Free Waves MCQs with Answers
1,281 Waves MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
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.
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- A. Mean position
- B. Extreme position
- C. Halfway of mean
- D. Everywhere same
Explanation: a = -ω²x → maximum acceleration occurs at maximum x =±A.
Correct answer: Extreme position- A. 3 Hz
- B. 2 Hz
- C. 4 Hz
- D. 5 Hz
Explanation: Tension provides centripetal force: T = m (2π f)² r = 4π² m r f². Solve for f: f = √(T/(4π² m r)).
Correct answer: 2 Hz- A. Gravitational pull
- B. Surface tension
- C. Speed of rotation
- D. Tension in a spring
Explanation: A tachometer measures rotational speed (revolutions per minute or frequency) of shafts, wheels or engines.
Correct answer: Speed of rotation- A. ω²A/2
- B. ω²A
- C. ω²A/4
- D. ω²A√3
Explanation: In SHM, acceleration is a=−ω² x . At displacement x=A/2, the magnitude becomes a=ω² (A/2). So, the acceleration is ω²(A/2).
Correct answer: ω²A/2- A. T/4
- B. T/2
- C. T/8
- D. T
Explanation: One complete oscillation = 4 quarters.Extreme → mean = one quarter.
Correct answer: T/4- A. KE = 0
- B. PE = maximum
- C. KE = maximum
- D. PE = maximum & KE = maximum
Explanation: At x = 0:v = maximumKE maximumPE minimum.
Correct answer: KE = maximum- A. 0
- B. π/2
- C. π
- D. 2π
Explanation: Velocity leads displacement by 90° (π/2).
Correct answer: π/2208. Two identical springs (k = 150 N/m) are connected in series. What is the equivalent spring constant?
- A. 50 N/m
- B. 75 N/m
- C. 100 N/m
- D. 150 N/m
Explanation: For springs in series, the equivalent spring constant keq is given by 1/keq = 1/k1 + 1/k2 .
Correct answer: 75 N/m- A. 1.62 m/s2
- B. 9.8 m/s2
- C. Very high
- D. Zero
Explanation: A low Earth satellite experiences nearly the same gravitational acceleration as objects near Earth's surface, approximately g ≈ 9.8 m/s²…
Correct answer: 9.8 m/s2- A. A
- B. √2A
- C. 2A
- D. 2√2A
Explanation: x1 = Asinωt, x2 = Asin(ωt + π/2 ) = Acos ωt. Distance d=|x1 - x2| = A|sinωt- cos ωt|.Maximum value is √2A.
Correct answer: √2A- A. 0.27 J
- B. 0.54 J
- C. 0.81 J
- D. 1.08 J
Explanation: E = mgh = mgL (1 - Cos θ ) = 0.2 x 9.8 x 1.6 = 0.27 J.
Correct answer: 0.27 J- A. 0.3π m/s
- B. 0.6π m/s
- C. 0.9π m/s
- D. 1.2 m/s
Explanation: ω = 2π/T = 5π rad/s.vmax = Aω = 0.06 × 5π = 0.3π m/s.
Correct answer: 0.3π m/s- A. 10 rad/s
- B. 14.14 rad/s
- C. 20 rad/s
- D. 28.28 rad/s
Explanation: keq = k1 + k2 = 400 N/m.ω = √keq /m = √400/2 = 14.14 rad/s.
Correct answer: 14.14 rad/s- A. 1.52 S
- B. 1.75 s
- C. 2.00 s
- D. 2.25 s
Explanation: Effective geff = g + a = 11.8 m/s².Period T = 2π √L/geff ≈ 1.52s.
Correct answer: 1.52 S- A. 0.025 Hz
- B. 0.050 Hz
- C. 0.075 Hz
- D. 0.100 Hz
Explanation: Beat frequency fbeat = |f1 - f2|.With f = 1/2π and weak coupling,fbeat ≈ K/4πmfo ≈ 0.025 Hz.
Correct answer: 0.025 Hz- A. 36.8%
- B. 63.2%
- C. 13.5%
- D. 86.5%
Explanation: Energy decays as E = E₀ e(-b/m*t).For one cycle (T = 2π / ω), the fraction remaining is e-b/m*t ≈ e-2π*b/mω0 ≈ 0.368 or 36.8%.
Correct answer: 36.8%- A. g + a
- B. √g² + a²
- C. g - a
- D. √g² - a²
Explanation: In the non-inertial frame of the train, a fictitious force -ma acts horizontally.
Correct answer: √g² + a²- A. Maximum displacement from the mean position
- B. Centre position
- C. Half of the maximum displacement from mean position
- D. Mean position
Explanation: A simple harmonic motion (SHM), acceleration is maximum when the object is at its maximum displacement from the mean position.
Correct answer: Maximum displacement from the mean position- A. 2 rad/s
- B. 5 rad/s
- C. 10 rad/s
- D. 20 rad/s
Explanation: K = ½ mω²A2 . Substituting; 0.4 = ½ (0.25)ω² (0.08)2 .Solving; ω = √0.4 x 2 / 0.25×0.0064 = 5 rad/s.
Correct answer: 5 rad/s- A. 5 rad/s
- B. 10 rad/s
- C. 14.14 rad/s
- D. 20 rad/s
Explanation: The equivalent spring constant for parallel springs is keq = k1 + k2 = 100 +300 = 400 N/m.
Correct answer: 14.14 rad/s