Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 1 | Reference code | 19M.1.HL.TZ2.20 |
Level | Higher level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | 2 |
Command term | Question number | 20 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
A third-harmonic standing wave of wavelength 0.80 m is set up on a string fixed at both ends. Two points on the wave are separated by a distance of 0.60 m. What is a possible phase difference between the two points on the wave?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Markscheme
C
Examiners report
This question had a low discrimination index with response D the most popular and an even spread between the other 3 answers. A third-harmonic standing wave of wavelength 0.8m must be on a string of length 1.2m giving 3 loops of 0.4m each. Depending on where the initial point is chosen, two points separated by 0.6m will either be in adjacent loops e.g. at 0.1m and 0.7 m with a phase difference of π or in the two end loops e.g at 0.3 m and 0.9m with a phase difference of 0. So for a standing wave there are only two possible answers, π (response C) or 0 (not included in these responses).