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.