Extended Cambridge IGCSE Physics: Motion to Waves

Comprehensive practice questions covering general physics, kinematics, dynamics, thermal properties, and wave phenomena for IGCSE students.

What is the precision and application for a Micrometer Screw Gauge?

$0.01\,mm$ precision; used for measuring the diameter of a thin copper wire or glass slide thickness.

What is the precision and application for a Ruler (Rule)?

$1\,mm$ precision; used for measuring lengths up to $1\,m$, such as a laboratory cart or spring extension.

How is Average Speed calculated?

$$\text{Average Speed} = \frac{\text{Total Distance}}{\text{Total Time}}$$

What is the formula for Velocity ($v$)?

$v = \frac{s}{t}$ where $s = \text{displacement}$

What is the formula and unit for Acceleration ($a$)?

$a = \frac{v - u}{t}$ (where $v = \text{final velocity}$, $u = \text{initial velocity}$); the unit is $m/s^2$.

What is the formula for Weight ($W$) and its standard value for $g$ on Earth?

$W = m \times g$ where $g \approx 9.8\,m/s^2$ or $N/kg$.

Define Density and provide its formula.

Density is mass per unit volume; $\rho = \frac{m}{V}$.

What is the difference between Mass and Weight?

Mass is a measure of the quantity of matter and resistance to change in motion (inertia); Weight is the gravitational force acting on an object with mass.

What is Hooke's Law regarding elastic deformation?

The extension is directly proportional to the applied load, provided the limit of proportionality is not exceeded ($F = k \times x$).

What is the formula for Thermal Energy transferred ($\Delta E$)?

$\Delta E = m \times c \times \Delta \theta$ where $c$ is specific heat capacity and $\Delta \theta$ is the change in temperature.

Describe the particle arrangement and motion in a solid according to the Kinetic Particle Model.

Particles are in a regular lattice structure, tightly packed, and vibrate about fixed positions.

Describe the particle arrangement and motion in a gas.

Particles are irregular, widely separated with large gaps, and move in rapid, random, continuous straight-line motion.

Define Specific Heat Capacity ($c$).

The energy required per unit mass per unit degree change in temperature.

What is the Wave Equation?

$v = f \times \lambda$ where $v = \text{wave speed}$, $f = \text{frequency}$, and $\lambda = \text{wavelength}$.

What is the relationship between frequency ($f$) and time period ($T$)?

$$f = \frac{1}{T}$$

What is the difference between Transverse and Longitudinal waves?

In Transverse waves, vibrations are perpendicular ($90^{\circ}$) to energy transfer; in Longitudinal waves, vibrations are parallel to energy transfer.

Define Wave Amplitude ($A$).

The maximum displacement of a particle from its undisturbed equilibrium position, measured in metres ($m$).

State the Law of Reflection regarding angles.

The angle of incidence ($i$) always equals the angle of reflection ($r$).

What happens to a wave during Refraction when it enters a denser medium?

The wave slows down, bends toward the normal, and its wavelength decreases while frequency remains constant.

What is Diffraction, and when is it most pronounced?

The spreading out of waves passing through a gap or around an obstacle; it is most pronounced when the gap size is approximately equal to the wavelength ($\lambda$).