Frequently Examined
This topic is examined in Edexcel 1PH0/1 (Paper 1). Edexcel questions on sound often involve oscilloscope trace interpretation, ultrasound echo calculations, or comparing sound with EM waves — context-based scenarios involving medical applications are particularly common.
Sound waves appear in multiple contexts in GCSE papers:
- Oscilloscope trace questions — identify amplitude, frequency, pitch, loudness from diagrams
- Ultrasound calculations — use distance = speed × time ÷ 2
- Compare sound and EM waves — sound needs a medium, EM waves do not
- Explain ultrasound for medical imaging — why safer than X-rays, how echoes build an image
Common 4-mark question: "Explain why ultrasound is preferred over X-rays for scanning a pregnant woman." — Must include: non-ionising, cannot damage DNA of foetus, same resolution at boundaries, safe to use repeatedly.
This exam focus covers Exam Focus within Sound Waves for GCSE Physics. Revise Sound Waves in Waves for GCSE Physics with 16 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 11 of 13 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Practice questions for Sound Waves
What type of wave is sound?
Describe how a sound wave is produced and how energy is transferred by a longitudinal wave.