Free Superposition and Interference MCQs with Answers
68 Superposition and Interference MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
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.
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68 questions · page 3 of 4
- A. Multiple wavelength
- B. Double wavelength
- C. Single wavelength
- D. Coherent photons
Explanation: The sources that produce waves having the same frequency, equal or comparable amplitude, and a constant phase difference are called…
Correct answer: Single wavelength- A. 320 * 4
- B. 320 / 4
- C. 320+4
- D. 320
Explanation: On loading the first one, the number of beats increases. Therefore, the frequency of the tuning fork must be 324 Hz.
Correct answer: 320+4- A. Counting the heart beat
- B. Tuning a string instrument
- C. Measuring frequency of pendulum
- D. None of above
Explanation: Beats are used in tuning musical instruments.
Correct answer: Tuning a string instrument- A. The width of central maximum is decreased
- B. The width of outer maximum is decreased
- C. The intensity of the central maximum will decrease
- D. Less number of fringes will be observed
Explanation: Option D is correct since there will be fewer fringes on the screen since one slit is covered and no light coming from it.
Correct answer: Less number of fringes will be observed- A. Increases
- B. Decreases
- C. Remains the same
- D. None of these options are correct
Explanation: Recall the double slit equation: x = λD/a where x is the fringe separation, D is the distance between the double slit and the screen, a is…
Correct answer: Increases- A. Polarization
- B. Destructive interference.
- C. Constructive interference.
- D. Reflection.
Explanation: During constructive interference the path difference between the concave lens and the reflective surface i.e.
Correct answer: Destructive interference.- A. Interference.
- B. Polarization.
- C. Stationary waves.
- D. Beats.
Explanation: Two waves of slightly different frequencies travelling in the same direction produce beats.
Correct answer: Beats.- A. 5 mm
- B. 1.33 mm
- C. 0.5 mm
- D. 50 mm
Explanation: x=λ D/a, where λ is the wavelength of light, D is the distance between screen and slits, a is the slit separation, and x is the fringe…
Correct answer: 5 mm- A. Stationary Waves
- B. Beats
- C. Interference
- D. Both B and C
Explanation: Explanation:Two waves of slightly different frequencies and travelling in the same direction lead to the production of beats.
Correct answer: Beats- A. Zero
- B. Double the original value
- C. One
- D. Half of the original value
Explanation: Explanation:The Fringe spacing would be doubled. This is because the fringe spacing is proportional to the distance between the slits and…
Correct answer: Double the original value- A. 588 nm
- B. 348 nm
- C. 620 nm
- D. 400 nm
Explanation: Explanation: L = mλ / 2 λ = 2L / m = 2 × 0.233 × 10-3 / 792 = 2 × 233 × 10-6 / 792 = 466 × 10-6 / 792 = 0.588 × 10-6 m = 588 × 10-9 m λ =…
Correct answer: 588 nm- A. Zero amplitude
- B. The sum of the amplitudes of the two waves
- C. Difference of the amplitudes of the two waves
- D. Double the amplitude of either wave
Explanation: The correct answer is A) Zero amplitude. When two sound waves with identical amplitudes are completely out of phase, they interfere…
Correct answer: Zero amplitude- A. 244 Hz
- B. 236 Hz
- C. 248 Hz
- D. 246 Hz
Explanation: The beat frequency is the absolute difference between two frequencies. For the source 'Y' to produce 4 beats with 240 Hz, it can be either…
Correct answer: 244 Hz- A. (m + ½) λ
- B. mλ
- C. d sin θ
- D. 3λ
Explanation: Destructive interference occurs when the path difference between two waves is an odd multiple of half wavelengths, expressed as (m + ½)λ…
Correct answer: (m + ½) λ- A. The path difference of the light waves from the two sources must be large
- B. The interfering waves must be non-coherent
- C. The light waves may come from different sources
- D. The light waves must come from two coherent sources
Explanation: For light waves to successfully interfere the sources of the waves must be coherent, which means they emit identical waves with a constant…
Correct answer: The light waves must come from two coherent sources- A. 23
- B. 12
- C. 0
- D. 1
Explanation: If general equation for destructive interference is given by the relation Optic path difference = (m+(1/2)), where 'm' is an integer, then…
Correct answer: 0- A. (n +½) λ where n = 0, 1, 2, .............
- B. nλ where n = 0, 1, 2, .............
- C. (2n + 1) λ/2 where n = 0, 1, 2, .............
- D. ((n +1)/2) λ2 where n = 0, 1, 2, ............
Explanation: For maximum intensity or bright fringe to be formed at P Path difference, Δz = nλ (n = 0, ±1, ±2, . . . .)
Correct answer: nλ where n = 0, 1, 2, .............- A. nπ radian
- B. 2π n radian
- C. (n+½) π radian
- D. (2n+1) π radian
Explanation: Dark fringes are formed when we have destructive interference and since destructive interferences happen at phase differences being odd…
Correct answer: (n+½) π radian- A. Half wavelength
- B. Integral number of wavelength
- C. Quarter wavelength
- D. Odd integral number of half wavelength
Explanation: For two coherent monochromatic sets of waves to interfere constructively in the region of superposition, the path difference between them…
Correct answer: Integral number of wavelength- A. Fringe width will decrease
- B. Fringe width will increase
- C. Fringe width will remain the same
- D. Fringe width will become less intense
Explanation: Fringe width will increase: If the orange light has a longer wavelength compared to the green light, then the fringe width will increase.
Correct answer: Fringe width will increase