If two speakers emit sound at same frequency and phase, maximum loudness occurs when path difference equals:
Correct answer: B. one whole wavelength
- A. half a wavelength
- B. one whole wavelength
- C. a quarter of a wavelength
- D. three quarters of a wavelength
Explanation
A path difference of a whole number of wavelengths brings the two waves back into phase so their crests coincide, giving constructive interference and maximum loudness. An odd number of half wavelengths puts them in antiphase and produces a quiet point instead. The Greek symbol for wavelength did not print cleanly in the original paper.
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2025 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Superposition and Interference
Superposition states that overlapping waves produce a resultant displacement equal to the algebraic sum of their individual displacements. Interference covers constructive and destructive interference, phase difference, path difference, coherent sources, and conditions for maxima and minima. It differs from diffraction, which involves spreading around openings or obstacles.
Practise Waves
1,281 free Waves MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 16 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Superposition and Interference questions
Two tuning forks of 256 Hz and 260 Hz are sounded together. The beat frequency is
Beats are produced when two sound waves
Constructive interference occurs when the path difference between two coherent waves is
Two coherent sources of light produce interference (destructive) when the phase difference between them is _________?
appearance of colour in thin films is due to ____________________?
Two sources of light are coherent if they emit rays of_______________?