User interface language: English | Español

Date May 2014 Marks available 1 Reference code 14M.1.SL.TZ1.14
Level Standard level Paper Paper 1 Time zone Time zone 1
Command term Question number 14 Adapted from N/A

Question

The speed of a wave in medium X is greater than the speed of the wave in medium Y. Which diagram shows the correct refraction of the wavefronts at the boundary between X and Y?

Markscheme

B

Examiners report

There was a very even spread of responses to this question, albeit with a good discrimination index. We can only assume that the candidates did not read the question carefully as it is basic knowledge that a ray bends towards the normal when entering a denser medium. The slowing down of the wavespeed results in a reduction of wavelength as illustrated in B.

Candidates must be taught to illustrate wave behaviour with both wave diagrams and ray diagrams.

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 4: Waves » 4.4 – Wave behaviour
Show 59 related questions

View options