Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Accepted Answer

Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer, while longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to the direction of energy transfer.

Question 2

A sound wave travels through air at $$v = 346\ \mathrm{m\ s$$^{-1}$$}. If $$the frequency of the sound is $$440\ \mathrm{Hz}$$, what is its wavelength?

Accepted Answer

$$0.79\ \mathrm{m}$$

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of a longitudinal wave?

Accepted Answer

Sound wave in air

Question 4

A string fixed at both ends vibrates in its second harmonic. If the length of the string is $$L$$, what is the wavelength $$\lambda of $$the standing wave?

Accepted Answer

$$\lambda = L$$

Question 5

Which statement best explains the phenomenon of resonance in a mechanical system?

Accepted Answer

Resonance occurs when the frequency of an external force matches the natural frequency of the system, resulting in maximum energy transfer.

Question 6

A wave on a string has a frequency of $$50\ \mathrm{Hz}$$ and a wavelength of $$0.8\ \mathrm{m}. $$What is the velocity of the wave?

Accepted Answer

$$40\ \mathrm{m\ s$$^{-1}$$}$$

Question 7

Which of the following best describes constructive interference?

Accepted Answer

Two waves meet and their amplitudes add, resulting in a larger amplitude.

Question 8

A pipe open at both ends has a length $$L = 0.85\ \mathrm{m}. $$What is the fundamental frequency of the pipe if the speed of sound is $$v = 340\ \mathrm{m\ s$$^{-1}$$}$$?

Accepted Answer

$$200\ \mathrm{Hz}$$

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a property of mechanical waves?

Accepted Answer

They can travel through a vacuum.

Question 10

A wave has a period of $$0.02\ \mathrm{s}. $$What is its frequency?

Accepted Answer

$$50\ \mathrm{Hz}$$

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the concept of superposition?

Accepted Answer

When two or more waves overlap, the resultant displacement is the sum of the individual displacements.

Question 12

A sound wave in air has a frequency of $$256\ \mathrm{Hz}$$ and a wavelength of $$1.35\ \mathrm{m}. $$What is the speed of sound in air according to these values?

Accepted Answer

$$345.6\ \mathrm{m\ s$$^{-1}$$}$$

Question 13

Which of the following statements about standing waves is correct?

Accepted Answer

Standing waves are formed by the superposition of two waves traveling in opposite directions.

Question 14

A closed pipe (one end closed, one end open) has a length $$L = 0.5\ \mathrm{m}. $$What is the wavelength of the fundamental (first harmonic) mode?

Accepted Answer

$$2.0\ \mathrm{m}$$

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the phenomenon of diffraction?

Accepted Answer

The bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.

Question 16

If two waves of equal amplitude $$A$$ and frequency meet in phase, what is the amplitude of the resultant wave at the point of superposition?

Accepted Answer

$$2A$$

Question 17

A seismic P-wave travels through the Earth with a velocity of $$6000\ \mathrm{m\ s$$^{-1}$$}$$ and a frequency of $$2\ \mathrm{Hz}. $$What is its wavelength?

Accepted Answer

$$3000\ \mathrm{m}$$

Question 18

Which of the following is true about the energy transfer in waves?

Accepted Answer

Waves transfer energy without transferring matter.

Question 19

A wave has a velocity of $$20\ \mathrm{m\ s$$^{-1}$$}$$ and a wavelength of $$4\ \mathrm{m}. $$What is its frequency?

Accepted Answer

$$5\ \mathrm{Hz}$$

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the concept of natural frequency?

Accepted Answer

The frequency at which a system naturally oscillates when not subjected to a continuous or repeated external force.

Waves: Properties, Behavior, and Sound (Physics 2025 Study Guide)

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