DP Physics (first assessment 2025)

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Question 21M.2.SL.TZ1.6

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Date May 2021 Marks available [Maximum mark: 5] Reference code 21M.2.SL.TZ1.6
Level SL Paper 2 Time zone TZ1
Command term Outline, Show that, Sketch Question number 6 Adapted from N/A
6.
[Maximum mark: 5]
21M.2.SL.TZ1.6

On a guitar, the strings played vibrate between two fixed points. The frequency of vibration is modified by changing the string length using a finger. The different strings have different wave speeds. When a string is plucked, a standing wave forms between the bridge and the finger.

                                                       

The string is displaced 0.4 cm at point P to sound the guitar. Point P on the string vibrates with simple harmonic motion (shm) in its first harmonic with a frequency of 195 Hz. The sounding length of the string is 62 cm.

(a)

Outline how a standing wave is produced on the string.

[2]

Markscheme

«travelling» wave moves along the length of the string and reflects «at fixed end» 

superposition/interference of incident and reflected waves

the superposition of the reflections is reinforced only for certain wavelengths  

(b.i)

Show that the speed of the wave on the string is about 240 m s−1.

[2]

Markscheme

λ=2l=2×0.62=«1.24 m» 

v=fλ=195×1.24=242 «m s-1»

Answer must be to 3 or more sf or working shown for MP2.

(b.ii)

Sketch a graph to show how the acceleration of point P varies with its displacement from the rest position.

                 

[1]

Markscheme

straight line through origin with negative gradient