Grade 10 Physical Sciences · Waves, Sound and Light · Paper 1 (Physics)

Sound Grade 10

Real Sound past paper questions and answers from 2017 to 2026, with each memo split into the ticks examiners give. Try one, mark yourself, and see exactly which skill cost you marks.

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Question 9.4 · November 2024 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

The graph below shows how the induced current in a generator varies with time. Diagram for this question

9.4 Calculate the frequency at which the coil rotates in the generator.(2)

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4. Question 6.3.1 · November 2024 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 3 marks
A stationary listener, standing on the roadside, records the wavelength of the sound emitted by the siren of a police car travelling at a constant velocity.

In the wavelength-time graph below, NOT drawn to scale, $λ_{L}$ is the wavelength of the sound recorded by the listener and $λ_{S}$ is the wavelength of the sound emitted by the siren.

Take the speed of sound in air to be $343$ m·s $^{- 1}$ .
6.3 Calculate the:
6.3.1 Frequency of the sound emitted by the siren(3)
Show the memo (3 ticks)Memo
1. ✓
  Formula $v = f λ$
  1 mark · Use the wave equation
2. ✓
  Substitution $343 = f (0, 38)$
  1 mark · Use the wave equation
3. ✓
  Answer $f = 902, 63$ Hz
  1 mark · Use the wave equation
5. Question 6.1 · November 2019 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
The diagram below represents a transverse wave produced by source A.
6.1 Define the term amplitude of a wave.(2)
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Definition of amplitudeThe maximum disturbance of a particle from its rest position.
  2 marks · Define wave terms
6. Question 1.9 · November 2018 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
1.9 Red light of frequency $f$ and wavelength $λ$ shines on an object. The red light is then replaced by light of a higher energy. How do the frequency and the wavelength of light shining on the object now compare with that of red light?(2)
1. A Frequency: greater than $f$ ; wavelength: remains the same ( $λ$ )
2. B Frequency: less than $f$ ; wavelength: greater than $λ$
3. C Frequency: greater than $f$ ; wavelength: less than $λ$
4. D Frequency: remains the same ( $f$ ); wavelength: less than $λ$
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Correct option $E = h f$ , so higher energy means a higher frequency. All light travels at the same speed $c = f λ$ , so if $f$ increases, $λ$ must decrease.
  
  Answer: C
  2 marks · Use the wave equation
7. Question 6.3 · November 2018 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
Study the two transverse waves, P and Q, as shown below.
6.3 Define the term frequency of the wave in words.(2)
Show the memo (2 ticks)Memo
1. ✓
  Number of wavesThe number of waves/wave pulses
  1 mark · Define wave terms
2. ✓
  Per secondpassing a point per second.
  1 mark · Define wave terms
8. Question 1.6 · November 2017 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each question has only ONE correct answer. Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to the question number.
1.6 The amplitude of a sound wave is increased without changing the frequency. How does this change affect the loudness and pitch of the sound?(2)
1. A Loudness: Decreases; Pitch: Decreases
2. B Loudness: Decreases; Pitch: Increases
3. C Loudness: Increases; Pitch: Unchanged
4. D Loudness: Increases; Pitch: Increases
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Correct optionLoudness depends on amplitude, so a bigger amplitude gives a louder sound. Pitch depends on frequency, and the frequency did not change, so the pitch is unchanged.
  
  Answer: C
  2 marks · Relate pitch and loudness to waves
9. Question 6.1 · November 2017 · Paper 1 · National (DBE) · 3 marks
Two girls, standing at opposite ends of a rope, each makes a pulse of the same speed. Pulse A, with an amplitude of $4$ cm, moves to the right and pulse B, with an amplitude of $- 6$ cm, moves to the left. The pulses meet at point C.
6.1 State the phenomenon observed when the two pulses meet at point C.(3)
Show the memo (2 ticks)Memo
1. ✓
  Name of the phenomenonSuperposition of pulses.
  1 mark · Apply superposition of pulses
2. ✓
  Description of superpositionAlgebraic sum of the amplitudes of two pulses that occupy the same space at the same time.
  2 marks · Define wave terms
10. Question 9.3.4 · September 2026 · Paper 1 · Provincial · 3 marks
Examine the diagram of an electrical device that follows.
9.3 The following graph shows information regarding a generator that is providing power to a $4, 5 Ω$ resistor.

Answer the questions that follow.
9.3.4 Calculate the: Frequency of the generator(3)
Show the memo (3 ticks)Memo
1. ✓
  Formula $f = \frac{1}{T}$
  1 mark · Use the wave equation
2. ✓
  Substitution $= \frac{1}{0 , 1}$
  1 mark · Use the wave equation
3. ✓
  Answer $= 10$ Hz
  1 mark · Use the wave equation

Sound Grade 10 videos

Short lessons from South African teachers first. Videos load only when you tap play, to save your data.

Grade 10 Physics Wave SpeedMiss Martins Maths and Science

Loudness and Pitch: Grade 10 Waves and LightMindset

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