Theme C: Wave behaviour

IB Physics C.3 Wave phenomena: practice questions and video explanations

Reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference of waves, including Snell’s law, total internal reflection and double-slit interference.

SL and HL (with HL extension)

What you need to know for C.3 Wave phenomena

  • Use wavefronts and rays to describe reflection and refraction
  • Apply Snell’s law, refractive index and the critical angle
  • Explain diffraction and superposition
  • Use path difference for constructive and destructive interference
  • Calculate fringe spacing in Young’s double-slit experiment

HL extension: HL adds single-slit diffraction, multiple-slit interference and diffraction gratings.

C.3 Wave phenomena questions in the question bank

Exam-style questions
29
Multiple choice (Paper 1A style)
22
Structured (Paper 1B and 2 style)
7
Free to try
3

Every question has a mark scheme. Multiple-choice answers are marked instantly, and for structured questions you open the mark scheme part by part and award yourself the marks you earned. Most questions also have a step-by-step video explanation presented by an IB teacher or a former IB student.

Practising C.3 Wave phenomena needs Premium. Topic A (Space, time and motion) and uncertainties are free with a free account.

Practise C.3 (SL)Practise C.3 (HL)

More from theme C: Wave behaviour

Full practice papers

When you have practised by topic, sit a full SL or HL mock exam with Paper 1A, Paper 1B and Paper 2, or see every IB Physics topic.