Free AQA A-Level Physics practice
AQA A-Level Physics Waves, Optics and Interference Questions
Practise progressive and stationary waves, then refraction, interference and diffraction. Each of the four existing packs contains exam-style questions and marking material.
Try it in a simulation: Add displacements in the wave superposition simulation, compare nodes and harmonics in Standing Waves: Strings & Air Columns, or connect wavelength with orders in the diffraction grating simulation.
Waves
Progressive waves, stationary waves and wave behaviour.
Optics and Interference
Refraction, total internal reflection, interference and gratings.
Optics (Refraction, Total Internal Reflection, Interference and Gratings) Long Paper Questions
Longer written questions with marking material.
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Optics (Refraction, Total Internal Reflection, Interference and Gratings) Multiple Choice Questions
Multiple-choice practice with marking material.
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Link the picture to the phase difference
- On a stationary-wave sketch, identify nodes and antinodes before using a wavelength. Adjacent nodes are half a wavelength apart; the pattern forms from waves travelling in opposite directions.
- For interference, write the path difference and decide whether it gives constructive or destructive interference before substituting into an equation. Keep fringe spacing, slit separation and screen distance as three distinct quantities.
Try it in a simulation
- Wave Motion — Compare transverse, longitudinal and water waves.
- Standing Waves and Reflection — See how incident and reflected waves form nodes and antinodes.
- Wave Superposition — Explore constructive and destructive interference.
- Double-Slit Diffraction and Interference — Connect path difference to the interference pattern.
Teaching advice based on the AQA A-Level Physics specification: AQA 3.3 Waves. The study tips are Maths With Matt’s own explanations.