Physics (AS & A Level) · May / June 2023 · Paper 12 · Question 27

A continuous progressive water wave in a ripple tank passes through a gap in a barrier and diffracts. The width of the gap is greater than the wavelength of the wave. Which change causes the wave to spread over a larger angle as it passes through the gap?

1. Aa small decrease in the wavelength of the wave
2. Ba small decrease in the width of the gap
3. Ca small increase in the frequency of the wave
4. Da small increase in the height of the barrier

As printed in the paper