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Explain how the apparatus can be used to demonstrate that the waves from T are vertically polarised - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 2
Explain how the apparatus can be used to demonstrate that the waves from T are vertically polarised. Figures 2a and 2b show T and R and two different positions of a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain how the apparatus can be used to demonstrate that the waves from T are vertically polarised - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 2 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain how the apparatus can be used to demonstrate that the waves from T are vertically polarised.
Answer
The apparatus can demonstrate that the waves from T are vertically polarised by using the following steps:
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Rotating the Aerial: The receiving aerial R should be oriented vertically. When it aligns with the plane of vertical polarisation from the transmitter T, the signal received will be at its maximum.
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Signal Reception: When the aerial R is rotated to a horizontal position, the detected signal will significantly drop or may even become zero. This indicates that the aerial is not aligned with the polarised plane of the waves.
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Conclusion: The maximum signal received when R is vertical confirms that the waves are vertically polarised.
Step 2
Explain what happens to the signal detected by R as M is moved slowly towards X.
Answer
As M is moved slowly towards X, the signal detected by R will go through a series of increases and decreases. Initially, when M is positioned directly in front of T, the waves reflecting off M to R will increase the signal strength. However, as M continues to move away from this optimal position, the strength of the received signal will decrease, showing a pattern of fluctuating signal intensity based on M's position.
Step 3
Deduce whether this practical arrangement is suitable for a determination of a value for the wavelength.
Answer
This practical arrangement is not suitable for a determination of a value for the wavelength because the distance between T and R, coupled with the position changes of M, creates complex interference patterns that are difficult to analyze precisely. The requirement for consistent measurements needed to accurately determine wavelength values is compromised.