Question 1

A wave travels along a stretched string with a linear density $$\mu$$ and under tension $$T. $$What is the correct expression for the speed $$v of $$the wave on the string?

Accepted Answer

$$v = \sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}$$

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

In transverse waves, the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, while in longitudinal waves, the particles move parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Question 3

A sound wave travels through air at 20°C with a speed of 343 m/s. If the temperature increases, what happens to the speed of sound?

Accepted Answer

The speed of sound increases.

Question 4

A sinusoidal wave is described by $$y(x, t) = A \cos(kx - \omega t). $$What does the parameter $$A$$ represent?

Accepted Answer

The maximum displacement of the wave from equilibrium (amplitude).

Question 5

A boat is moving to the right at 5.0 m/s with respect to the water. An ocean wave is moving to the left with a wavelength of 110 m and a period of 8.3 s. If the boat starts on a crest, what is the vertical displacement of the boat after 20 s?

Accepted Answer

The boat is at a trough, with a displacement of $$-1.0 m.$$

Question 6

Which of the following is true about the energy transfer in a mechanical wave?

Accepted Answer

A mechanical wave transfers energy through a medium without transferring matter.

Question 7

A lightning strike is seen, and 8.0 seconds later, thunder is heard. Assuming the speed of sound is $$343\ \mathrm{m/s}$$, how far away did the lightning strike occur?

Accepted Answer

$$2.7\ \mathrm{km}$$

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the relationship between wave speed $$v$$, frequency $$f$$, and wavelength $$\lambda$$ for a sinusoidal wave?

Accepted Answer

$$v = f \lambda$$

Question 9

A string under tension $$T$$ has a wave speed $$v. If $$the tension is increased by a factor of 4, what happens to the wave speed?

Accepted Answer

The wave speed doubles.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

They require a material medium to propagate.

Question 11

A sinusoidal wave has a period $$T = 2\ \mathrm{s}$$ and an amplitude $$A = 1\ \mathrm{m}. $$What is the frequency $$f of $$the wave?

Accepted Answer

$$0.5\ \mathrm{Hz}$$

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the motion of a point on a string as a transverse wave passes?

Accepted Answer

The point moves perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

Question 13

A wave pulse travels along a string. Which of the following factors does NOT affect the speed of the wave?

Accepted Answer

The amplitude of the pulse.

Question 14

A history graph of a wave shows the displacement of a single point as a function of time. What type of motion does this point undergo?

Accepted Answer

Simple harmonic motion.

Question 15

Which of the following is true about the speed of sound in different media?

Accepted Answer

Sound travels fastest in solids, slower in liquids, and slowest in gases.

Question 16

A sinusoidal wave is described by $$y(x, t) = A \cos(kx + \omega t). In $$which direction is the wave traveling?

Accepted Answer

To the left.

Question 17

A spider web thread has a linear density of $$1.0 	imes 10$$^{-4}$$\ \mathrm{kg/m}$$ and is under a tension of $$0.40\ \mathrm{N}. $$How long does it take for a vibration to travel 30 cm to the spider?

Accepted Answer

$$0.15\ \mathrm{s}$$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the relationship between period $$T$$ and frequency $$f of a $$wave?

Accepted Answer

$$f = \frac{1}{T}$$

Question 19

A wave on a string is traveling to the right. At a certain instant, a point on the string is at its maximum positive displacement. What is the instantaneous velocity of this point?

Accepted Answer

Zero, instantaneously at rest.

Traveling Waves and Sound: Physics with Calculus Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards