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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.  π 4 rad

B.  π 2 rad

C.  π rad

D.  3 π 2 rad

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).

Syllabus sections

Core » Topic 4: Waves » 4.5 – Standing waves
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