Waves

Topics in this chapter

• Wave Motion and Equations
• Stretched Strings and Harmonics
• Interference and Standing Waves
• Sound Waves and Beats
• Organ Pipes and Resonance
• Doppler Effect and Apparent Frequency

Cheat sheet

Practice questions

1. Question 1Q-2CB92B

   A transverse wave is represented by the equation $y = A \sin(kx - \omega t)$. For what value of the wavelength is the maximum particle velocity equal to three times the wave velocity?

   1. A.$\frac{2\pi A}{3}$
   2. B.$\frac{\pi A}{3}$
   3. C.$2\pi A$
   4. D.$\frac{3\pi A}{2}$
   See the answer and solution
2. Question 2Q-702A84

   The equation of a standing wave in a string is given by $y = 5 \sin\left(\frac{\pi x}{3}\right) \cos(40\pi t)$, where $x$ and $y$ are in centimeters and $t$ is in seconds. What is the distance between two consecutive nodes?

   1. A.$3\text{ cm}$
   2. B.$6\text{ cm}$
   3. C.$1.5\text{ cm}$
   4. D.$12\text{ cm}$
   See the answer and solution
3. Question 3Q-55300A

   A sound wave of frequency $f$ travels in air with speed $v$. If the temperature of air increases, how do the frequency and wavelength of the sound wave change?

   1. A.Frequency remains constant, wavelength increases.
   2. B.Frequency increases, wavelength remains constant.
   3. C.Both frequency and wavelength increase.
   4. D.Frequency remains constant, wavelength decreases.
   See the answer and solution
4. Question 4Q-A5337E

   A wire of length $L$, mass per unit length $\mu$, and tension $T$ is plucked. The ratio of the frequency of the second harmonic to the fundamental frequency is:

   1. A.$2 : 1$
   2. B.$1 : 2$
   3. C.$1 : 1$
   4. D.$4 : 1$
   See the answer and solution
5. Question 5Q-A69381

   An open organ pipe has a fundamental frequency of $300\text{ Hz}$. If one end of the pipe is now closed, the new fundamental frequency will be:

   1. A.$150\text{ Hz}$
   2. B.$300\text{ Hz}$
   3. C.$600\text{ Hz}$
   4. D.$75\text{ Hz}$
   See the answer and solution