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Waves, Sound, and Light — Free MYP3 Sciences Practice Questions
1QuestionDispersion of Light Through a PrismConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram shows white light entering a glass prism and separating into a spectrum. The position marked is at the top of the dispersed beam.
a
Identify the color at position . [1]
b
Explain why that color appears at the top of the spectrum rather than at the bottom. [1]
Solutions
2QuestionEchoes and ReverberationConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
A person standing 85 m from a large wall shouts loudly. The sound travels to the wall and reflects back to the person's ear, producing an echo.
Describe the path taken by the sound wave that produces the echo. [2]
Describe the path taken by the sound wave that produces the echo. [2]
Solutions
3QuestionHow Amplitude Affects LoudnessConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram shows two sound waves produced by the same instrument. Wave X has a small amplitude and Wave Y has a large amplitude.
Explain how the amplitude of a sound wave is related to its loudness. In your answer, use the concepts of energy and loudness, and identify which wave — X or Y — produces the louder sound. [2]
Explain how the amplitude of a sound wave is related to its loudness. In your answer, use the concepts of energy and loudness, and identify which wave — X or Y — produces the louder sound. [2]
Solutions
4QuestionApplications of Light in Everyday LifeConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram shows a cross-section of a fibre optic cable with three labelled parts: Part A (core), Part B (cladding), and Part C (outer coating).
a
Identify the part of the fibre optic cable responsible for keeping light contained within the cable. [1]
b
Explain how that part keeps light signals inside the core. [1]
Solutions
5QuestionDefinition of a Wave and Wave TypesConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram shows two waves, labelled Wave A and Wave B.
Wave A displays a repeating up-and-down pattern. Wave B displays alternating regions of compressed and spread-out particles along a horizontal line.
Wave A displays a repeating up-and-down pattern. Wave B displays alternating regions of compressed and spread-out particles along a horizontal line.
a
Identify which wave is transverse and which is longitudinal. [1]
b
Explain how the direction of particle vibration differs between the two wave types. [1]
Solutions
6QuestionPlane Mirrors and Image PropertiesConcept Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion B
A student investigates how images form in a plane mirror by measuring object distance and image distance from the mirror.
| Object distance (cm) | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image distance (cm) | 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
a
Plot the data on a graph with object distance on the x-axis and image distance on the y-axis. Use a scale of 0–60 cm on both axes and draw a line of best fit. [2]
b
Describe the relationship shown by your graph between object distance and image distance. [1]
c
A second student claims that if the object is placed 35 cm from the mirror, the image will appear 40 cm behind the mirror. Use the relationship from your graph to explain whether this claim is correct. [2]
Solutions
7QuestionApplications of Reflection and Refraction in TechnologyConcept Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion A
A student builds a periscope using two plane mirrors, each tilted at to the horizontal inside a vertical tube. An object is in front of the top mirror. The vertical distance between the two mirrors is .
a
State the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection as the light ray strikes the top mirror. [1]
b
Describe the complete path of the light ray from the object to the observer's eye, naming the direction of travel at each stage. [1]
c
A second student claims that the total distance the light ray travels inside the tube is . Calculate the actual distance the light ray travels inside the tube and explain whether the second student is correct. [1]
Solutions
8QuestionDispersion of Light Through a PrismAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion B
A student shines white light through a triangular glass prism at different incident angles and measures the separation distance between red and violet light on a screen.
| Incident angle (°) | 30 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Separation distance (mm) | 2.1 | 3.8 | 6.0 | 8.7 | 11.9 |
a
Describe the pattern shown by the data. [2]
b
Predict the separation distance at an incident angle of 80°. Explain your reasoning using the data. [2]
c
Analyse why violet light and red light separate more as the incident angle increases. [2]
Solutions
9QuestionPrimary and Secondary Colors of LightAssessment Practice
6 marks~9 minCriterion D
A theater technician aims three spotlights — red, green, and blue — at the same point on a stage to create white light. The resulting light appears pink instead of white.
a
Describe how red, green, and blue light combine to produce white light. [2]
b
Explain why the light on stage appears pink rather than white. [2]
c
A second technician suggests that additive color mixing with only three fixed primary colors cannot reproduce every color the human eye can see. Analyse how this limitation could affect color accuracy in a live performance. [2]
Solutions
10QuestionOverview of the Electromagnetic SpectrumAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion C
Students investigate how altitude affects UV intensity by measuring the time for UV-sensitive paper to change colour at three altitudes on a clear day (UV index 5).
The students claim: "UV intensity increases linearly with altitude."
| Altitude (m) | 0 | 1000 | 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time for colour change (s) | 120 | 90 | 70 |
The students claim: "UV intensity increases linearly with altitude."
a
Describe the relationship between time for colour change and UV intensity. [1]
b
Explain why shorter time for colour change is observed at higher altitudes. [2]
c
Analyse the data to evaluate whether the students' claim is valid. [2]
Solutions
11QuestionEchoes and ReverberationAssessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion B
A student tests how quickly an echo fades in a room by replacing the wall material each time.
Echo fade time (seconds):
Foam: 0.9, Carpet: 1.2, Wood: 2.8, Glass: 3.5
Echo fade time (seconds):
Foam: 0.9, Carpet: 1.2, Wood: 2.8, Glass: 3.5
a
Describe the difference in echo fade times between foam and glass. [1]
b
Explain why carpet produces a shorter echo fade time than wood. [1]
c
Analyse the data to determine which property of a material controls how long an echo lasts in a room. Support your answer with evidence from the data. [1]
Solutions
12QuestionVibrations in Solids Liquids and GasesAssessment Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion C
A tuning fork is struck and held against a solid wooden block, then dipped into water, then held in open air. A student observes that the sound heard is loudest when the tuning fork touches the wooden block.
a
Describe the particle arrangement in a solid. [1]
b
Explain why sound travels more effectively through a solid than through a liquid or a gas. [2]
c
A second tuning fork of the same frequency is struck with greater force. The student claims the medium that transmits sound most effectively will change. Assess whether this claim is correct, using evidence from particle theory. [1]
Solutions
13QuestionEchoes and ReverberationAssessment Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion D
A civil engineer is designing a 500 m pedestrian tunnel through a hill. The tunnel is straight with smooth concrete walls.
a
Apply the concept of reverberation to explain one design choice the engineer could make to improve safety in the tunnel. [2]
b
Explain one limitation of completely eliminating echoes in the tunnel and how this would affect the experience of people using it. [2]
Solutions
14QuestionHow Amplitude Affects LoudnessAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion B
The table below shows the amplitude and loudness of four sound waves.
| Wave | A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amplitude (units) | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Loudness (dB) | 20 | 40 | 60 | 80 |
a
Describe the relationship between amplitude and loudness shown in the data. [1]
b
Calculate the loudness of wave E, which has an amplitude of 10 units. Show your working. [2]
c
A student claims that doubling the amplitude of wave E will double its loudness. Analyse the data to decide whether this claim is correct, and justify your answer. [2]
Solutions
15QuestionHow Amplitude Affects LoudnessAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion C
A loudspeaker produces two sound waves, Wave X and Wave Y, displayed on an oscilloscope screen. Wave X has a larger vertical displacement from the centre line than Wave Y. Both waves have the same frequency and travel through air to reach a microphone.
a
Describe what amplitude means for a sound wave and identify which wave has the greater amplitude. [1]
b
Explain why the wave you identified in part (a) produces a louder sound than the other wave. [2]
c
A student says: "Wave Y sounds quiet because it is not travelling fast enough." Interpret this statement and explain whether the student is correct, using your understanding of what actually determines loudness. [2]
Solutions
16QuestionHow Amplitude Affects LoudnessAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion D
A student listens to music through headphones at four volume settings and records the following data.
| Volume setting (%) | 40 | 60 | 80 | 100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amplitude (units) | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 1.0 |
| Loudness (dB) | 70 | 80 | 90 | 100 |
a
Describe the relationship between amplitude and loudness shown in the data. [1]
b
Explain why a volume limit of 85 dB on a personal listening device helps protect a user's hearing. [2]
c
A friend argues that keeping the volume below 85 dB is enough to prevent all hearing damage. Using the data and your knowledge, analyse whether this claim is fully supported. [2]
Solutions
17QuestionUltrasound in Medicine and IndustryAssessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion B
The graph below shows how the amplitude of an ultrasound pulse changes as it travels through muscle tissue.
| Depth (cm) | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amplitude (%) | 100 | 70 | 50 | 35 |
a
Describe the trend shown in the graph. [1]
b
Explain why the amplitude decreases as the ultrasound pulse travels deeper into the tissue. [1]
c
At 6 cm depth the amplitude is 35%. A technician claims the amplitude will reach 0% by 8 cm depth. Using the pattern in the data, assess whether this claim is likely to be correct. [1]
Solutions
18QuestionFiber Optics and CommunicationAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion C
A fiber optic cable has a glass core with refractive index and a cladding with refractive index . A light ray enters the core from air () at an angle of 30° to the normal at the air–core boundary.
a
State the two conditions required for total internal reflection to occur. [1]
b
Calculate the critical angle at the core–cladding boundary. [2]
c
The ray enters at 30° to the normal at the air–core boundary. Using Snell's law, determine the angle at which it strikes the core–cladding boundary, and justify whether total internal reflection occurs. Explain how this result relates to the effectiveness of fiber optics for long-distance communication. [2]
Solutions
19QuestionApplications of Light in Everyday LifeAssessment Practice
8 marks~12 minCriterion D
A handheld text-to-speech scanner emits light onto a printed page. The reflected light is captured by an optical sensor, and OCR (optical character recognition) software converts the pattern into audio. One device costs 800 dollars. A school survey found that 60% of visually impaired students who owned a scanner completed reading tasks independently, compared with 25% who did not.
a
Describe how the scanner uses light to capture printed text. [2]
b
Explain how the cost of the device could affect equal access to education for visually impaired students. [3]
c
A student argues: "These scanners should replace all other reading support because the data shows they work." Using the survey data and your own reasoning, analyse whether this conclusion is justified. [3]
Solutions
20QuestionKey Terms Wavelength Frequency Amplitude SpeedAssessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion B
Four waves travel at the same speed. Their properties are shown below.
| Wave | A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wavelength (m) | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
| Frequency (Hz) | 150 | 75 | 50 | 37.5 |
a
State the wave equation that links wave speed , wavelength , and frequency . [1]
b
Using the data, describe what happens to frequency as wavelength increases. [1]
c
The speed of all four waves is the same. Analyse the data to explain why wavelength and frequency change in the way you described in (b). [1]
Solutions
21QuestionDefinition of a Wave and Wave TypesAssessment Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion D
When a pebble is dropped into a still pond, ripples spread outward in circles. The water molecules move up and down but do not travel outward with the ripples.
a
Describe what these ripples demonstrate about how waves transfer energy. [1]
b
Explain one limitation of using this pond model to understand the behaviour of ocean waves. [1]
Solutions
22QuestionMeasuring and Calculating Wave SpeedAssessment Practice
5 marks~8 minCriterion C
A student investigates wave speed in a ripple tank by changing the frequency of a wave generator and measuring the corresponding wavelength. The results are recorded below.
Wave speed is given by .
| Trial | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency (Hz) | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 |
| Wavelength (m) | 0.30 | 0.20 | 0.15 | 0.12 | 0.10 | 0.14 |
Wave speed is given by .
a
Calculate the wave speed for trials 1 and 6. [2]
b
Explain why the data from trials 1–5 supports the claim that wave speed in the ripple tank is constant regardless of frequency. [2]
c
Analyse the result from trial 6 and suggest one reason why it differs from the other trials. [1]
Solutions
23QuestionApplications of Reflection and Refraction in TechnologyAssessment Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion C
The diagram shows a periscope with two mirrors, each angled at to the vertical. A light ray enters horizontally through the top opening.
a
Describe the complete path of the light ray from the top opening to the bottom opening. [1]
b
Explain how the law of reflection causes the light ray to change direction by at each mirror. [2]
c
A student claims that tilting one mirror to would still allow the light ray to exit through the bottom opening. Using your knowledge of reflection, explain whether this claim is correct. [1]
Solutions
24QuestionLaws of Reflection and Ray DiagramsAssessment Practice
8 marks~12 minCriterion D
A solar power plant uses a field of flat mirrors called heliostats to reflect sunlight onto a central tower. Drivers on a nearby highway report being blinded by reflected light, particularly in the late afternoon.
a
Draw a ray diagram showing a flat mirror, the normal line, an incident ray from the sun, and the reflected ray. Label the angle of incidence () and the angle of reflection (). Use your diagram to explain how sunlight can be directed toward the highway. [2]
b
Plant operators tilt the mirrors slightly downward. Explain how this adjustment follows the law of reflection and redirects the reflected light away from the highway. [2]
c
Analyse the impact of this solar plant on the local community and on highway safety. In your response:
- discuss one advantage of the solar plant for the local community
- identify one safety concern for highway drivers
- explain one limitation of using a simple flat-mirror ray diagram to represent this real-world situation [4]
- discuss one advantage of the solar plant for the local community
- identify one safety concern for highway drivers
- explain one limitation of using a simple flat-mirror ray diagram to represent this real-world situation [4]
Solutions