Waves Questions and Answers

What behavior occurs when a crest of one wave meets a crest of a second wave while moving along the same medium?
Select one:
a. The Doppler effect
b. Resonance.
c. Destructive interference
d. Constructive interference
Physics
Waves
What behavior occurs when a crest of one wave meets a crest of a second wave while moving along the same medium? Select one: a. The Doppler effect b. Resonance. c. Destructive interference d. Constructive interference
A wave is introduced into a coiled Slinky. A crest on the wave is observed to move a relatively long distance in a short amount of time. This observation would lead one to believe that the wave has a Select one: 
a. high amplitude
b. long wavelength 
c. high frequency 
d. a fast speed
Physics
Waves
A wave is introduced into a coiled Slinky. A crest on the wave is observed to move a relatively long distance in a short amount of time. This observation would lead one to believe that the wave has a Select one: a. high amplitude b. long wavelength c. high frequency d. a fast speed
In a standing wave on a vibrating string, a point that appears to remain stationary is a[n]
Select one:
a. antinode.
b. node.
c. point of constructive interference.
d. rarefaction.
Physics
Waves
In a standing wave on a vibrating string, a point that appears to remain stationary is a[n] Select one: a. antinode. b. node. c. point of constructive interference. d. rarefaction.
A wave pattern on a stretched string appears to be stationary. This wave pattern is an example of a
Select one:
a. longitudinal wave.
b. standing wave.
c. non-periodic wave.
d. pulse wave.
Physics
Waves
A wave pattern on a stretched string appears to be stationary. This wave pattern is an example of a Select one: a. longitudinal wave. b. standing wave. c. non-periodic wave. d. pulse wave.
The diagram above represents a certain standing wave on a vibrating string. This standing wave has
Select one:
a. 2 nodes and 3 antinodes.
b. nodes and 4 antinodes.
c. 3 nodes and 2 antinodes.
d. 4 nodes and 3 antinodes.
Physics
Waves
The diagram above represents a certain standing wave on a vibrating string. This standing wave has Select one: a. 2 nodes and 3 antinodes. b. nodes and 4 antinodes. c. 3 nodes and 2 antinodes. d. 4 nodes and 3 antinodes.
A wave is introduced into a thin wire held tight at each end. It has an amplitude of 3.8 cm, a frequency of 51.2 Hz and a distance from a crest to the neighboring trough of 12.8 cm. Determine the period of such a wave.
Physics
Waves
A wave is introduced into a thin wire held tight at each end. It has an amplitude of 3.8 cm, a frequency of 51.2 Hz and a distance from a crest to the neighboring trough of 12.8 cm. Determine the period of such a wave.
A periodic and repeating disturbance in a lake creates waves that emanate outward from its source to produce circular wave patterns. If the frequency of the source is 8.7 Hz and the wave speed is 7.3 m/s then the distance between adjacent wave crests is
Physics
Waves
A periodic and repeating disturbance in a lake creates waves that emanate outward from its source to produce circular wave patterns. If the frequency of the source is 8.7 Hz and the wave speed is 7.3 m/s then the distance between adjacent wave crests is
As you've learned, several phrases can be used to describe wave motion. Such phrases include how often, how much time, how fast, how high, and how long. Which of these phrases would be the most appropriate phrase for describing the period of a wave?
Select one:
a. how long
b. how much time
c. how fast
d. how often
e. how high
Physics
Waves
As you've learned, several phrases can be used to describe wave motion. Such phrases include how often, how much time, how fast, how high, and how long. Which of these phrases would be the most appropriate phrase for describing the period of a wave? Select one: a. how long b. how much time c. how fast d. how often e. how high
One difference between the light waves coming from a light bulb and water waves on a pond is that
(a) light waves occur in three dimensions while water waves occur in two dimensions.
(b) light waves can show interference effects, while water waves cannot.
(c) light waves all have the same wavelength, while different water waves can have different wavelengths.
(d) different light waves have different speeds, while all water waves must have the same speed.
(e) all of the above.
Physics
Waves
One difference between the light waves coming from a light bulb and water waves on a pond is that (a) light waves occur in three dimensions while water waves occur in two dimensions. (b) light waves can show interference effects, while water waves cannot. (c) light waves all have the same wavelength, while different water waves can have different wavelengths. (d) different light waves have different speeds, while all water waves must have the same speed. (e) all of the above.
A standing wave is formed when a wave reflects back on itself.
What would be true of the parts of this standing wave that are in between the red dots (the parts moving up and down)?
(A) These are antinodes and represent where the energy of the wave is at a maximum.
(B) These are antinodes and represent where the energy of the wave is at a minimum.
(C)These are nodes and represent where the energy of the wave is at a minimum.
(D) These are nodes and represent where the energy of the wave is at a maximum.
Physics
Waves
A standing wave is formed when a wave reflects back on itself. What would be true of the parts of this standing wave that are in between the red dots (the parts moving up and down)? (A) These are antinodes and represent where the energy of the wave is at a maximum. (B) These are antinodes and represent where the energy of the wave is at a minimum. (C)These are nodes and represent where the energy of the wave is at a minimum. (D) These are nodes and represent where the energy of the wave is at a maximum.
The displacement of a spring vibrating in damped harmonic motion is given by the following equation. Find the first four times when the spring is at its equilibrium position, y = 0, and starting at time t = 0.
Physics
Waves
The displacement of a spring vibrating in damped harmonic motion is given by the following equation. Find the first four times when the spring is at its equilibrium position, y = 0, and starting at time t = 0.
17. Pitch corresponds to
a) Frequency
b) Noise
c) Loudness
d) Wavelength
e) Both b and c
Physics
Waves
17. Pitch corresponds to a) Frequency b) Noise c) Loudness d) Wavelength e) Both b and c
A string is attached to a vibrator as shown and a standing wave is set up by adjusting the frequency of oscillation. The mass per unit length of the string is 3.90×10-4 kg/m. The string is driven by an 84.0 Hz oscillator. The velocity of the wave traveling back and forth on the string is 49.2 m/s. The string has a length, L. A mass, M, (including the hanger) hangs from the end of the string after it passes over the pulley. Assume the two ends represent nodes of the standing wave. (a) What is the harmonic of the standing wave shown in the figure? 
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5
F. 6
Physics
Waves
A string is attached to a vibrator as shown and a standing wave is set up by adjusting the frequency of oscillation. The mass per unit length of the string is 3.90×10-4 kg/m. The string is driven by an 84.0 Hz oscillator. The velocity of the wave traveling back and forth on the string is 49.2 m/s. The string has a length, L. A mass, M, (including the hanger) hangs from the end of the string after it passes over the pulley. Assume the two ends represent nodes of the standing wave. (a) What is the harmonic of the standing wave shown in the figure? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4 E. 5 F. 6
1Does an infrared wave or an x-ray travel faster in the vacuum of space?
A. The infrared wave travels faster.
B. The x-ray travels faster.
C. Both waves travel at the same speed.
D. There is not enough information to determine the answer.
Physics
Waves
1Does an infrared wave or an x-ray travel faster in the vacuum of space? A. The infrared wave travels faster. B. The x-ray travels faster. C. Both waves travel at the same speed. D. There is not enough information to determine the answer.
13. If a sound source has a power of 8W and you observe an intensity of 0.08 W/m², how far are you from the source?A submarine releases a frequency of 15000Hz that bounces off an enemy vessel. If the returning wave has a frequency of 19000Hz, is the enemy ship moving toward or away from the submarine?
Physics
Waves
13. If a sound source has a power of 8W and you observe an intensity of 0.08 W/m², how far are you from the source?A submarine releases a frequency of 15000Hz that bounces off an enemy vessel. If the returning wave has a frequency of 19000Hz, is the enemy ship moving toward or away from the submarine?
A child in an inner tube is bobbing up and down in the ocean and notices that after a wave crest passes, four more crests pass in a time of 41.4 s and the distance between the crests is 30 m. If possible, determine the following properties for the wave. (If not possible, enter IMPOSSIBLE.)
(a) period
(b) frequency
(c) wavelength
(d) speed
(e) amplitude
Physics
Waves
A child in an inner tube is bobbing up and down in the ocean and notices that after a wave crest passes, four more crests pass in a time of 41.4 s and the distance between the crests is 30 m. If possible, determine the following properties for the wave. (If not possible, enter IMPOSSIBLE.) (a) period (b) frequency (c) wavelength (d) speed (e) amplitude
A positive pulse is sent along a spring. A short time later, a negative pulse with a smaller amplitude returns. Assuming there are no frictional losses, which of the following statements could account for this observation?
a) There is not enough information to answer the question.
b) The other end of the spring is unattached (ie it is a free-end)
c) The spring is attached to a second spring of a higher density and slower speed.
d) The spring is attached to a second spring of lower density and faster speed.
e) The other end of the spring is attached to a fixed-end.
Physics
Waves
A positive pulse is sent along a spring. A short time later, a negative pulse with a smaller amplitude returns. Assuming there are no frictional losses, which of the following statements could account for this observation? a) There is not enough information to answer the question. b) The other end of the spring is unattached (ie it is a free-end) c) The spring is attached to a second spring of a higher density and slower speed. d) The spring is attached to a second spring of lower density and faster speed. e) The other end of the spring is attached to a fixed-end.
A car horn is located due north of where you are standing. The sound transmitted to your ears is caused by air particles moving: 
a) in a vertical and horizontal direction 
b) in a vertical direction only 
c) in a north-south direction only 
d) in a west-east direction only 
e) continously northward only
Physics
Waves
A car horn is located due north of where you are standing. The sound transmitted to your ears is caused by air particles moving: a) in a vertical and horizontal direction b) in a vertical direction only c) in a north-south direction only d) in a west-east direction only e) continously northward only
A standing wave is generated in a string so that 3 loops are present. The length of the string is 15 m and the frequency of the source is 2.5 Hz.
What is the traveling wavelength of the waves?
a) 20 m
b) 2.5 m
c) 5 m
d) none of these options is correct
e) 10 m
Physics
Waves
A standing wave is generated in a string so that 3 loops are present. The length of the string is 15 m and the frequency of the source is 2.5 Hz. What is the traveling wavelength of the waves? a) 20 m b) 2.5 m c) 5 m d) none of these options is correct e) 10 m
What equation directly relates wavelength to frequency? 

A. E = hc/λ

B. c = λxf 

C. E = Δmc^2 

D. q = mcΔT
Physics
Waves
What equation directly relates wavelength to frequency? A. E = hc/λ B. c = λxf C. E = Δmc^2 D. q = mcΔT
A taut string, 80 cm long and tied at both the ends has only resonance frequencies 160 Hz, 200 Hz and 240 Hz between 150 Hz to 250 Hz. What is the wavelength when string is excited at 320 Hz? 
10 cm 
5cm 
20 cm 
2.5 cm
Physics
Waves
A taut string, 80 cm long and tied at both the ends has only resonance frequencies 160 Hz, 200 Hz and 240 Hz between 150 Hz to 250 Hz. What is the wavelength when string is excited at 320 Hz? 10 cm 5cm 20 cm 2.5 cm
Suppose that it take 0.6 seconds for a mass on a spring to move from its highest position to
its lowest position. What is the period (T) of the spring?
O 0.3 seconds
O 0.6 seconds
O2.4 seconds
O 1.2 seconds
Physics
Waves
Suppose that it take 0.6 seconds for a mass on a spring to move from its highest position to its lowest position. What is the period (T) of the spring? O 0.3 seconds O 0.6 seconds O2.4 seconds O 1.2 seconds
2. A cord with linear mass density 14 g/m carries a traveling transverse wave moving in the +x- direction. The transverse displacement of the cord at any position x along its length at time t is given by the function y(x) = (7 mm) sin[(0.4 m^-1)x - (12 s^-1)t]. What is the magnitude of the tension in the cord? a) 10.8 N b) 12.6 N c) 13.5 N d) 14.4 N e) 16.2 N
Physics
Waves
2. A cord with linear mass density 14 g/m carries a traveling transverse wave moving in the +x- direction. The transverse displacement of the cord at any position x along its length at time t is given by the function y(x) = (7 mm) sin[(0.4 m^-1)x - (12 s^-1)t]. What is the magnitude of the tension in the cord? a) 10.8 N b) 12.6 N c) 13.5 N d) 14.4 N e) 16.2 N
Two coherent harmonic waves travelling on a string in same direction have amplitudes equal to 2.5 mm each. The resultant wave has an amplitude of 3 mm. Find the phase difference between the two travelling waves.
37°
74°
53°
106°
Physics
Waves
Two coherent harmonic waves travelling on a string in same direction have amplitudes equal to 2.5 mm each. The resultant wave has an amplitude of 3 mm. Find the phase difference between the two travelling waves. 37° 74° 53° 106°
A housing attached to a microprocessor uses radiator fins to get rid of excess heat. If the largest amount of radiation emitted by the fins has a frequency of 244.75 THz, what is the associated wavelength?
Physics
Waves
A housing attached to a microprocessor uses radiator fins to get rid of excess heat. If the largest amount of radiation emitted by the fins has a frequency of 244.75 THz, what is the associated wavelength?
Cell phones send signals in the microwave band of the electromagnetic spectrum. If a geosynchronous satellite for relaying cell signals is located 3.5x107m above the Earth's surface, how long does it take for a phone signal to make it up to the satellite and back down the recipient on Earth? (0.23s)
Physics
Waves
Cell phones send signals in the microwave band of the electromagnetic spectrum. If a geosynchronous satellite for relaying cell signals is located 3.5x107m above the Earth's surface, how long does it take for a phone signal to make it up to the satellite and back down the recipient on Earth? (0.23s)
In one or two sentences describe how the frequencies of the different harmonic patterns are related to each other. Why is the word fundamental chosen as another name for the first harmonic?
Physics
Waves
In one or two sentences describe how the frequencies of the different harmonic patterns are related to each other. Why is the word fundamental chosen as another name for the first harmonic?
The two highest-pitch strings on a violin are tuned to 440 Hz (the A string) and 679 Hz (the E string).
What is the ratio of the mass of the A string to that of the E string? Violin strings are all the same length and under essentially the same tension.
Physics
Waves
The two highest-pitch strings on a violin are tuned to 440 Hz (the A string) and 679 Hz (the E string). What is the ratio of the mass of the A string to that of the E string? Violin strings are all the same length and under essentially the same tension.
A cork is floating in the water 20 meters from the shore of a lake. No wind is blowing, but waves from a passing boat are moving directly toward the shore. After the waves pass, where will the cork be relative to the shore. Will it be less than 20 meters, more than 20 meters, about 20 meters, or is it impossible to tell. Explain your answer in terms of what a wave transmits.
Physics
Waves
A cork is floating in the water 20 meters from the shore of a lake. No wind is blowing, but waves from a passing boat are moving directly toward the shore. After the waves pass, where will the cork be relative to the shore. Will it be less than 20 meters, more than 20 meters, about 20 meters, or is it impossible to tell. Explain your answer in terms of what a wave transmits.
A progressive transverse sine wave is passing through a string held along x axis. Consider a small element of the string. Choose the correct statement(s): 
The element executes SHM in a direction perpendicular to x axis. 
When the element reaches the extreme position, its elastic potential energy is maximum and its kinetic energy is zero. 
When the element reaches the mean position, its kinetic energy is maximum but its elastic potential energy is zero. 
At any given instant of time, the kinetic energy and elastic potential energy of the element are the same.
Physics
Waves
A progressive transverse sine wave is passing through a string held along x axis. Consider a small element of the string. Choose the correct statement(s): The element executes SHM in a direction perpendicular to x axis. When the element reaches the extreme position, its elastic potential energy is maximum and its kinetic energy is zero. When the element reaches the mean position, its kinetic energy is maximum but its elastic potential energy is zero. At any given instant of time, the kinetic energy and elastic potential energy of the element are the same.
Two sound waves of the same amplitude, but opposite orientation, interfere with each other. This type of interference is called:
Select one:
a. intervention
b. negative superposition
c. constructive
d. destructive
Physics
Waves
Two sound waves of the same amplitude, but opposite orientation, interfere with each other. This type of interference is called: Select one: a. intervention b. negative superposition c. constructive d. destructive
Which of the following are examples of resonance? Check all that apply.

a. Running up and down the stairs
b.Swinging in a playground swing
c.Organ pipes
d. Gently tapping a drinking glass
Physics
Waves
Which of the following are examples of resonance? Check all that apply. a. Running up and down the stairs b.Swinging in a playground swing c.Organ pipes d. Gently tapping a drinking glass
The wave speed on a string is 145 m/s when the tension is 82.0 N.What tension will give a speed of 183 m/s? Express your answer with the appropriate units.
Physics
Waves
The wave speed on a string is 145 m/s when the tension is 82.0 N.What tension will give a speed of 183 m/s? Express your answer with the appropriate units.
The displacement of a wave traveling in the positive x-direction is D(x, t) = (3.5cm)sin (2.2x - 124t), where x is in m and t is in s. What is the frequency of this wave?
Physics
Waves
The displacement of a wave traveling in the positive x-direction is D(x, t) = (3.5cm)sin (2.2x - 124t), where x is in m and t is in s. What is the frequency of this wave?
The displacement of a wave traveling in the negative y-direction is D(y, t) = (5.90 cm) sin(6.20 y 63.0 t ), where y is in m and it is in s.
What is the wavelength of this wave?
Physics
Waves
The displacement of a wave traveling in the negative y-direction is D(y, t) = (5.90 cm) sin(6.20 y 63.0 t ), where y is in m and it is in s. What is the wavelength of this wave?
A friend of yours is loudly singing a single note at 402 Hz while racing toward you at 24.4 m/s on a day when the speed of sound is 340 m/s.
What frequency do you hear?
What frequency does your friend hear if you suddenly start singing at 402 Hz ?
Physics
Waves
A friend of yours is loudly singing a single note at 402 Hz while racing toward you at 24.4 m/s on a day when the speed of sound is 340 m/s. What frequency do you hear? What frequency does your friend hear if you suddenly start singing at 402 Hz ?
The sound intensity level 5.0 m from a large power saw is 100 dB.
At what distance will the sound be a more tolerable 80 dB?
Physics
Waves
The sound intensity level 5.0 m from a large power saw is 100 dB. At what distance will the sound be a more tolerable 80 dB?
You are generating traveling waves on a stretched string by wiggling one end. If you suddenly begin to wiggle more rapidly without appreciably affecting the tension, you will cause the waves to move down the string
more quickly
less quickly
with a smaller angular frequency
with a larger amplitude
none of the above is correct
Physics
Waves
You are generating traveling waves on a stretched string by wiggling one end. If you suddenly begin to wiggle more rapidly without appreciably affecting the tension, you will cause the waves to move down the string more quickly less quickly with a smaller angular frequency with a larger amplitude none of the above is correct
Two longitudinal pressure waves are in a state of superposition. At one instant, at the point of
intersection, is a crest of amplitude 22.4 dB, and the other is a trough of amplitude 16.9 dB.
What is the result of this superposition?
Select one:
 a. a crest of amplitude 39.3 dB
 b. a crest of amplitude 5.5 dB
 c.a trough of amplitude 39.3 dB
d. a trough of amplitude 5.5 dB
Physics
Waves
Two longitudinal pressure waves are in a state of superposition. At one instant, at the point of intersection, is a crest of amplitude 22.4 dB, and the other is a trough of amplitude 16.9 dB. What is the result of this superposition? Select one: a. a crest of amplitude 39.3 dB b. a crest of amplitude 5.5 dB c.a trough of amplitude 39.3 dB d. a trough of amplitude 5.5 dB
What is the result of an incident wave being perfectly out of phase with a reflected wave?
Select one:
 a. a standing wave is formed
 b. destructive interference eliminates the wave
 c. outcome depends on the type of wave
 d. a free boundary is formed
Physics
Waves
What is the result of an incident wave being perfectly out of phase with a reflected wave? Select one: a. a standing wave is formed b. destructive interference eliminates the wave c. outcome depends on the type of wave d. a free boundary is formed
In an X-Y Cartesian graph, if a transverse wave travels in the positive x direction, which
direction could the medium move?
Select one or more:
a. negative y direction
b.positive y direction
c. negative x direction
d. In between the positive x and positive y directions.
Physics
Waves
In an X-Y Cartesian graph, if a transverse wave travels in the positive x direction, which direction could the medium move? Select one or more: a. negative y direction b.positive y direction c. negative x direction d. In between the positive x and positive y directions.
What is meant by harmonics? Show that only odd harmonics are present as overtones in the
case of an air column vibrating in a pipe closed at one end.
The wavelengths of two sound waves in air are
173
81
81
m and m. They produce 10 beats
170
per second. Calculate the velocity of sound in air.
Physics
Waves
What is meant by harmonics? Show that only odd harmonics are present as overtones in the case of an air column vibrating in a pipe closed at one end. The wavelengths of two sound waves in air are 173 81 81 m and m. They produce 10 beats 170 per second. Calculate the velocity of sound in air.
In a young's double slit experiment, the distance between the two slits is 0.1mm and the wavelength of light used is 4×10^-7 m.lf the width of the fringe on the screen is 4mm, then the distance between screen and slit is
A. 0.1mm
B. 1 cm
C. 0.1 cm
D. 1 m
Physics
Waves
In a young's double slit experiment, the distance between the two slits is 0.1mm and the wavelength of light used is 4×10^-7 m.lf the width of the fringe on the screen is 4mm, then the distance between screen and slit is A. 0.1mm B. 1 cm C. 0.1 cm D. 1 m
A factory siren indicating the end of a shift has a frequency of 90.0 Hz. The speed of sound is 343 m/s. What frequency is perceived by the occupant of a car traveling towards the factory at 25.0 m/s?
Visual Representation
Draw a sketch of the system.
Establish a coordinate system and define symbols
Determine if the system can be modeled as
simple harmonic motion, a traveling wave, or standing wave.
List knowns and desired unknowns
Draw a relevant graphical representation
Physics
Waves
A factory siren indicating the end of a shift has a frequency of 90.0 Hz. The speed of sound is 343 m/s. What frequency is perceived by the occupant of a car traveling towards the factory at 25.0 m/s? Visual Representation Draw a sketch of the system. Establish a coordinate system and define symbols Determine if the system can be modeled as simple harmonic motion, a traveling wave, or standing wave. List knowns and desired unknowns Draw a relevant graphical representation
If a transverse wave is created in a medium that extends horizontally from left to right, then the particles of the medium will vibrate in a direction.
A. diagonal (both horizontal and vertical)
B. vertical
C. horizontal
D. circular
Physics
Waves
If a transverse wave is created in a medium that extends horizontally from left to right, then the particles of the medium will vibrate in a direction. A. diagonal (both horizontal and vertical) B. vertical C. horizontal D. circular
A commuter train blows its 200-Hz horn as it approaches a crossing. The speed of sound is 333 m/s. (a) An observer waiting at the crossing receives a frequency of 12 Hz. What is the speed of the train in m/s?
Physics
Waves
A commuter train blows its 200-Hz horn as it approaches a crossing. The speed of sound is 333 m/s. (a) An observer waiting at the crossing receives a frequency of 12 Hz. What is the speed of the train in m/s?
Why does the air in the surroundings move toward the eye of a tropical cyclone?
A. because that is the center so air in the surroundings move toward it
B. because it where the tropical cyclone first formed
C. because the highest air pressure is at the eye of a tropical cyclone
D. because the lowest air pressure is at the eye of a tropical cyclone
Physics
Waves
Why does the air in the surroundings move toward the eye of a tropical cyclone? A. because that is the center so air in the surroundings move toward it B. because it where the tropical cyclone first formed C. because the highest air pressure is at the eye of a tropical cyclone D. because the lowest air pressure is at the eye of a tropical cyclone