Moderate

A sound wave has a frequency of 2500 Hz and a speed of 1500 m s−1. What is the shortest distance from a point of maximum pressure in the wave to a point of minimum pressure?

Correct answer: B. 0.30 m

  • A. 0.15 m
  • B. 0.30 m
  • C. 0.60 m
  • D. 1.20 m

Explanation

Frequency=2500 hzWave speed=1500m/sNow wave speed = wave length*FrequencySo wavelength=Wave speed/FrequencyWavelength=1500/2500 =3/5 =0.6 mA sound wave is also known as a pressure wave. The wavelength can be said to be the distance between 2 consecutive maximum pressure points or the distance between 2 consecutive minimum pressure points.In the middle of 2 consecutive maximum pressure points, there is a minimum pressure point.So the wavelength between the point of maximum pressure in the wave to the point of minimum pressure is=0.6/2=0.3m. Hence the shortest distance between the point of maximum pressure in the wave to the point of minimum pressure is 0.3m.

Last updated

About Waves

Progressive waves transfer energy through oscillations, with wavelength, frequency, amplitude and wave speed related by v = fλ; sound speed depends on the medium. Superposition produces interference and stationary waves in strings and organ pipes, while simple harmonic motion describes the oscillation itself and must be distinguished from wave propagation.

Practise Waves

1,281 free Waves MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Exams that ask Physics questions like this

Physics is on 13 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

Related questions