3.3.2.2 Diffraction

James Calvert Spence College
Q1.Electrons and protons in two beams are travelling at the same speed. The beams are
diffracted by objects of the same size.
Which correctly compares the de Broglie wavelength λe of the electrons with the de
Broglie wavelength λp of the protons and the width of the diffraction patterns that are
produced by these beams?
comparison of diffraction pattern

de
Broglie
wavelength
A λe > λp electron beam width > proton beam width
B λe < λp electron beam width > proton beam width
C λe > λp electron beam width < proton beam width
D λe < λp electron beam width < proton beam width
(Total 1 mark)
Q2.A diffraction pattern is formed by passing monochromatic light through a single slit. If the
width of the single slit is reduced, which of the following is true?
Intensity of
Width of central
central
maximum
maximum
A unchanged decreases
B increases increases
C increases decreases
D decreases decreases
(Total 1 mark)
Q3.Read through the following passage and answer the questions that follow it.
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Measuring the speed of sound in air
After the wave nature of sound had been identified, many attempts were made to
measure its speed in air. The earliest known attempt was made by the French
scientist Gassendi in the 17th century. The procedure involved timing the interval
between seeing the flash of a gun and hearing the bang from some distance away.
5 Gassendi assumed that, compared with the speed of sound, the speed of light is
infinite. The value he obtained for the speed of sound was 480 m s –1. He also
realised that the speed of sound does not depend on frequency.
A much better value of 350 m s–1 was obtained by the Italian physicists Borelli and
Viviani using the same procedure. In 1740 another Italian, Bianconi, showed that
10 sound travels faster when the temperature of the air is greater.
In 1738 a value of 332 m s–1 was obtained by scientists in Paris. This is remarkably
close to the currently accepted value considering the measuring equipment
available to the scientists at that time. Since 1986 the accepted value has been
331.29 m s–1 at 0 °C.
(a) Suggest an experiment that will demonstrate the wave nature of sound (line 1).
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(1)
(b) Using Gassendi’s value for the speed of sound (line 6), calculate the time between
seeing the flash of a gun and hearing its bang over a distance of 2.5 km.
time = ........................ s
(1)
(c) Explain why it was necessary to assume that ‘compared with the speed of sound,
the speed of light is infinite’ (line 5).
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(1)
(d) Explain one observation that could have led Gassendi to conclude that ‘the speed
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of sound does not depend on frequency’ (line 7).
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(2)
(e) Explain how the value obtained by Borelli and Viviani was ‘much better’ than that
obtained by Gassendi (line 8).
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(1)
(f) The speed of sound c in dry air is given by
where θ is the temperature in °C, and k is a constant.
Calculate a value for k using data from the passage.
k = ........................ m s–1 K–½

(2)
(g) State the steps taken by the scientific community for the value of a quantity to be
‘accepted’ (line 13).
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(2)
(Total 10 marks)
Q4.When comparing X-rays with UV radiation, which statement is correct?
A X-rays have a lower frequency.
B X-rays travel faster in a vacuum.
C X-rays do not show diffraction and interference effects.
Using the same element, photoelectrons emitted using

D
X-rays have the greater maximum kinetic energy.
(Total 1 mark)
Q5.The figure below shows a spectrometer that uses a diffraction grating to split a beam of light
into its constituent wavelengths and enables the angles of the diffracted beams to be
measured.
(a) Give one possible application of the spectrometer and diffraction grating used in
this way.
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(1)
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(b) (i) When the spectrometer telescope is rotated from an initial angle of zero
degrees, a spectrum is not observed until the angle of diffraction θ is about
50°. State the order of this spectrum.
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(1)
(ii) White light is directed into the spectrometer. Light emerges at A and B. State
one difference between the light emerging at B compared to that emerging at
A.
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(1)
(c) The angle of diffraction θ at the centre of the observed beam B in the image above
is 51.0° and the grating has 1480 lines per mm.
Calculate the wavelength of the light observed at the centre of beam B.
wavelength .......................................... m
(3)
(d) Determine by calculation whether any more orders could be observed at the
wavelength calculated in part (c).
(2)
(Total 8 marks)
Q6.(a) A laser emits monochromatic light.
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Explain the meaning of the term monochromatic light.
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(1)
(b) The diagram below shows a laser emitting blue light directed at a single slit, where
the slit width is greater than the wavelength of the light. The intensity graph for the
diffracted blue light is shown.
The laser is replaced by a laser emitting red light.
On the axes shown in the diagram above sketch the intensity graph for a laser
emitting red light.
(2)
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(c) State and explain one precaution that should be taken when using laser light
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(2)
(d) The red laser light is replaced by a non-laser source emitting white light.
Describe how the appearance of the pattern would change.
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(3)
(Total 8 marks)
Q7. A single slit diffraction pattern is produced on a screen using a laser. The intensity of
the central maximum is plotted on the axes in the figure below.
(a) On the figure above, sketch how the intensity varies across the screen to the right
of the central maximum.
(2)
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(b) A laser is a source of monochromatic, coherent light. State what is meant by
monochromatic light ....................................................................................
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coherent light ...............................................................................................
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(2)
(c) Describe how the pattern would change if light of a longer wavelength was used.
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(1)
(d) State two ways in which the appearance of the fringes would change if the slit was
made narrower.
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(2)
(e) The laser is replaced with a lamp that produces a narrow beam of white light.
Sketch and label the appearance of the fringes as you would see them on a screen.
(3)
(Total 10 marks)
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Q8. For a plane transmission diffraction grating, the diffraction grating equation for the first
order beam is:
λ = d sin θ
(a) The figure below shows two of the slits in the grating. Label the figure below with
the distances d and λ.
(2)
(b) State and explain what happens to the value of angle θ for the first order beam if
the wavelength of the monochromatic light decreases.
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(2)
(c) A diffraction grating was used with a spectrometer to obtain the line spectrum of
star X shown in the figure below. Shown are some line spectra for six elements that
have been obtained in the laboratory.
Place ticks in the boxes next to the three elements that are present in the
atmosphere of star X.
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(2)
(d) The diffraction grating used to obtain the spectrum of star X had 300 slits per mm.
(i) Calculate the distance between the centres of two adjacent slits on this
grating.
answer = ................................. m
(1)
(ii) Calculate the first order angle of diffraction of line P in the figure above.
answer = ........................ degrees

(2)
(Total 9 marks)
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Q9. A diffraction grating has 300 lines per mm. It is illuminated with monochromatic light
of wavelength 540 nm.
Calculate the angle of the 2 nd order maximum, giving your answer to the appropriate
number of significant figures.
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angle .......................................... degrees

(Total 4 marks)
Q10. A narrow beam of monochromatic light of wavelength 590 nm is directed normally at

a diffraction grating, as shown in the diagram below.
(a) The grating spacing of the diffraction grating is 1.67 × 10 –6 m.
(i) Calculate the angle of diffraction of the second order diffracted beam.
answer .................................... degrees

(4)
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(ii) Show that no beams higher than the second order can be observed at this
wavelength.
(3)
(b) The light source is replaced by a monochromatic light source of unknown

wavelength.
A narrow beam of light from this light source is directed normally at the grating.
Measurement of the angle of diffraction of the second order beam gives a value of
42.1°.
Calculate the wavelength of this light source.
answer ....................................... m
(2)
(Total 9 marks)
Q11.
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In a double slit system used to produce interference fringes, the separation of the slits is s
and the width of each slit is x. L is a source of monochromatic light. Which one of the
following changes would decrease the separation of the fringes seen on the screen?
A moving the screen closer to the double slits
B decreasing the width, x, of each slit, but keeping s constant
C decreasing the separation, s, of the slits
D exchanging L for a monochromatic source of longer wavelength

(Total 1 mark)
Q12.
The diagram above shows the first four diffraction orders each side of the zero order when
a beam of monochromatic light is incident normally on a diffraction grating of slit
separation d. All the angles of diffraction are small. Which one of the patterns, A to D,
drawn on the same scale, is obtained when the grating is exchanged for one with a slit
separation ?
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D
(Total 1 mark)
Q13.Light of wavelength λ is incident normally on a diffraction grating for which adjacent lines
are a distance 3λ apart. What is the angle between the second order maximum and the
straight-through position?
A 9.6°
B 20°
C 42°
D There is no second order maximum.

(Total 1 mark)
Q14. The diagram below shows a section of a diffraction grating. Monochromatic light of
wavelength λ is incident normally on its surface. Light waves diffracted through angle θ
form the second order image after passing through a converging lens (not shown). A, B
and C are adjacent slits on the grating.
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(a) (i) State the phase difference between the waves at A and D.
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(ii) State the path length between C and E in terms of λ.
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(iii) Use your results to show that, for the second order image,
2λ = d sin θ, where d is the distance between adjacent slits.
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(3)
(b) A diffraction grating has 4.5 × 10 5 lines m–1. It is being used to investigate the line
spectrum of hydrogen, which contains a visible blue-green line of wavelength 486
nm. Determine the highest order diffracted image that could be produced for this
spectral line by this grating.
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(2)
(Total 5 marks)
Q15.A diffraction grating was used to measure the wavelength of a certain line of a line
emission spectrum.
(a) The grating had 600 lines per millimetre. The angle of diffraction of the second
order line was 35.8°.
(i) Calculate the wavelength of this line.
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(ii) Calculate the energy, in eV, of a photon of this wavelength.
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(5)
(b) The line emission spectrum observed in part (a) was produced by a hot gas.
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(i) The energy level diagram for the atoms that produced the line spectrum is
shown in the diagram below. Mark on the diagram a vertical arrow to show the
electron transition between the two levels that produced photons of energy 6.8
eV.
(ii) The temperature of the gas was 5000K. Show that the mean kinetic energy of
a gas atom at this temperature is 0.65 eV.
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(iii) Describe how the atoms of a gas produce a line emission spectrum and
explain why the gas at a temperature of 5000K can produce a line of the
wavelength calculated in part (a)(i).
You may be awarded marks for the quality of written communication in your
answer.
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(6)
(Total 11 marks)
Q16.Light of wavelength λ is incident normally on a diffraction grating of slit separation 4 λ. What

is the angle between the second order maximum and third order maximum?
A 14.5°
B 18.6°
C 48.6°
D 71.4°
(Total 1 mark)
Q17.A narrow beam of monochromatic light falls on a diffraction grating at normal incidence.
The second order diffracted beam makes an angle of 45° with the grating. What is the
highest order visible with this grating at this wavelength?
A 2
B 3
C 4
D 5
(Total 1 mark)
Q18.Monochromatic light of wavelength 590 nm is incident normally on a plane diffraction

grating having 4 × 10 5 lines m−1 . An interference pattern is produced. What is the highest
order visible in this interference pattern?
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A 2
B 3
C 4
D 5
(Total 1 mark)
Q19.Using a diffraction grating with monochromatic light of wavelength 500 nm incident

normally, a student found the 2nd order diffracted maxima in a direction at 30° to the
central bright fringe. What is the number of lines per metre on the grating?
A 2 × 104
B 2 × 105
C 4 × 105
D 5 × 105
(Total 1 mark)
Q20.
Figure 1
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Red light from a laser is passed through a single narrow slit, as shown in Figure 1. A
pattern of bright and dark regions can be observed on the screen which is placed several
metres beyond the slit.
(a) The pattern on the screen may be represented as a graph of intensity against
distance along the screen. The graph has been started in outline in Figure 2. The
central bright region is already shown. Complete this graph to represent the rest of
the pattern by drawing on Figure 2.
Figure 2
(4)
(b) State the effect on the pattern if each of the following changes is made separately.
(i) The width of the narrow slit is reduced.
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(ii) With the original slit width, the intense red source is replaced with an intense
source of green light.
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(3)
(Total 7 marks)
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Q21.(a) A double slit interference experiment is set up in a laboratory using a source of

yellow monochromatic light of wavelength 5.86 × 10 –7 m. The separation of the two
vertical parallel slits is 0.36 mm and the distance from the slits to the plane where
the fringes are observed is 1.80 m.
(i) Describe the appearance of the fringes.
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(ii) Calculate the fringe separation, and also the angle between the middle of the
central fringe and the middle of the second bright fringe.
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(iii) Explain why more fringes will be seen if each of the slits is made narrower,
assuming that no other changes are made.
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(8)
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(b) Light of wavelength 5.86 × 10 –7 m falls at right angles on a diffraction grating which
has 400 lines per mm.
(i) Calculate the angle between the straight through image and the first order
image.
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(ii) Determine the highest order image which can be seen with this arrangement.
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(5)
(c) Give two reasons why the diffraction grating arrangement is more suitable for the
accurate measurement of the wavelength of light than the two-slit interference
arrangement.
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(2)
(Total 15 marks)
Q22.(a) A helium-neon laser produces monochromatic light of wavelength 632.8 nm which

falls normally on a diffraction grating. A first order maximum is produced at an angle
of 18.5° measured from the normal to the grating.
Calculate
(i) the number of lines per metre on the grating,
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(ii) the highest order which is observable.
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(6)
(b) When the grating is used with a different monochromatic source, the first order
maximum is observed at an angle of 17.2°.
Calculate the wavelength of this second source.
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(2)
(Total 8 marks)
Q23.(a)
Figure 1
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In a laboratory experiment, monochromatic light of wavelength 633 nm from a laser

is incident normal to a diffraction grating. The diffracted waves are received on a
white screen which is parallel to the plane of the grating and 2.0 m from it. Figure 1
shows the positions of the diffraction maxima with distances measured from the
central maximum.
By means of a graphical method, use all these measurements to determine a mean

value for the number of rulings per unit length of the grating.
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(6)
(b) Describe and explain the effect, if any, on the appearance of the diffraction pattern
of
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(i) using a grating which has more rulings per unit length.
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(ii) using a laser source which has a shorter wavelength.
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(iii) increasing the distance between the grating and the screen.
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(6)
(c) Figure 2, below, shows the diffracted waves from four narrow slits of a diffraction
grating similar to the one described in part (a). The slit separation AB = BC = CD =
DE = d and EQ is a line drawn at a tangent to several wavefronts and which makes
an angle θ with the grating.
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Figure 2
(i) Explain why the waves advancing perpendicular to EQ will reinforce if

superposed.
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(ii) Show that this will happen when sin θ =
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(3)
(Total 15 marks)
Q24.Red light of wavelength 7.00 × 10 –7 m, incident normally on a diffraction grating, gave a first
order maximum at an angle of 75°.
(a) Calculate the spacing of the diffraction grating.
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(1)
(b) Calculate the angle at which the first order maximum for violet light of wavelength
4.50 × 10–7 m would be observed.
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(1)
(c) At what angle or angles would a detector receive radiation which is of wavelength
7.50 × 10–7 m transmitted by the grating? Explain your answer.
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(2)
(Total 4 marks)
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Q25. (a) A student stands some distance away from a wall and claps her hands. She
listens to the echoes produced by the sound reflected from the wall and adjusts her
rate of clapping so that each clap coincides with the echo of the previous clap. A
fellow student counts the number of times she claps in 20 s.
(i) There were 47 claps in 20 s.

Calculate the time between two successive claps.
time between two successive claps .......................................
(ii) The speed of sound in the air is 340 m s–1. Calculate the distance of the
student from the wall.
distance from wall .................................................................

(3)
(b) The student goes on to carry out a diffraction experiment. She stands on one side
of a fence that consists of evenly-spaced wooden strips. The fence behaves as a
diffraction grating for sound waves. The figure below shows the arrangement.
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(i) She uses a loudspeaker to send a sound wave of frequency 2.4 kHz towards
the fence.
Calculate the wavelength of this sound wave.
speed of sound in air, v = 340 m s–1
wavelength ................................................
(ii) A diffracted first-order maximum is observed at an angle of 28°. Calculate the

spacing between adjacent wooden strips.
strip spacing ..............................................
(iii) Determine the highest order of maximum that could be heard.
highest order .............................................

(6)
(Total 9 marks)
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Q26. A scanning photometer is a device in which the voltage across an LDR (light
dependent resistor) varies with the light intensity incident on the LDR.
Figure 1 shows a laser beam of wavelength 633 nm incidental normally on a diffraction

grating. The LDR of a scanning photometer is moved across the diffracted beam and
produces the scan shown in Figure 2. This shows the central bright fringe with one further
maximum (the first order image) on each side of it. The distance from the diffraction
grating to the LDR is 265 mm.
Figure 1
Figure 2
(i) Show that the angle of the first order image measured from the straight through
position is approximately 3°.
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(ii) Calculate the number of lines per mm on the diffraction grating.
(Total 6 marks)
Q27. A diffraction grating has 940 lines per mm.
(a) Calculate the distance between adjacent lines on the grating.
distance between lines .............................................

(1)
(b) Monochromatic light is incident on the grating and a second-order spectral line is
formed at an angle of 55° from the normal to the grating. Calculate the wavelength
of the light.
wavelength .....................................
(3)
(Total 4 marks)
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Q28. Light from a laser has a wavelength of 6.30 × 10 –7 m. When the laser light is incident
normally on a diffraction grating the first order maximum is produced at an angle of 12°.
(a) Calculate the spacing between the lines on the grating.
spacing of lines ..........................................

(2)
(b) Calculate the number of positions of maximum light intensity that are produced
when the laser light is incident on the grating.
Show your reasoning clearly.
number of positions ..........................................

(3)
(Total 5 marks)
Q29. (a) Figure 1 shows the electron gun that accelerates electrons in an electron
microscope.
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Figure 1
(i) Draw, on Figure 1, electric field lines and lines of equipotential in the region
between the anode and cathode. Assume that there are no edge effects and
that the holes in the plates do not affect the field.
Clearly label your diagram.
(3)
(ii) Calculate the kinetic energy, speed and momentum of an electron as it

passes through the hole in the anode.
mass of an electron = 9.1 × 10–31 kg

charge of an electron = –1.6 × 10–19 C
(4)
(b) By calculating the de Broglie wavelength of electrons coming through the anode of
this device, state and explain whether or not they will be suitable for the
investigation of the crystal structure of a metal.
Planck constant = 6.6 × 10–34 J s
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(4)
(Total 11 marks)
Q30. A white-light source illuminates a diffraction grating that has 6.30 × 10 5 lines per
metre. The light is incident normally on the grating.
(a) Show that adjacent lines in the grating are separated by a distance of about
0.0016 mm.
(1)
(b) The table below shows the diffracting angles measured from the normal for the
visible spectral orders using this grating. The angles are given for the red and blue
ends of each spectrum.
First order Second order Third order
red 25.4° 59.0° not possible
blue 15.0° 31.1° 50.0°
(i) Use the value for the first order diffracting angle to calculate the wavelength of
the red light.
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Wavelength of the red light ...............................

(3)
(ii) Describe carefully the appearance of the complete diffraction pattern on the
screen. You may draw a sketch of the pattern to help your explanation if you
choose.
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(4)
(Total 8 marks)
Q31.The diagram below is an arrangement for analysing the light emitted by a source.
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(a) Suggest a light source that would emit a continuous spectrum.
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(1)
(b) The light source emits a range of wavelengths from 500 nm to 700 nm. The light is
incident on a diffraction grating that has 10 000 lines per metre.
(i) Calculate the angle from the straight through direction at which the first order
maximum for the 500 nm wavelength is formed.
Angle = ........................................
(3)
(ii) Calculate the angular width of the first order spectrum.
Angular width ........................................

(1)
(iii) The detector is positioned 2.0 m from the grating. Calculate the distance
between the extreme ends of the first order spectrum in this position.
Distance = ........................................
(1)
(c) The single slit is initially illuminated by light from a point source that is 0.02 m from
the slit.
State and explain how the intensity of light incident on the single slit changes when
the light source is moved to a position 0.05 m from the slit.
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(4)
(Total 10 marks)
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M1.A
[1]
M2.C
[1]
M3.(a) Suitable experiment eg diffraction through a door / out of a pipe ✓

1
(b) Using c = d / t
t = 2 500 / 480 = 5.2 s ✓

1
(c) (Measured time is difference between time taken by light and time taken by
sound)
Calculation assumes that light takes no time to reach observer, ie speed is

infinite ✓
Do not allow “could not know speed of light”
1
(d) Sound from gun is a mixture of frequencies. ✓

Alternative for 1st mark ‘(so speed is independent of
frequency) the sound of the gun is similar when close and far
away’
1
All the sound reaches observer at the same time, ✓

1
(e) More accurate, as it is closer to the accepted value. ✓

1
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(f) When θ = 0 °C c = 331.29 m s –1
Therefore
331.29 = k √273.15 ✓
k = 20.045 ✓
1
(g) The method and value are published ✓

1
other scientists repeat the experiment using the same method ✓

1
[10]
M4.D
[1]
M5.(a) one of:

(spectral) analysis of light from stars
(analyse) composition of stars
chemical analysis
measuring red shift ¥ rotation of stars ✓
insufficient answers:
‘observe spectra’, ‘spectroscopy’, ‘view absorption ¥ emission spectrum’,
‘compare spectra’, ‘look at light from stars’.
Allow : measuring wavelength or frequency from a named
source of light
Allow any other legitimate application that specifies the
source of light. E.g.
absorbtion ¥ emission spectra in stars,
‘observe spectra of materials’
1
(b) (i) first order beam

first order spectrum
first order image
✓
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Allow ‘n = 1’ , ‘1’ , ‘one’, 1st
1
(ii) the light at A will appear white (and at B there will be a spectrum)
OR greater intensity at A ✓
1
(c) ( d = 1 / (lines per mm × 103)

= 6.757 × 10−7 (m) OR 6.757 × 10−4 (mm) ✓
( nλ = d sin θ )
= 6.757 × 10−7 × sin 51.0 ✓ ecf only for :
• incorrect power of ten in otherwise correct calculation of d
• use of d = 1480, 1.48, 14.8 (etc)
• from incorrect order in bii
= 5.25 × 10−7 (m) ✓ ecf only for :

• incorrect power of ten in otherwise correct d
• from incorrect order in bii
Some working required for full marks. Correct answer only
gets 2
Power of 10 error in d gets max 2
For use of d in mm, answer =
5.25 × 10−4 gets max 2
n = 2 gets max 2 unless ecf from bii
use of d = 1480 yields wavelength of 1150m
3
(d) n = d (sin90) / λ OR n = 6.757 × 10−7 / 5.25 × 10−7 ✓ ecf both numbers from c
= 1.29 so no more beams observed ✓ or answer consistent with their working
OR
2 = d (sinθ) / λ OR sinθ = 2 × 5.25 × 10−7 / 6.757 × 10−7 ✓ ecf both numbers

from c
sinθ = 1.55 (so not possible to calculate angle) so no more beams ✓
OR sin−1(2 × (their λ / their d) ) ✓

(not possible to calculate) so no more beams ✓ ecf
Accept 1.28, 1.3
Second line gets both marks
Conclusion consistent with working
2
[8]
Page 41
M6.(a) single frequency (or wavelength or photon energy)

not single colour
accept ‘very narrow band of frequencies’
1
(b) subsidiary maxima (centre of) peaks further away from centre
For second mark: One square tolerance horizontally. One
whole subsid max seen on either side.
subsidiary maxima peaks further away from centre AND central maximum twice
width of subsidiaries AND symmetrical
Central higher than subsid and subsid same height + / − 2
squares. Minima on the x axis + / − 1 square.
Must see 1 whole subsidiary for second mark
2
(c) ONE FROM:
• don't shine towards a person

• avoid (accidental) reflections
• wear laser safety goggles
• 'laser on' warning light outside room
• Stand behind laser
• other sensible suggestion
allow green goggles for red laser, ‘high intensity goggles’,
etc.
not ‘goggles’, ‘sunglasses’
eye / skin damage could occur

2
(d) 3 from 4
• central white (fringe)

• each / every / all subsidiary maxima are composed of a spectrum (clearly
stated or implied)
• each / every / all subsidiary maxima are composed of a spectrum (clearly
stated or implied) AND (subsidiary maxima) have violet (allow blue) nearest
central maximum OR red furthest from centre
• Fringe spacing less / maxima are wider / dark fringes are smaller (or not
present)
allow ‘white in middle’
For second mark do not allow ‘there are colours’ or ‘there is
a spectrum’ on their own
Allow ‘rainbow pattern’ instead of spectrum but not ‘a
Page 42
rainbow’
Allow ‘rainbow pattern’ instead of spectrum but not ‘a
rainbow’
If they get the first, the second and third are easier to award
Allow full credit for annotated sketch
3
[8]
M7. (a) 3 subsidiary maxima in correct positions (1)
intensity decreasing (1)
(b) a single wavelength (1)
constant phase relationship/difference (1)

2
(c) maxima further apart/central maximum wider/subsidiary maximum

wider/maxima are wider (1)
1
(d) wider/increased separation (1)
lower intensity (1)

2
(e) distinct fringes shown with subsidiary maxima (1)
indication that colours are present within each subsidiary maxima (1)
blue/violet on the inner edge or red outer for at least one subsidiary
maximum (1)
Page 43
(middle of) central maximum white (1)
3
[10]
M8. (a) λ correct (1)
d correct (1) arrow or line needed, both ends extending beyond

central black line
2
(b) angle θ gets smaller (1)
because path difference gets smaller/d constant, (λ smaller) so

sin θ smaller (1)
max 1 for correct explanation for λ increasing

2
(c) boxes 1,5,6 (1)(1)
two correct 1 mark
4 ticks max 1
5 or 6 ticks gets 0
2
(d) (i) 3.3 × 10–6 m (1) (1/300 = 3.33 × 10–3 mm, 3300 nm) DNA 1 sf here
DNA 1/300 000 as answer
accept 3 1/3 × 10–6, 3.33 × 10–6 recurring, etc
1
(ii) (sin θ =) (1)
correct wavelength used and seen (545 to 548 × 10–9)
and 9.4 to 9.6 (°) (1) ecf (d) (i), for correct wavelength only
(545 to 548 × 10–9)
Page 44
2
[9]
M9. sinθ = nλ/d in this form/correct calculations of d/d = 1/300
C1
substitutes correctly – condone powers of 10
C1
18.9
C1
2 or 3 sf only
A1
[4]
M10. (a) (i) = 590 × 10–9m (1)
(using d sin θ = nλ gives)
(1) = 0.707 or
7.07 × 108 if nm used (1)
θ = 45.0° (1) (accept 45°)
(ii) (sin θ ≤ 1) gives ≤ 1 or n ≤ or = (1) = 2.83 (1)
so 3rd order or higher order is not possible (1)
alternative solution:
Page 45
(substituting) n = 3 (into d sin θ = nλ gives) (1)
sin θ ( ) = 1.06 (1)
gives ‘error’/which is not possible (1)

7
(b) (using d sin θ = nλ gives)
2 λ = 1.67 × 10–6 × sin 42.1 (1)
λ(= 0.5 × 1.67 × 10–6 × sin 42.1) = 5.6(0) × 10–7 m (or 560 nm) (1)
2
[9]
M11.A
[1]
M12.D
[1]
M13.C
[1]
M14. (a) (i) 0, 2π or 4π [or 0, 360° or 720°] (1)
(ii) 4λ (1)
(iii) sin θ = (1)
Page 46
[or sin θ = ]
CE = 4λ and AC = 2d (1) (hence result)
[or BD = 2λ and AB = d]
max 3
(b) (limiting case is when θ = 90° or sin θ = 1)
(1) (= 4.6)
highest order is 4th (1)

2
[5]
M15.(a) (i) (use of d sin θ = nλ gives) 2λ = d sin 35.8° (1)
(= 1.67 × 10–6)
= 4.9 × 10–7m (1) (4.87 × 10–7m)
(ii)
E (= hf = 6.63 × 10 × 6.16 × 10 ) = 4.1 × 10 (J) (1) (4.0(8) × 10 (J))

–34 14 –19 –19
= 2.6 (eV) (1) (2.55 (eV)
(for E = 4.1 × 10–19(J) = 2.56 (eV)

5
(b) (i) from C to A (1)
(ii) (use of Ek = 3 / 2kT gives) E = 1.5 × 1.38 × 10 × 5000 = 1.0(4) ×

k
–23
10–19J
Page 47
[or = 0.64(7) eV] (1)
(iii) some gas atoms have enough kinetic energy to cause excitation by
collision (1)
photons (of certain energies) only released when de-excitation
or electron transfer to a lower level, occurs (1)
gas atoms have a spread of speeds / kinetic energies (1)
mean Ek (of gas atoms) proportional to T (1)
excitation can occur to level C (1)
de-excitation from C to B produces 2.6 eV photon / light
of this wavelength (1)
(max 6)
QWC 1
[11]
M16.B
[1]
M17.A
[1]
M18.C
[1]
M19.D
[1]
M20.(a) graph to show:

maxima of successively smaller intensity (1)
subsidiary maxima / minima equally spaced (1)
(at least two each side of central axis)
width of subsidiary sections half width of central section (1)
symmetrical pattern each side of central axis (1)
4
Page 48
(b) (i) broader maxima or pattern (1) [or fringes wider apart]
dimmer pattern (1)
(ii) maxima are closer (1) [or narrower fringes]

green and dark regions (1)
max 3
[7]
M21.(a) (i) vertical or parallel (1)

equally spaced (1)
black and yellow [or dark and light] bands (1)
(ii)
= 2.9 × 10–3 m (1)
tan θ = (1) gives θ = 0.18° (1)
(iii) narrower slits give more diffraction (1)

more overlap (so more fringes) (1)
fringes same width (1)
(max 8)
(b) (i)
× sin θ = 5.86 × 10–7 (1)
θ = 13.6° (1)
(ii) θ = 90° and correctly used (1)

Page 49
= 4.3 ∴ 4th order (1)

(5)
(c) brighter images (1)

large angles (1)
sharper (or narrower) lines (1)
(max 2)
[15]
M22.(a) (i) (since dsinθ = nλ)dsin18.5° = 632.8 × 10–9 (1)
d = 1.99 × 10 (1)
–6
number of lines per metre = = 5.01 × 105 (1)
(ii) nλ = 1.99 × 10 sin90° (1)

–6
n=– = 3.1(5) (1)
hence highest order is third (1)

(6)
(b)
= 590 nm(1)
(2)
[8]
M23.(a)
x/m sin θ
1 0.173 0.086
Page 50
2 0.316 0.156
3 0.499 0.242
4 0.687 0.325
5 0.860 0.395
If angles only calculated 1 / 2
at least 4 points plotted correctly (1)

best straight line (1)
gradient calculated from suitable triangle, 50% of each axis (1)
correct value from readings (1)
appropriate use of d sin θ = nλ (1)
hence N (rulings per metre) = 1.25 × 10 5 m–1 (1.1 to 1.4 ok) (1)
max 2 / 6 if no graph and more than one data set used correctly, 1 / 6 only one
set
if tan calc but plotted as sin, mark as scheme
tan or distance plotted, 0 / 6
max 6
(b) (i) maxima wider spaced [or pattern brighter] (1)

sin θ or θ increases with N [or light more concentrated] (1)
(ii) maxima spacing less (1)

sin θ or θ decreases with λ [or statement] (1)
(iii) maxima wider spaced [or pattern less bright] (1)

same θ but larger D [or light more spread out] (1)
Page 51
6
(c) (i) waves in phase from (1)

any sensible ref to coherence (1)
whole number of wavelengths path difference (1)
(ii) use of geometry to show that sin θ =

max 3
[15]
M24.(a) (1)
(1)
(b) (1)
(1)
(c) > 1 (or sin θ > 1) (1)
0° (or straight through position) because no first order line (1)

(2)
[4]
M25. (a) (i) 20/47 = 0.43 s [0.426]
B1
(ii) distance = 340 × 0.43 condone doubling for this mark

[v = fλ solutions score zero]
e.c.f. possible from 11 (a) (i)
M1
Page 52
72 m [72.3] [73.1]
A1
3
(b) (i) λ = 340/2400 condone power of ten error in this mark
C1
= 0.14(2) m
A1
(ii) uses d = nλ/sin θ

do not allow working from sinθ = λ/b; this scores 0
overall
B1
= 0.14[2]/ sin 28° =0.30(2) m e.c.f. possible
B1
(iii) calculates n = 2.14 when θ = 90° if states

n ≈ 2 then allow this mark
M1
highest n is 2
A1
6
[9]
M26. (i) use of (26 ± 2) mm for 2θ or (13 ± 1) mm for θ
M1
range 2.60 → 3.02
A1
(ii) nλ= d sin θ seen
M1
substitution with correct powers
Page 53
1.20 × 10−5 → 1.40 × 10−5
A1
1/d or number of lines m−1 calculated

71400 → 833300 needs unit
B1
conversion to number of lines mm −1

71(.4) → 83(.3) needs unit
B1
[6]
M27. (a) 1.06 × 10-6 m
B1
1
(b) use of nλ = dsinθ with n = 2 and d = ans to (a)
C1
λ = 1.06 × 10-6 × sin 55º/2
C1
4.34 × 10-7 m
A1
3
[4]
M28. (a) d sin θ = n λ or d sin 12 = 6.3 x 10–7
C1
Page 54
3.0 x 10–6 m
A1
2
(b) n sin 90 = (≤) 3.0 × 10–6 / 6.3 × 10–7 or n = 4.8

Allow for approach using different n values
even if unsuccessful
C1
number of orders visible = 4
A1
Total maxima = twice their maximum order + 1
B1
3
[5]
M29. (a) (i) Lines of equipotential parallel to the plates
B1
Field lines perpendicular to plates, evenly spaced

and with arrows upwards
B1
Lack of clear labelling of at least one of the types

of line loses 1 mark
Either field shown to be uniform
B1
3
(ii) KE = 8.8 × 10–17 J
B1
Use of ½ mv2
C1
Page 55
Speed = 1.4 × 107 m s–1 ecf
A1
Momentum =1.27 × 10–23 kg m s–1 ecf
B1
4
(b) Use of de Broglie wavelength = h/mv
C1
5.2 × 10–11 m ecf
A1
diffraction of electrons necessary
M1
will work because wavelength is of same order as atomic

separation (not just wavelength is too small)/argument
consistent with their (a) (ii).
A1
4
[11]
M30. (a) Separation = 1/630000
B1
1
(b) (i) quote nλ = d sinθ
C1
λ = 1.59 × 10–6 × sin(25.4)
C1
= 6.8 × 10–7 m or 6.8 × 10–4 mm
A1
3
(ii) Central maximum/zeroth order mentioned
Page 56
B1
Central maximum is white
B1
Describe/draw 1st/2nd orders colours in correct order
B1
Third order overlap

symmetry of pattern
dispersion change
fainter away from centre
B1
max 4
[8]
M31.(a) filament lamp / sun etc.

B1
(1)
(b) (i) d = 1.0 × 10 m–4
C1
use of λ = dsin θ or substituted values
C1
θ = 0.286° / 0.29°
1
A1
(3)
(ii) Δθ = 0.115° (c.a.o.)

B1
(1)
(iii) width = 4.0 × 10–3 m or 3.9 × 10–3 m (e.c.f. for 2 × sin (b(ii))
or 2 × tan (b(ii)); allow 1 s.f.)
B1
(1)
Page 57
(c) lower intensity
C1
because energy spreads
C1
use or statement of inverse square law
C1
ratio 0.16 or falls by factor of 6.25 c.a.o.
A1
(4)
[10]
Page 58
E5.(a) There were some rather vague answers here such as ‘To calculate the wavelength of a light’
or ‘to look at the light from stars’. There needed to be a little more than this to get the mark,
i.e. a specific example such as ‘analyse the elements present in the atmosphere of a star’
or explain that the composition of a material or gas can be determined.
(b) The candidates who knew this often lacked detail in their answer, e.g. ‘it would be
dimmer’. Some thought there would only be one colour at B rather than a spectrum.
Quite a few thought that the wavelength at B would be different from A due to the
increased angle.
Some candidates thought that the light at B would be composed of different

wavelengths and the white light at A would be a single wavelength.
(c) This was a fairly standard exam question but surprisingly there were few correct
answers. Students seemed to be poorly prepared for this question and confusion
reigned regarding the meaning of the terms in the grating equation. Use of the lines
per mm as the line spacing (d = 1480) was very common.
There was also confusion between line spacing, d, and order, n. Some used 1480
for d and for n.
Candidates often used 1 / 1480 and then failed to convert this into metres.
(d) There were a surprising number of candidates who did not attempt this question.
Even if they felt they had the wrong numbers for wavelength and line spacing in part
(c), candidates simply needed to divide their d by their λ, and if greater than 1,
conclude that no further orders are possible.
There was also some confusion over the method required, e.g. some used the angle
given in part (c), (51°), and calculated a new wavelength that would give a second
order at that angle.
E6.(a) In general, this was a well answered question apart from a tendency for candidates to
add extra detail, e.g. ‘single wavelength and coherent’; this loses the mark. As does:
‘single wavelength / colour’; because this implies that monochromatic could be just a
single colour. However, ‘light of a single wavelength and therefore a single colour’
would be acceptable. It is therefore best to learn the appropriate definition and not
add any further detail.
(b) Many candidates did not know what to do on this question.
The red light subsidiary maxima were often shown closer to the central maximum
than the blue.
Page 59
Perhaps single slit diffraction tends to be a little overlooked because the
specification does not require any mathematical description. Nevertheless, students
should be shown images of the single slit pattern and how it changes for different
wavelengths. Images are readily available on the internet via any search engine.
(c) When talking about laser safety, it is not acceptable to say simply ‘wear goggles’.
One must say ‘laser safety goggles’, ‘laser safety glasses’, or ‘laser safety eyewear’.
Standard laboratory goggles would not afford any significant protection against laser
light.
(d) Only a few candidates were able to describe the pattern accurately. Answers
tended to be vague and ambiguous. Only a small number decided to add a sketch to
clarify their answer and this approach should be encouraged. Again, perhaps the
single slit has been overlooked by some in favour of the ‘more difficult’ double slit
and grating.
E7. Most candidates gained at least one mark in part (a) for showing that the intensity of
peaks reduced with distance from the centre. However, many did not recall the key
difference between the pattern for single and double slits – the single slit pattern has a
central maximum which is double the width of the subsidiary maxima.
There were many correct definitions of monochromatic and coherent in part (b). A few
stated ‘same colour’ for monochromatic and ‘in phase’ for coherent. Neither of these were
accepted.
In part (c), many candidates incorrectly used the equation for two slits to show that the
maxima were further apart. This was not penalised since an explanation was not asked
for.
Many candidates got part (d) the wrong way around, saying that the fringes would be
more closely spaced and more intense. There seemed to be some guess work evident
here. Candidates need to be able to describe the appearance of the single slit pattern and
be aware of how it will change for different wavelengths, slit widths and for monochromatic
and white light. Some teachers introduce the equation for the single slit although it is not
in the specification. This is not necessary but can certainly help the more mathematically
minded students. To illustrate the change in the pattern, a simple demonstration can be
carried out with a red and a green laser shone through the same slit onto a screen.
A pleasing number of candidates produced very detailed and high quality answers to part
(e), with many gaining all three marks. Some drew a graph of intensity, which did not gain
a mark on its own.
Page 60
E8. Many candidates did not seem at all familiar with the use of this diagram in the
derivation of the grating equation in part (a) and the placing of the labels was often
completely random. A large number did not attempt to label the diagram and half of all
candidates did not score any marks.
Many who scored one mark had labelled the wavelength correctly but did not accurately
indicate the ‘line spacing’ with a suitable arrow or line.
Most candidates gained the first mark in part (b) for realising that sin θ decreased so θ
would decrease. Many candidates failed to gain the second mark by not stating that d
remained constant. Very few candidates attempted to explain in terms of path difference.
The majority of candidates had no problem matching up the spectral lines in part (c).
In part (d) (i), about half of all candidates were unable to convert lines per mm to line
spacing and there was considerable confusion with powers of ten. Many candidates did
not convert to metres and many also rounded to one significant figure.
In part (d) (ii) it was expected that the candidate would read an accurate value off the
scale.
However, many chose a value to the nearest 10 nm, typically 550 nm. In this situation, it is
always best to interpolate when reading off the scale. The uncertainty in this reading can
then be expressed by giving the final answer to two significant figures. Line P is
somewhere between 545 and 548 nm.
E9. Many candidates answered this question well. The most common error was to use the
value for the number of lines per mm as the grating spacing. Otherwise, a few candidates
had their calculators set in radians rather than degrees. Significant figures were coped
with well.
E10. There were common mistakes to part (a) (i), such as failing to put n = 2. Some
candidates thought n was the refractive index and for this reason put n = 1. A significant
number did not convert from nm to m. Part (a) (ii) was done very well by the majority of
candidates, either by substituting in 90° or n = 3. Most were successful in finding the
wavelength to part (b).
Page 61
E14. Knowledge of the derivation of d sin θ = nλ for the diffraction grating is required by
section 13.1.7 of the Specification. Fundamental to this derivation, is familiarity with the
concepts of phase and path difference. Part (a) proved to be an effective test of
candidates’ understanding in these areas, and the question seemed to strike many
candidates with apprehension: blank spaces were fairly common and ridiculous answers
very frequent. Phase difference was particularly badly known, with many answers to part
(i) expressed in terms of λ A correct answer of 4λ in part (ii) became almost a prerequisite
for a successful approach to part (iii). Clearly 2λ = d sinθ can be shown by inserting n = 2
into the standard formula, but this was not the target of part (iii) and no marks could be
awarded for such a trivial response.
Several recent questions about the diffraction grating in the Unit 4 Section A papers have
covered areas similar in content to part (b), and candidates answers to this part were
usually much more satisfactory than those in part (a). There was some confusion between
the number of lines per metre (4.5 × 10 5) and the grating spacing (2.2 × 10 –6 m). A small
number of candidates took the numbers from their calculations too literally, quoting their
final answers for the order as 4.57, whilst others failed to comprehend that this meant that
the highest order would be the fourth rather than the fifth.
E15.Many candidates scored full marks in part (a), although some lost a mark as a result of not
converting d from mm into m and also giving 4.87 × 10 −4 m as the wavelength. In part (ii),
a significant number of candidates failed to convert correctly from joules into eV, often
multiplying rather than dividing by 1.6 × 10 –19.
In part (b) (i), most candidates knew that the required transition occurred between energy
levels A and C, but many indicated that the transition was either upwards or in both
directions. Again, most candidates were able to show that the mean kinetic energy in part
(ii) was 0.65 eV. In part (iii), only a small number of candidates realised that excitation of
the gas atoms is due to collisions between the atoms, and that the spread of speeds of
the gas atoms at 5000 K resulted in collisions which caused electrons in the atoms to
move to the higher energy levels, including C. Some did realise that a 2.6 eV photon was
emitted when an electron transition occurred from C to B. Sadly, the only credit gained in
part (iii) by most candidates was for stating that a photon was emitted when de-excitation
of a gas atom occurred. Some candidates thought that excitation in a heated gas is due to
atoms absorbing photons rather than collisions between gas atoms.
E20.The main problem in candidates’ answers to this question was confusion between single
slit diffraction and double slit interference. The completion of the sketch graph in part (a)
Page 62
regularly gained full marks for the many candidates who appreciated its salient features.
Equally spaced markers on the horizontal axis were intended to guide candidates into
showing the subsidiary minima at equal spacing with the separation between consecutive
minima being half the width of the central maximum. Candidates who thought that the
separation between subsidiary minima was the same as the width of the central peak
usually achieved only half marks on this part. The relatively low intensity of all the
subsidiary maxima is not well known and no marking point was available for this aspect.
When marking part (b) the examiners viewed with great suspicion any answer which relied
on the Young’s slits equation, λ = (ws / D). The fact that narrowing the slit causes the
pattern to broaden was usually appreciated in part (i), but few candidates stated that the
pattern is also dimmer. In part (ii) many candidates had difficulty in deciding whether red
light or green light has the longer wavelength and the wrong choice, of course, caused
many incorrect answers to the way the separation of the maxima changes. The other point
the candidates could have made is that the colour of the pattern changes from red to
green. It is worth pointing out that the marks available for parts of questions are given in
the question paper and that these are intended to help candidates. In part (b), three marks
were available and this would indicate that a minimum of three points are required in a
complete answer.
E21.Descriptions of the fringes in part (a)(i) were generally poor. In spite of the emphasis on the
word vertical, hardly any candidates referred to the vertical lines which result.
Furthermore, simple references to dark and bright equally-spaced bands were very rare.
Confusion with the single diffraction pattern was common and some candidates
contradicted themselves by referring to equally- spaced fringes at the same time as
showing a diagram of the single slit pattern. Some of the descriptions made it difficult to
believe that the writer had ever seen double slit interference fringes.
The large majority of candidates correctly calculated the fringe separation but failed to
determine the angle. The word ‘angle’ frequently triggered the diffraction grating equation
and, for those candidates who did attempt a simple geometrical calculation, many
calculated the angle only to the first bright fringe and not the second. Such candidates
penalised themselves by failing to read the question carefully. Several candidates who
had calculated d correctly were quite prepared to offer a maximum order of thousands as
their answer to part (b)(ii).
Answers to part (a)(iii) showed a general weak understanding of the relative parts played
by interference and diffraction in this part of the question. One group of candidates failed
to score any marks because they confused variation of slit width with slit separation and
gave their answer in terms of the latter. For those candidates who did consider the
narrowing of each slit, many scored only a single mark for recognising that the light at
each slit will be diffracted through a larger angle. Although answers were often given in
Page 63
rather vague terms such as “more diffraction”. To gain full credit, it was necessary to refer
to the greater area of overlap of the diffracted beams and to recognise that more fringes
are seen in this increased area because the fringe width is unchanged. Hardly any
candidates made the last of these two points.
Calculations in parts (b)(i) and (b)(ii) were done well and many candidates scored full
marks. Common errors in part (b)(i) included incorrect conversion of units from 400 lines
per millimetre, poor arithmetic and the often seen confusion between the grating constant,
d, and the number of rulings per unit length, N.
Good answers to part (c) were rare and the two systems were not often compared from a
position of secure knowledge. Very few candidates were able to state that the grating is
designed to produce fewer lines which are brighter and more widely spaced. lndeed,
many candidates stated that the grating produced more fringes. Most answers
concentrated on the accuracy of the readings rather than on how the readings were to be
obtained. Answers were, in general, very vague.
E22.This question produced a substantial number of fully correct answers from candidates who
had clearly been well prepared on the topic of diffraction.
In part (a)(i) most candidates calculated d correctly and went on to give a correct value of
N. The most common errors were to convert nanometres into metres incorrectly incurring
an arithmetical error penalty, or to give the wrong number of significant figures and incur a
significant figure penalty. In part (a)(ii) some candidates correctly stated that the highest
order was the third but did not support their answer with proper argument and calculation.
Part (b) was answered well by nearly all candidates.
E23.This question attracted the smallest proportion of answers. For those candidates who
attempted the question, the answers to part (a) fell mainly into one of two categories. In
the first group were candidates who had obviously either seen or done the experiment or
who at least were able to interpret the diagram correctly. This group of candidates could
calculate the diffraction angles, plot an appropriate graph and use it to determine the final
answer, scoring full marks. The second group consisted of those candidates who
confused the situation with a Young double slit experiment. Although these candidates
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could plot a graph, there was no way that it could be related to any sensible means of
determining the number of rulings per metre on a grating. It was impossible to award any
marks to answers of this kind. There were some candidates who made some progress
with the question but whose answers fell a long way short of the ideal. For example, some
calculated the tangent of the diffraction angle but interpreted this as sine. Others did not
plot a graph at all but calculated at least one value from the data. There was some merit in
answers of this kind but, at best, they were worth one or two marks out of six.
Success with part (b) hinged upon the recognition of the relevance of the diffraction
grating equation. Many, but not all, of those candidates who had interpreted the question
as relating to the double slit experiment, continued with the same theme and few qualified
for any marks. There was a minority of very good answers in which the grating equation
was clearly stated and the effect of changing the appropriate variables was analysed.
Some otherwise quite good answers were spoiled by imprecise use of language such as
“more (or less) diffraction” or “the pattern becomes less”. Some candidates thought that, in
answer to part (b)(iii), the pattern remained unchanged because the diffraction angle did
not alter.
Answers to part (c) were generally weak and many candidates left the answer space
blank. It had been hoped that the diagram would provide a useful prompt, but this was not
the case. Of those candidates who answered the question, many scored a mark for some
reference to either “waves in phase” or “coherence”. Few candidates were able to put
together the logical steps stating the waves from each slit to have a whole number of
wavelengths path difference, so being in phase and reinforcing when superposed. In
answer to part (c)(iii), most candidates put n = 1 in the grating equation and did not use
the diagram to show, for example, that a line drawn from D perpendicular to EQ has a
length equal to the wavelength. The equation then follows naturally from this diagram.
E25. (a) (i) Only about half could calculate the time between two successive events
given the total number of time intervals and the total time. Many calculated the
reciprocal of the answer they required.
(ii) The calculation of the speed of the wave was equally tricky for the candidates
with about half remembering that the echo consists of a sound wave travelling
to and from the reflecting surface.
(b) (i) The second part of the question featured calculations relating to the
diffraction grating, in this case in the unusual context of a sound wave incident
Page 65
on a slatted wooden fence. The first of these was a straightforward calculation
of wavelength using v = fk. Again, many (about a quarter of the total this time)
carried this through with a reciprocal error.
(ii) Candidates were expected to use an appropriate equation (on the data sheet)
to calculate the spacing between the vertical fence slats. A large number used
the equation for the angle of the first minimum diffraction at a single aperture
(to the extent of using the wrong symbol for the slit spacing and omitting any
mention of n, the diffraction order). This was an error in physics and was
therefore not credited.
(iii) Failures in part (ii) were all the more surprising given the strong lead that
candidates could have used here. Many realised what they had to do,
calculated the value of the order for a diffracting angle of 90° (to yield an
answer of 2.14) and then recognised that the diffraction order of 2 was the
largest that could be observed. Candidates who failed to gain full credit
included those who quoted 2.14 for the final answer and those who rounded
up to 3.
E26. (i) Few candidates used both first order images to calculate 26 and hence 6.
Many went straight into either the diffraction grating equation or single slit equation
and used incorrect values for the variables.
(ii) Having used the diffraction grating equation in (i) many candidates made incorrect
use of the double slit equation here or else used the diffraction grating equation
again but calculated n as number of lines per mm. Only a limited number were able
to progress all the way through this calculation.
E27. Large numbers of candidates scored well on this part, apart from the inevitable
difficulties with powers of ten, but let themselves down by omitting the unit or by writing
mm for m (or vice-versa). Even more able candidates need to pay attention to checking
these matters. Examiners were looking not just for a final answer but for a clear exposition
of the calculation in this part. Again, as in an earlier question, it is apparent that some can
recognise the equation to use but not which quantity to substitute for the various symbols.
Page 66
E28. (a) Some incorrectly quoted and used sin θ = λ/b but most used the appropriate
formula. Forgetting a unit cost some the second mark.
(b) Relatively few gained all three marks here. Those who were on the right track
obtained 4.8 and rounded down to 4 orders but then forgot about the symmetry of
the pattern and the central maximum. There was a significant proportion who simply
divided 180° by 12°.
E29. (a) (i) Most of the candidates could draw the field using both lines of
equipotential and electric lines. A few omitted to label the lines. A more
common mistake was to draft the diagram carelessly so that it was not clear
that the field was apparently uniform.
(ii) Weaker candidates got very tangled in this calculation, attempting to

use ½ mv2 to calculate kinetic energy rather than using it to calculate
speed once they had found the kinetic energy by using the potential difference
in the field.
(b) The calculation in this part was done quite well. Few candidates could go on to
explain whether or not the de Broglie wavelength made the electrons suitable for the
investigation of metallic crystal structures. Some had no idea what the typical values
for atomic separations are in metallic crystals. More surprisingly, those who did
know the separations tended to be unclear about whether the wavelength was too
big or too small or broadly applicable.
E30. This question examined topics in diffraction-grating theory.
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(a) Many could show successfully how the grating spacing was calculated.
(b) (i) Again many could carry out the simple calculation accurately. Common errors
were to treat n in the equation nλ = sin θ not as ‘1’ but as 6.30 × 105 lines per
metre, and to carry through the calculation in millimetres, but express the
answer in metres.
(ii) Judging by the poor quality of many answer, few candidates have ever seen a
diffraction grating pattern during their course of study. There were a number of
possible scoring points available featuring the appearance of the central
maximum, the order of colours (which could be deduced from the question),
the overlap of orders, and so on. Only a few candidates scored more than one
or two marks.
E31.(a) Many candidates incorrectly gave laser or sodium vapour lamp as a source producing
a continuous spectrum.
(b) (i) Many candidates correctly calculated the first angle.
(ii) Many simply doubled the answer to part (i) to calculate the angular dispersion.
Use of the sine or tangent was relatively uncommon and even with error
carried forward few candidates gained the mark for the width of the first order
spectrum.
(c) Most candidates recognised that the intensity would fall because the energy was
being spread out over a larger area, many candidates recognised that this was an
inverse square relationship but only the strongest calculated the correct factor.
Page 68
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3.3.2.2 Diffraction

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James Calvert Spence College

comparison of diffraction pattern

A λe > λp electron beam width > proton beam width

B λe < λp electron beam width > proton beam width

C λe > λp electron beam width < proton beam width

D λe < λp electron beam width < proton beam width

(f) The speed of sound c in dry air is given by

where θ is the temperature in °C, and k is a constant.

Calculate a value for k using data from the passage.

k = ........................ m s–1 K–½

Q4.When comparing X-rays with UV radiation, which statement is correct?

A X-rays have a lower frequency.

B X-rays travel faster in a vacuum.

C X-rays do not show diffraction and interference effects.

Using the same element, photoelectrons emitted using

Calculate the wavelength of the light observed at the centre of beam B.

Q6.(a) A laser emits monochromatic light.

The laser is replaced by a laser emitting red light.

Describe how the appearance of the pattern would change.

monochromatic light ....................................................................................

coherent light ...............................................................................................

answer = ........................ degrees

angle .......................................... degrees

Q10. A narrow beam of monochromatic light of wavelength 590 nm is directed normally at

(a) The grating spacing of the diffraction grating is 1.67 × 10 –6 m.

answer .................................... degrees

(b) The light source is replaced by a monochromatic light source of unknown

Calculate the wavelength of this light source.

A moving the screen closer to the double slits

B decreasing the width, x, of each slit, but keeping s constant

C decreasing the separation, s, of the slits

D exchanging L for a monochromatic source of longer wavelength

D There is no second order maximum.

(ii) State the path length between C and E in terms of λ.

(i) Calculate the wavelength of this line.

(ii) Calculate the energy, in eV, of a photon of this wavelength.

Q16.Light of wavelength λ is incident normally on a diffraction grating of slit separation 4 λ. What

Q18.Monochromatic light of wavelength 590 nm is incident normally on a plane diffraction

Q19.Using a diffraction grating with monochromatic light of wavelength 500 nm incident

(i) The width of the narrow slit is reduced.

Q21.(a) A double slit interference experiment is set up in a laboratory using a source of

(i) Describe the appearance of the fringes.

Q22.(a) A helium-neon laser produces monochromatic light of wavelength 632.8 nm which

(i) the number of lines per metre on the grating,

(ii) the highest order which is observable.

Calculate the wavelength of this second source.

In a laboratory experiment, monochromatic light of wavelength 633 nm from a laser

By means of a graphical method, use all these measurements to determine a mean

(ii) using a laser source which has a shorter wavelength.

(i) Explain why the waves advancing perpendicular to EQ will reinforce if

(ii) Show that this will happen when sin θ =

(a) Calculate the spacing of the diffraction grating.

(i) There were 47 claps in 20 s.

time between two successive claps .......................................

distance from wall .................................................................

speed of sound in air, v = 340 m s–1

(ii) A diffracted first-order maximum is observed at an angle of 28°. Calculate the

strip spacing ..............................................

(iii) Determine the highest order of maximum that could be heard.

highest order .............................................