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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1,281 questions · page 31 of 65

  • A. Decreases
  • B. Increases
  • C. Remains the same
  • D. May increase or decrease:

Explanation: When two identical waves overlap, they interfere constructively or destructively, depending on their phase relationship.

Correct answer: Remains the same
  • A. 3×10^8 m/s
  • B. 350 m/s
  • C. 500 m/s
  • D. 0 m/s

Explanation: Sound requires a medium to travel. In a vacuum, there is no medium, so sound cannot propagate.

Correct answer: 0 m/s
  • A. Energy, momentum, and mass
  • B. Energy
  • C. Energy and mass
  • D. Energy and momentum

Explanation: When a longitudinal wave propagates through a material medium, the quantities transmitted in the direction of propagation are energy and…

Correct answer: Energy and momentum
  • A. 2L
  • B. 4L
  • C. L
  • D. L/2

Explanation: In a closed organ pipe, the fundamental frequency corresponds to the length of the pipe, which is equal to half the wavelength of the…

Correct answer: 2L
  • A. 61 m/s
  • B. 0.61 m/s
  • C. 61 cm/s
  • D. Both (b) and (c)

Explanation: Correct Option: (d) Both (b) and (c),The increase in velocity of sound in air for a 1°C rise in temperature is approximately 0.61 m/s or…

Correct answer: Both (b) and (c)
  • A. Monoatomic gas
  • B. Diatomic gas
  • C. Triatomic gas
  • D. Polyatomic gas

Explanation: Monoatomic gases have the highest speed of sound under identical conditions of pressure and density.

Correct answer: Monoatomic gas
  • A. Isothermal proces
  • B. Adiabatic process
  • C. Isobaric process
  • D. Isochoric process

Explanation: The propagation of sound through air is an adiabatic process because sound waves travel through air with minimal exchange of heat with the…

Correct answer: Adiabatic process
  • A. Elasticity
  • B. Density
  • C. Temperature
  • D. All

Explanation: The speed of sound is greater in solid materials compared to gases due to their high elasticity.

Correct answer: Elasticity
  • A. Mgr + mgr
  • B. Mgr - mgr
  • C. 2gr(M+m)
  • D. 2gr(M-m)

Explanation: Mg is applied in downwards direction and mg is applied upward, but the torque they create is in the same direction, so total torque is sum…

Correct answer: Mgr + mgr
  • A. 2n/l
  • B. 2l/n
  • C. l/n
  • D. n/2

Explanation: The wavelength (λ) of the stationary waves on a string fixed at both ends is given by λ(n)=2l/n , where n is the mode of vibration…

Correct answer: 2l/n
  • A. Pressure
  • B. Temperature
  • C. Density
  • D. Humidity

Explanation: The speed of sound is primarily dependent on the properties of the medium through which it travels, such as temperature and density.

Correct answer: Pressure
  • A. Gas
  • B. Liquid
  • C. Solid
  • D. All

Explanation: Solids are the only medium among the options that can propagate both transverse and longitudinal waves.

Correct answer: Solid
  • A. 50Hz
  • B. 350 Hz50Hz
  • C. 175Hz
  • D. 500Hz

Explanation: The fundamental frequency (f) of a closed-end organ pipe is given by the formula f=v2l , where v is the speed of sound and L is the length…

Correct answer: 350 Hz50Hz
  • A. f,3f,5f,...
  • B. 2f,3f,4f,
  • C. 3f,5f,7f,...
  • D. f,2f,3f,...

Explanation: A closed-end organ pipe produces overtones that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency (f).

Correct answer: f,2f,3f,...
  • A. Increases
  • B. Decreases
  • C. Remains the same
  • D. A may increase or decrease

Explanation: In a stationary wave, the number of loops is directly related to the harmonic or mode of vibration.

Correct answer: Increases
  • A. Resonance
  • B. Polarization
  • C. Destructive interference
  • D. Constructive interference

Explanation: A silence zone occurs due to destructive interference, where waves of equal amplitude and frequency meet out of phase, canceling each…

Correct answer: Destructive interference
  • A. Jm-2 s-2
  • B. Jm-1 s-1
  • C. Wm-2
  • D. Jm-2

Explanation: The intensity of a wave is a measure of the energy transported by the wave per unit of time and per unit of area.

Correct answer: Wm-2
  • A. Velocity
  • B. Wavelength
  • C. Frequency
  • D. All of these

Explanation: When waves travel from one medium to another, their frequency remains constant, regardless of the change in the velocity and wavelength…

Correct answer: Frequency
  • A. Same
  • B. Less
  • C. Greater
  • D. Either (b) or (c)

Explanation: When the source of sound is moving towards the observer, the perceived frequency is higher (greater).

Correct answer: Less
  • A. v is directly proportional to P^−1
  • B. v is directly proportional to P^1/2
  • C. v is directly proportional to P^−1/2
  • D. v is directly proportional to P0

Explanation: The speed of sound in air is directly proportional to the square root of atmospheric pressure.

Correct answer: v is directly proportional to P^1/2