics – Waves in Matter – 1 – Exam Style Questions with Answers

P waves and S waves are different.
P waves are longitudinal and S waves are transverse.
Look at the diagram of a model of an S wave made with a slinky spring.
What is the amplitude of the wave? 

Look at the diagram of the Earth.
An earthquake produces P waves and S waves.
Look at the diagram. It shows the initial directions of the P waves and S waves.
P waves and S waves are detected by seismometers on the Earth’s surface
S waves do not travel through the Earth’s inner core.
Explain why…………..

P waves and S waves are different.
P waves are longitudinal and S waves are transverse.
Look at the diagram of a model of an S wave made with a slinky spring.
The wave is made by moving the spring up and down with a frequency of 1.2 Hz.
Look at the diagram.
Calculate the speed of the wave. ........................ m/s

Ultrasound can be used to scan the kidney and to break down kidney stones.
Explain how ultrasound breaks down kidney stones.

This question is about waves.
Look at the diagram of a longitudinal wave.
Use the diagram to describe a compression.

Light waves carry information along optical fibres.
How does light travel along the length of an optical fibre?

Look at the diagram of the Earth.
An earthquake produces P waves and S waves.
Look at the diagram. It shows the initial directions of the P waves and S waves.
P waves and S waves are detected by seismometers on the Earth’s surface.
Each type of wave from the earthquake is detected at different times by seismometers.
Which type of wave is received first?

Explain your answer .

Electromagnetic waves have a range of wavelengths
What is meant by the frequency of a wave?