General properties of waves — Paper 2 · IGCSE Science - Combined 0653

35 A vibrating object hits the surface of a liquid every 0.050 s. This causes a wave to spread out over the surface at a speed of 30 cm / s. What is the wavelength of the wave? A 0.0017 cm B 0.67 cm C 1.5 cm D 600 cm

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2017

34 A wave travels through a substance from point X to point Y. The diagram shows the direction in which particles of the substance vibrate. X Y Which row states the type of wave involved, and gives an example of this type of wave? type of wave example A longitudinal radio B longitudinal sound C transverse radio D transverse sound

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/21 May/June 2017

34 What can cause the speed of a wave to change? A either reflection or refraction B reflection only C refraction only D neither reflection nor refraction

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2017

35 A microwave oven emits radiation with a frequency of 2.5 × 109 Hz. What is the wavelength of these waves? The speed of light is 3.0 × 108 m / s. A 0.0075 m B 0.12 m C 7.5 m D 120 m

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/23 May/June 2017

34 The diagram shows a section of a rope. Four wave crests pass a point on the rope every second. Each wave crest travels 80 cm in one second. wave crest 20 cm direction 5 cm of wave What is the speed of the wave? A 4.0 cm / s B 5.0 cm / s C 20 cm / s D 80 cm / s

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2017

37 The diagram represents a wave in air. Molecules are closer together in region P than they are in region Q. region P region Q What are the names of regions P and Q, and which type of wave is represented? region P region Q type of wave A compression rarefaction longitudinal B compression rarefaction transverse C rarefaction compression longitudinal D rarefaction compression transverse

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2017

34 The diagram shows a section of a rope. Four wave crests pass a point on the rope every second. Each wave crest travels 80 cm in one second. wave crest 20 cm direction 5 cm of wave What is the speed of the wave? A 4.0 cm / s B 5.0 cm / s C 20 cm / s D 80 cm / s

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2017

37 The diagram represents a wave in air. Molecules are closer together in region P than they are in region Q. region P region Q What are the names of regions P and Q, and which type of wave is represented? region P region Q type of wave A compression rarefaction longitudinal B compression rarefaction transverse C rarefaction compression longitudinal D rarefaction compression transverse

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2017

34 The diagram shows a section of a rope. Four wave crests pass a point on the rope every second. Each wave crest travels 80 cm in one second. wave crest 20 cm direction 5 cm of wave What is the speed of the wave? A 4.0 cm / s B 5.0 cm / s C 20 cm / s D 80 cm / s

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2017

37 The diagram represents a wave in air. Molecules are closer together in region P than they are in region Q. region P region Q What are the names of regions P and Q, and which type of wave is represented? region P region Q type of wave A compression rarefaction longitudinal B compression rarefaction transverse C rarefaction compression longitudinal D rarefaction compression transverse

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2017

35 The diagram represents a wave. 6.0 cm distance 8.0 cm What is the wavelength of the wave? A 3.0 cm B 4.0 cm C 6.0 cm D 8.0 cm

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2018

34 A radio station transmits signals at a frequency of 9.1 × 107 Hz. What is the wavelength of the radio waves? Light travels at a speed of 3.0 × 108 m / s. A 0.30 m B 0.33 m C 3.0 m D 3.3 m

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/21 May/June 2018

33 A wave has a frequency of 120 Hz and a wavelength of 50 cm. What is the speed of the wave? A 2.4 m / s B 60 m / s C 240 m / s D 6000 m / s

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2018

34 The diagram represents a water wave moving into a region where the depth of water is different. region Y region X How do the speed and wavelength of the waves in region Y compare with their values in region X? speed in Y wavelength in Y A greater smaller B greater the same C smaller smaller D smaller the same

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/23 May/June 2018

35 The diagram shows a water wave travelling at 0.56 m / s. 0.10 m What is the frequency of the wave? A 0.11 Hz B 0.36 Hz C 2.8 Hz D 5.6 Hz

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2018

34 The diagram represents a wave. Which labelled distance gives the amplitude of the wave? A B D C

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2018

34 A musical instrument produces a note of frequency 170 Hz. The sound wave produced travels through the air at a speed of 340 m / s. Which row describes the sound wave? nature of wavelength / m wave A longitudinal 0.50 B longitudinal 2.0 C transverse 0.50 D transverse 2.0

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2018

32 The diagram shows the direction of a wave passing from medium 1 into medium 2. medium 1 medium 2 How do the speed and the wavelength of the wave in medium 2 compare with the speed and the wavelength of the wave in medium 1? A In medium 2, both the speed and the wavelength are greater. B In medium 2, both the speed and the wavelength are smaller. C In medium 2, the speed is greater but the wavelength stays the same. D In medium 2, the speed is smaller but the wavelength stays the same.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2019

34 The diagram represents a wave at one moment. Q R S P Which labelled arrows represent the amplitude and the wavelength of the wave? amplitude wavelength A P R B P S C Q R D Q S

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/21 May/June 2019

34 The diagram represents a wave at one moment. Q R S P Which labelled arrows represent the amplitude and the wavelength of the wave? amplitude wavelength A P R B P S C Q R D Q S

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2019

35 Which wave is longitudinal? A microwave B light wave C radio wave D sound wave

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2019

33 The diagram represents a wave at one moment. Q R S P Which labelled arrows represent the amplitude and the wavelength of the wave? amplitude wavelength A P R B P S C Q R D Q S

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/23 May/June 2019

34 Which wave is longitudinal? A infrared B radio C sound D ultraviolet

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2019

37 The diagram represents a sound wave travelling in air. wave direction 1 2 3 4 5 6 Which numbered points are at the centre of a compression and which numbered points are at the centre of a rarefaction? centre of a centre of a compression rarefaction A 1 and 5 2 and 4 B 1 and 5 3 and 6 C 3 and 6 1 and 5 D 3 and 6 2 and 4

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2019

34 What type of wave is a sound wave and in which direction do air particles vibrate as the wave passes through the air? type of wave direction of vibration A longitudinal parallel to wave direction B longitudinal perpendicular to wave direction C transverse parallel to wave direction D transverse perpendicular to wave direction

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2019

34 A student moves one end of a long rope up and down through a short distance. A wave travels along the rope in the direction shown. moved up and down wave direction along rope a short distance The student now moves the rope up and down through a larger distance. He also moves it up and down more times in each minute. Which row shows the effects of these two changes? amplitude of frequency of the wave the wave A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2020

35 The sound from a drum is loud and has a low pitch. Which row describes the amplitude and the frequency of the sound wave? amplitude frequency A large high B large low C small high D small low

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/21 May/June 2020

37 How are sound waves transmitted in air? A by compressions and crests B by compressions and rarefactions C by crests and rarefactions D by crests and troughs

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/21 May/June 2020

36 The sound from a drum is loud and has a low pitch. Which row describes the amplitude and the frequency of the sound wave? amplitude frequency A large high B large low C small high D small low

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2020

35 The diagram shows a section of a rope. Four wave crests pass a point on the rope every second. Each wave crest travels 80 cm in one second. wave crest 20 cm direction 5.0 cm of wave What is the speed of the wave? A 4.0 cm / s B 5.0 cm / s C 20 cm / s D 80 cm / s

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2020

37 The diagram represents a wave in air. Molecules are closer together in region P than they are in region Q. region P region Q What are the names of regions P and Q, and which type of wave is represented? region P region Q type of wave A compression rarefaction longitudinal B compression rarefaction transverse C rarefaction compression longitudinal D rarefaction compression transverse

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2020

34 The diagram shows a section of a rope. Four wave crests pass a point on the rope every second. Each wave crest travels 80 cm in one second. wave crest 20 cm direction 5.0 cm of wave What is the speed of the wave? A 4.0 cm / s B 5.0 cm / s C 20 cm / s D 80 cm / s

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2020

36 The diagram shows a section of a rope. Four wave crests pass a point on the rope every second. Each wave crest travels 80 cm in one second. wave crest 20 cm direction 5.0 cm of wave What is the speed of the wave? A 4.0 cm / s B 5.0 cm / s C 20 cm / s D 80 cm / s

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2020

37 The diagram represents a wave in air. Molecules are closer together in region P than they are in region Q. region P region Q What are the names of regions P and Q, and which type of wave is represented? region P region Q type of wave A compression rarefaction longitudinal B compression rarefaction transverse C rarefaction compression longitudinal D rarefaction compression transverse

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2020

35 Which waves are longitudinal? A light waves B microwaves C sound waves D X-rays

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2021

35 Which statement about waves is correct? A In a longitudinal wave, the vibration of the particles is perpendicular to the direction of the wave. B In a sound wave, the vibration of the particles is parallel to the direction of the wave. C Radio waves are longitudinal waves. D Sound waves are transverse waves.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/21 May/June 2021

34 Which equation relates wave speed v, frequency f and wavelength ? v = f v = f v 2 = f v 2 = f A B  C D 

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2021

34 Which row gives an example of a transverse wave and a longitudinal wave? transverse longitudinal A light wave radio wave B radio wave sound wave C sound wave light wave D sound wave radio wave

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/23 May/June 2021

32 A microwave oven uses microwaves with a frequency of 2.5  109 Hz. What is the wavelength of these microwaves? A 0.0075 m B 0.12 m C 7.5 m D 12 m

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2021

33 A microwave oven uses microwaves with a frequency of 2.5  109 Hz. What is the wavelength of these microwaves? A 0.0075 m B 0.12 m C 7.5 m D 12 m

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2021

34 A microwave oven uses microwaves with a frequency of 2.5  109 Hz. What is the wavelength of these microwaves? A 0.0075 m B 0.12 m C 7.5 m D 12 m

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2021

35 A wave travels through a substance from point X to point Y. The arrows show the direction in which particles of the substance vibrate. X Y Which row states the type of wave involved and gives an example of this type of wave? type of wave example A longitudinal radio B longitudinal sound C transverse radio D transverse sound

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2022

34 Light travels at a speed of 3.0  108 m / s in a vacuum. A radio station transmits radio waves at a frequency of 9.1  107 Hz. What is the wavelength of the radio waves? A 0.30 m B 0.33 m C 3.0 m D 3.3 m

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/21 May/June 2022

34 Light travels at a speed of 3.0  108 m / s in a vacuum. A radio station transmits radio waves at a frequency of 9.1  107 Hz. What is the wavelength of the radio waves? A 0.30 m B 0.33 m C 3.0 m D 3.3 m

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/23 May/June 2022

36 A sound wave passes through air. The diagram shows the arrangement of the air particles at one moment. Three regions are labelled X, Y and Z. X Y Z In which region is there a rarefaction and which distance is equal to the wavelength of the sound wave? rarefaction wavelength A X XY B X XZ C Y XY D Y XZ

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2022

34 The diagram represents a water wave that is moving at a speed of 6.0 m / s. 1.2 m 0.80 m distance What is the frequency of the wave? A 3.0 Hz B 4.8 Hz C 5.0 Hz D 7.5 Hz

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2022

36 Visible light and sound are both waves. Which row describes the nature of these waves? visible light sound A longitudinal longitudinal B longitudinal transverse C transverse longitudinal D transverse transverse

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2023

35 The diagram represents a wave in air. Molecules are closer together in region P than they are in region Q. region P region Q What are the names of regions P and Q, and which type of wave is represented? region P region Q type of wave A compression rarefaction longitudinal B compression rarefaction transverse C rarefaction compression longitudinal D rarefaction compression transverse

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/21 May/June 2023

37 A sound wave passes through air. Which type of wave is a sound wave and in which direction do the air particles vibrate? type of wave direction of vibration A longitudinal parallel to wave direction B longitudinal perpendicular to wave direction C transverse parallel to wave direction D transverse perpendicular to wave direction

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/23 May/June 2023

36 An earthquake wave shakes the ground at right angles to the direction of travel of the wave. This wave has a frequency of 0.10 Hz and a wavelength of 30 000 m. Which row shows the type of wave this is and its speed? speed type of wave m / s A longitudinal 3 000 B longitudinal 300 000 C transverse 3 000 D transverse 300 000

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2023

34 The diagram shows three wave crests on a wave formed by dipping a finger into water at P at regular intervals. wave crests P x Three wave crests are produced every six seconds. Distance x is equal to 40 cm. What is the speed and the frequency of the wave? speed frequency cm / s / Hz A 10 0.50 B 10 2.0 C 40 0.50 D 40 2.0

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/22 Oct/Nov 2023

37 A student makes three statements about a sound wave in a medium. 1 The particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of travel of the wave. 2 The sound wave is a type of electromagnetic wave. 3 The sound wave is a longitudinal wave. Which statements are correct? A 1, 2 and 3 B 1 and 2 only C 1 and 3 only D 2 and 3 only

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2024

33 A sea wave reaches the shore at a rate of three wavelengths every 60 s. What is the frequency of the wave? A 0.050 Hz B 1.0 Hz C 3.0 Hz D 20 Hz

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/21 May/June 2024

36 The diagram represents a sound wave travelling from left to right in a solid. wave direction R C R is a rarefaction, and C is a compression. In which direction do R and C move, and in which direction do the particles in the solid vibrate? direction of movement direction of vibration of R and C of particles A same as wave direction parallel to wave direction B same as wave direction perpendicular to wave direction C opposite to wave direction perpendicular to wave direction D opposite to wave direction parallel to wave direction

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2024

36 Three types of wave are listed. 1 microwaves 2 sound waves 3 radio waves Which waves are longitudinal waves? A 1 and 2 B 1 and 3 C 1 only D 2 only

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2024

37 A wave is refracted when it moves from one medium to another. What must remain constant? A direction of motion B frequency C speed D wavelength

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2024

34 The diagram represents a wave at one moment. Q R S P Which labelled arrows represent the amplitude and the wavelength of the wave? amplitude wavelength A P R B P S C Q R D Q S

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2025

35 Which statement about longitudinal waves and transverse waves is correct? A Longitudinal waves cannot travel in a vacuum, but some transverse waves can. B Transverse waves cannot travel in a vacuum, but some longitudinal waves can. C Particles in a transverse wave oscillate parallel to the direction of travel of the wave. D Particles in a longitudinal wave oscillate perpendicular to the direction of travel of the wave.

1 marks

Answer: A

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2025

36 Which terms are used to describe the nature of sound waves in air? A compressions and crests B compressions and rarefactions C crests and rarefactions D crests and troughs

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/22 Feb/March 2025

34 A student moves one end of a long rope up and down through a short distance. A wave travels along the rope in the direction shown. moved up and down wave direction along rope a short distance The student now moves the rope up and down through a larger distance and more times in each minute. Which row shows the effects of these changes on the amplitude and the frequency of the wave? amplitude frequency A decreases decreases B decreases increases C increases decreases D increases increases

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/21 May/June 2025

34 A student vibrates the end of a horizontal rope and sends a wave along the rope. The wave is shown in the diagram. wave direction 5.0 cm 40 cm Which row shows the amplitude of the wave and the wavelength of the wave? amplitude / cm wavelength / cm A 5.0 10 B 5.0 20 C 10 10 D 10 20

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/22 May/June 2025

34 The diagram shows a section of a rope. Four wave crests pass a point on the rope every second. Each wave crest travels 80 cm in one second. wave crest 20 cm direction 5.0 cm of wave What is the speed of the wave? A 4.0 cm / s B 5.0 cm / s C 20 cm / s D 80 cm / s

1 marks

Answer: D

This question in 0653/23 May/June 2025

35 Which statement about waves is correct? A In a longitudinal wave, the vibration of the particles is at right angles to the direction of the wave. B In a sound wave, the vibration of the particles is parallel to the direction of the wave. C Radio waves are longitudinal waves. D Sound waves are transverse waves.

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/23 May/June 2025

35 Visible light is electromagnetic radiation. The wavelength range for visible light is 4.0  10–7 m to 7.0  10–7 m. What is the frequency range for visible light? A 1.3  10–15 Hz to 2.3  10–15 Hz B 1.3  10–14 Hz to 2.3  10–14 Hz C 4.3  1014 Hz to 7.5  1014 Hz D 4.3  1015 Hz to 7.5  1015 Hz

1 marks

Answer: C

This question in 0653/21 Oct/Nov 2025

34 The diagram represents a wave on the surface of water. 6.0 cm 4.0 cm Which row gives the amplitude and the wavelength of the wave? amplitude wavelength / cm / cm A 3.0 4.0 B 3.0 8.0 C 6.0 4.0 D 6.0 8.0

1 marks

Answer: B

This question in 0653/23 Oct/Nov 2025