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AQA · GCSE · Physics · Higher

Wavelength of the wave calculation

Q01.3 3 marks
v=f×λv = f \times \lambda

The wave on the string has a frequency of 45.0 Hz.

The wave speed is 35.1 m/s.

Calculate the wavelength of the wave.

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Marking points

  1. 1 Uses v = fλ with 35.1 m/s and 45.0 Hz.
  2. 2 Rearranges correctly to divide wave speed by frequency.
  3. 3 Gives 0.78 m (0.780 m is allowed).

Full-mark answer

Using v = fλ, 35.1 = 45.0 × λ. Therefore λ = 35.1 / 45.0 = 0.78 m.

Why this answer loses marks

I multiplied the wave speed by the frequency.

The wave equation must be rearranged so wavelength is wave speed divided by frequency.

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