Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between the wave speed $$c$$ and the speed of the particles of the medium $$\upsilon in a $$transverse wave on a string?

Accepted Answer

The wave speed $$c$$ refers to the speed at which the disturbance travels along the string, while $$\upsilon$$ refers to the speed of the individual particles moving perpendicular to the string.

Question 2

A wave pulse travels along a string with a constant speed $$c. If $$the tension in the string is doubled while the mass per unit length remains the same, what happens to the wave speed?

Accepted Answer

The wave speed increases by a factor of $$\sqrt{2}.$$

Question 3

Which mathematical expression correctly represents a wave pulse traveling in the negative $$x-$$direction?

Accepted Answer

$$\psi(x, t) = f(x + ct)$$

Question 4

A string is fixed at one end and free at the other. A pulse is sent toward the fixed end. What happens to the pulse upon reflection?

Accepted Answer

The pulse is reflected and inverted.

Question 5

A sinusoidal wave on a string is described by $$D_y(x, t) = A \sin(kx - \omega t + \phi_i). $$What does the parameter $$k$$ represent?

Accepted Answer

The wave number, defined as $$k = \frac{2\pi}{\lambda}.$$

Question 6

Two identical pulses traveling in opposite directions on a string overlap completely. What is the displacement at the point of overlap if the pulses have equal magnitude but opposite signs?

Accepted Answer

The displacement is zero.

Question 7

A periodic wave has a frequency $$f = 2.0\ \mathrm{Hz}$$ and a wavelength $$\lambda = 0.5\ \mathrm{m}. $$What is the wave speed $$c$$?

Accepted Answer

$$c = 1.0\ \mathrm{m/s}$$

Question 8

Which of the following statements about energy in a traveling wave on a string is correct?

Accepted Answer

The energy is equally divided between kinetic and potential energy.

Question 9

A standing wave is formed on a string fixed at both ends. What is the distance between two adjacent nodes?

Accepted Answer

$$\frac{\lambda}{2}$$

Question 10

A wave pulse travels from a string of mass density $$\mu_1$ into a string of mass density $$\$$mu_2$$ ($$\mu_2$ \u003e \mu_1$). What happens to the reflected pulse?

Accepted Answer

It is reflected and inverted.

Question 11

A string under tension $$T$$ and with linear mass density $$\mu$$ supports a transverse wave. What is the correct formula for the wave speed $$c$$?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 12

A mechanical motor generates sinusoidal water waves in an aquarium at a frequency of $$1.25\ \mathrm{Hz}$$ with a power output of $$18\ \mathrm{W}. $$How much kinetic energy is in each wave generated?

Accepted Answer

$$7.2\ \mathrm{J}$$

Question 13

Which of the following best describes constructive interference?

Accepted Answer

Two waves overlap and the resultant displacement is greater than either wave.

Question 14

For a standing wave described by $$D_y = 2A \sin kx \cos \omega t$$, what are the positions of the antinodes?

Accepted Answer

$$x = \frac{(2n+1)\lambda}{4}$$

Question 15

A wave pulse is generated by moving the end of a string up and down quickly. What determines the speed of the pulse?

Accepted Answer

The properties of the string, such as tension and mass per unit length.

Question 16

If the period of a wave is $$T$$ and the wavelength is $$\lambda$$, what is the wave speed $$c$$?

Accepted Answer

$$c = \frac{\lambda}{T}$$

Question 17

Which of the following is true for a longitudinal wave?

Accepted Answer

The particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of wave propagation.

Question 18

The average power $$P_{av}$$ carried by a harmonic wave on a string is given by which of the following expressions?

Accepted Answer

$$P_{av} = \frac{1}{2} \mu A^2$ \$$omega^2$$ c$$

Question 19

A wave pulse is sent down a string and reaches a boundary with a heavier string. What happens to the transmitted and reflected pulses?

Accepted Answer

The transmitted pulse is not inverted and the reflected pulse is inverted.

Waves in One Dimension: Physics with Calculus Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards