| Date | May 2012 | Marks available | 1 | Reference code | 12M.1.SL.TZ2.14 |
| Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 2 |
| Command term | Question number | 14 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
A wave pulse is travelling along a dense thick rope which is connected to a less dense thin rope.
Which of the following is correct regarding the reflected and transmitted wave pulses after the wave pulse reaches the connection of the two ropes?
Markscheme
D
Examiners report
This was indeed an unusual question, although perfectly fair as a test of 4.5.1. Most candidates did not realize that a wave, in reflecting off the boundary of a less dense medium, will not undergo any phase change. Hence the pulse will not be inverted – the opposite of what happens if the reflection is off a denser medium.
