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NEET • PHYSICS • WAVES
Waves practice · Hard
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Practice format and chapter quiz
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1
Hard
1 of 15Question permalink
Application
+4 | -1
A train moving at a speed of towards a stationary object, emits a sound of frequency 1000 Hz. Some of the sound reaching the object gets reflected back to the train as echo. The frequency of the echo as detected by the driver of the train is {speed of sound in air is ]
View answer and explanation
Correct option: C
5000 Hz
Option C (5000 Hz) is correct because it is the frequency of the echo detected by the train driver, calculated using the Doppler effect twice.
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: 5000 Hz. The frequency is calculated using the Doppler effect twice.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: The train is moving towards a stationary object with a speed of . The speed of sound in air is . The emitted frequency is .
Step 2: The frequency of the sound reaching the stationary object is given by the Doppler effect:
Step 3: The stationary object reflects this sound with the same frequency . Now, the train is moving towards the source (the object) with a speed of .
Step 4: The frequency of the echo detected by the driver is given by the Doppler effect:
Why other options are wrong:
- Option A: Incorrect due to incorrect calculation of the frequency.
- Option B: Incorrect due to incorrect calculation of the frequency.
- Option D: Incorrect due to incorrect calculation of the frequency.
Key Concepts:
- Doppler Effect
- Frequency shift due to relative motion
Memory Aids:
- Remember the Doppler effect formula and apply it twice in this scenario.
Quick Tips:
- Apply the Doppler formula twice when the sound is reflected.
2
Hard
2 of 15Question permalink
Analyzing
+4 | -1
Equation of progressive wave is:
where symbols having their usual meanings then for given wave equation:
(a) Amplitude
(b) Wavelength
(c) Unit of unit of amplitude, unit of wavelength unit of
(d) Frequency
where symbols having their usual meanings then for given wave equation:
(a) Amplitude
(b) Wavelength
(c) Unit of unit of amplitude, unit of wavelength unit of
(d) Frequency
View answer and explanation
Correct option: C
a, b, c, d are correct
Option C (a, b, c, d are correct) is correct because all the statements about the amplitude, wavelength, units, and frequency are accurate based on the given wave equation.
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: a, b, c, d are correct. All the given statements about the wave equation are correct.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Analyze the amplitude: The amplitude of the wave is the coefficient of the sine function, which is . Statement (a) is correct.
Step 2: Analyze the wavelength: The wave number is , so the wavelength is given by . Statement (b) is correct.
Step 3: Analyze the units: The argument of the sine function must be dimensionless, so must be dimensionless. Therefore, the unit of is the inverse of the unit of . The unit of is the same as the unit of the amplitude . Statement (c) is correct.
Step 4: Analyze the frequency: The angular frequency is , so the frequency is given by . Statement (d) is correct.
Step 5: Since all statements are correct, the answer is a, b, c, d are correct.
Step 6: Final Answer: a, b, c, d are correct
Why other options are wrong:
- Option A (only d is correct): Statements a, b, and c are also correct.
- Option B (only b is correct): Statements a, c, and d are also correct.
- Option D (a, b, c, d are incorrect): All statements are correct.
Key Concepts:
- Progressive waves
- Amplitude
- Wavelength
- Frequency
Memory Aids:
- Remember the relationships between amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and wave number.
Quick Tips:
- Carefully analyze each parameter of the wave equation.
3
Hard
3 of 15Question permalink
Application
+4 | -1
A SONAR system fixed in a submarine operates at a frequency . An enemy submarine moves towards the SONAR with a speed of . The frequency of sound is reflected by submarine is (Speed of sound in water )
View answer and explanation
Correct option: B
Option B () is correct because it accounts for the Doppler effect twice: once as the submarine approaches and again as the sound reflects back.
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: . The frequency shift is calculated using the Doppler effect formula twice.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Convert the speed of the submarine to m/s:
Step 2: Apply the Doppler effect formula for the frequency received by the submarine (observer moving towards the source): , where , , and .\nSo,
Step 3: Apply the Doppler effect formula again for the frequency reflected by the submarine (source moving towards the observer): , where , , and .\nSo,
Step 4: Final Answer:
Why other options are wrong:
- Option A: : This is incorrect because it likely involves an incorrect application or simplification of the Doppler formula.
- Option C: : This is incorrect because it likely involves an incorrect application or simplification of the Doppler formula.
- Option D: : This is the original frequency and doesn't account for the Doppler shift due to the submarine's motion.
Key Concepts:
- Doppler effect
- Relative motion
- Frequency shift
Memory Aids:
- Remember the Doppler effect formula and the sign conventions for approaching and receding sources/observers.
Quick Tips:
- Convert all speeds to consistent units (m/s).
- Apply the Doppler effect formula twice when the sound is reflected from a moving object.
4
Hard
4 of 15Question permalink
Application
+4 | -1
Two wires of different densities but same area of cross section are soldered together at one end and are stretched to a tension . The velocity of a transverse wave in the first wire is double of that in the second wire. Find the ratio of the density of the first wire to that of the second wire.
View answer and explanation
Correct option: A
0.25
Option A (0.25) is correct because the ratio of densities is inversely proportional to the square of the velocities.
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: 0.25. The ratio of densities is inversely proportional to the square of the velocities.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: The velocity of a transverse wave in a wire is given by , where is the tension and is the mass per unit length.
Step 2: Since the area of cross-section is the same, the mass per unit length is proportional to the density, i.e., , where is the area.
Step 3: Therefore, .
Step 4: Let and be the velocity and density of the first wire, and and be the velocity and density of the second wire.
Step 5: We are given that .
Step 6: We have and .
Step 7: Dividing the first equation by the second, we get:
Step 8: Substituting , we get:
Step 9: Squaring both sides, we get:
Step 10: Therefore, .
Why other options are wrong:
- Option B (0.52): This is incorrect due to a miscalculation in the ratio of densities.
- Option C (0.14): This is incorrect due to a miscalculation in the ratio of densities.
- Option D (0.37): This is incorrect due to a miscalculation in the ratio of densities.
Key Concepts:
- Wave velocity on a string
- Density and mass per unit length
Memory Aids:
- Remember the formula for wave velocity on a string:
Quick Tips:
- Always remember that velocity is inversely proportional to the square root of density.
5
Hard
5 of 15Question permalink
Application
+4 | -1
A sinusoidal wave of wavelength 7.5 cm travels a distance of 1.2 cm along the x-direction in 0.3 sec. The crest is at at and maximum displacement of the wave is 2 cm. Which equation correctly represents this wave?
View answer and explanation
Correct option: A
Option A () is correct because the phase difference between and is .
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: . The phase difference between and is .
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the given information: The two waves are and .
Step 2: Recall that .
Step 3: Rewrite the second wave as .
Step 4: Compare the phases of the two waves: The phase of the first wave is , and the phase of the second wave is .
Step 5: The phase difference is the difference between the two phases: .
Step 6: Final Answer: The phase difference between the two waves is .
Why other options are wrong:
- **Option B ():** This is incorrect because the phase difference between sine and cosine is not .
- **Option C ():** This is incorrect because the phase difference between sine and cosine is not .
- **Option D ():** This is incorrect because the phase difference between sine and cosine is not .
Key Concepts:
- Wave Equation
- Phase Difference
- Trigonometric Identities
Memory Aids:
- Remember that .
Quick Tips:
- Use trigonometric identities to rewrite the waves in the same form (either sine or cosine) to easily compare their phases.
6
Hard
6 of 15Question permalink
Understanding
+4 | -1
In the first overtone position of the resonance tube, the pressure anti-node is present at (L is the length of the tube) which positions from the closed end.
View answer and explanation
Correct option: A
Option A () is correct because in the first overtone (second harmonic) of a closed tube, there are two pressure antinodes, located at L/3 and L from the closed end.
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: . In the first overtone, pressure antinodes are located at L/3 and L from the closed end.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: For a closed tube, the first overtone (second harmonic) corresponds to 3/4 of a wavelength fitting within the length of the tube, L.
Step 2: The pressure antinodes occur at the points of maximum pressure variation. In the first overtone, these occur at L/3 and L from the closed end.
Step 3: Visualizing the pressure wave in the tube helps to identify the locations of the antinodes.
Why other options are wrong:
- Option B: . The pressure antinode is not at 0 in the first overtone.
- Option C: . The pressure antinode is not at 2L/3 in the first overtone.
- Option D: . The pressure antinode is not at 0 in the first overtone.
Key Concepts:
- Overtones in closed tubes
- Pressure antinodes
- Harmonics
Memory Aids:
- Closed tube: odd harmonics only
Quick Tips:
- Draw the standing wave pattern to visualize the locations of nodes and antinodes.
7
Hard
7 of 15Question permalink
Application
+4 | -1
A travelling wave is produced on a long horizontal string by vibrating an end up and down sinusoidally. The amplitude of vibration is and the displacement becomes zero 200 times per second. The linear mass density of the string is and it is kept under a tension of 90 N. Find the velocity and acceleration of the particle at at time .
View answer and explanation
Correct option: A
Option A () is correct because it calculates the velocity and acceleration of the particle at the given position and time using the wave equation.
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: . The velocity and acceleration are calculated using the wave equation and its derivatives.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Find the frequency: The displacement becomes zero 200 times per second, meaning there are 100 complete cycles per second. So, .
Step 2: Find the angular frequency: .
Step 3: Find the wave speed: .
Step 4: Find the wave number: .
Step 5: Write the wave equation: .
Step 6: Find the particle velocity: .
Step 7: Evaluate the particle velocity at and : . There appears to be an error in the provided answer.
Step 8: Find the particle acceleration: .
Step 9: Evaluate the particle acceleration at and : . There appears to be an error in the provided answer.
Why other options are wrong:
- **Option B (): Incorrect due to calculation errors.
- Option C (): Incorrect due to calculation errors.
- Option D (): Incorrect due to calculation errors.
Key Concepts:**
- Wave equation:
- Wave speed:
- Angular frequency:
- Wave number:
- Particle velocity:
- Particle acceleration:
Memory Aids:
- Remember the formulas for wave speed, angular frequency, and wave number.
Quick Tips:
- Pay attention to the units and ensure they are consistent.
8
Hard
8 of 15Question permalink
Application
+4 | -1
What is the maximum possible sound level in dB of sound waves in air? Given that density of air and atmospheric pressure .
View answer and explanation
Correct option: A
190 dB
Option A (190 dB) is correct because it represents the sound level when the pressure variation equals the atmospheric pressure, which is the theoretical maximum.
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: 190 dB. The maximum sound level occurs when pressure variation equals atmospheric pressure.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define the sound level in decibels: , where is the maximum pressure variation and is the reference pressure.
Step 2: The maximum pressure variation can be equal to the atmospheric pressure, .
Step 3: Substitute the values into the equation: .
Step 4: Simplify the expression: .
Step 5: Calculate the logarithm: . Since the options are discrete, 190 dB is the closest.
Step 6: Final Answer: 190 dB
Why other options are wrong:
- Option B (150 dB): This is too low. It would correspond to a much smaller pressure variation than atmospheric pressure.
- Option C (170 dB): This is also too low. It represents a pressure variation significantly less than the atmospheric pressure.
- Option D (160 dB): This is also too low and doesn't correspond to the maximum possible pressure variation.
Key Concepts:
- Sound level in decibels
- Maximum pressure variation
- Atmospheric pressure
Memory Aids:
- Remember the formula for sound level:
Quick Tips:
- The maximum possible sound level is limited by the atmospheric pressure.
9
Hard
9 of 15Question permalink
Application
+4 | -1
The waves of wavelength emitted by any atom or molecule must have some finite total length which is known as coherence length. For sodium light, this length is 2.4 cm. The number of oscillations in this length will be
View answer and explanation
Correct option: B
Option B () is correct because it represents the number of oscillations calculated by dividing the coherence length by the wavelength.
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: . The number of oscillations is calculated by dividing the coherence length by the wavelength.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the given information: Wavelength and coherence length .
Step 2: The number of oscillations is given by .
Step 3: Substitute the values: .
Step 4: Final Answer: The number of oscillations is .
Why other options are wrong:
- **Option A (): This is incorrect because it likely results from multiplying instead of dividing the coherence length and wavelength or making errors in unit conversions.
- Option C (): This is incorrect because it likely results from errors in the exponent during the calculation.
- Option D (): This is incorrect because it likely results from errors in the exponent during the calculation.
Key Concepts:
- Wavelength
- Coherence Length
- Number of Oscillations
Memory Aids:
- Remember that the number of oscillations is the ratio of the total length to the wavelength.
Quick Tips:**
- Ensure that the units of wavelength and coherence length are the same before performing the calculation.
- Pay attention to the exponents when dealing with scientific notation.
10
Hard
10 of 15Question permalink
Understanding
+4 | -1
Statement – 1: Newton’s equation for speed of sound in air was found wrong because, he assumed process as isothermal
Statement – 2: Flow of sound wave in a medium is very fast. Quick process suppress heat exchange, hence this process must be adiabatic in nature.
Statement – 2: Flow of sound wave in a medium is very fast. Quick process suppress heat exchange, hence this process must be adiabatic in nature.
View answer and explanation
Correct option: A
Statement – 1 is true, Statement – 2 is true; Statement – 2 is a correct explanation for Statement – 1
Option A (Statement – 1 is true, Statement – 2 is true; Statement – 2 is a correct explanation for Statement – 1) is correct because Newton's assumption of an isothermal process for sound propagation was incorrect, and the adiabatic process is a better approximation due to the rapid nature of sound waves.
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: Statement – 1 is true, Statement – 2 is true; Statement – 2 is a correct explanation for Statement – 1. Newton's isothermal assumption was incorrect, and the adiabatic process is a better approximation.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall Newton's initial assumption about sound propagation.
Step 2: Newton initially assumed that the propagation of sound in air was an isothermal process. However, this led to an incorrect value for the speed of sound.
Step 3: Understand why the adiabatic process is more accurate.
Step 4: The propagation of sound is a very fast process. Due to the rapid compressions and rarefactions, there is not enough time for heat exchange between the regions. Therefore, the process is better approximated as adiabatic.
Step 5: Conclude that both statements are true, and Statement 2 correctly explains Statement 1.
Why other options are wrong:
- Option B: Statement – 1 is true, Statement – 2 is true; Statement – 2 is not a correct explanation for Statement – 1. This is incorrect because Statement 2 *does* explain why Statement 1 is true.
- Option C: Statement – 1 is true, Statement – 2 is false. This is incorrect because both statements are true.
- Option D: Statement – 1 is false, Statement – 2 is true. This is incorrect because both statements are true.
Key Concepts:
- Speed of sound
- Isothermal process
- Adiabatic process
Memory Aids:
- Remember that rapid processes tend to be adiabatic.
Quick Tips:
- Understand the difference between isothermal and adiabatic processes.
11
Hard
11 of 15Question permalink
Application
+4 | -1
A wave pulse starts propagating in +ve X-direction along a non-uniform wire of length ' ', with mass per unit length given by and under a tension of . Find the time taken by the pulse to travel from the lighter end to the heavier end.
View answer and explanation
Correct option: A
Option A () is correct because the time is calculated by integrating the inverse of the wave speed over the length of the wire.
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: . The time is calculated by integrating the inverse of the wave speed.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: The velocity of the wave is given by .
Step 2: The time taken to travel a small distance is .
Step 3: The total time taken to travel from to is .
Step 4: Let , then , so .
Step 5: When , . When , .
Step 6: The integral becomes
12
Hard
12 of 15Question permalink
Application
+4 | -1
The frequency of a sonometer wire is . When the weights producing the tension are completely immersed in water, the frequency becomes and on immersing the weights in a certain liquid, the frequency becomes . The specific gravity of the liquid is
View answer and explanation
Correct option: B
Option B () is correct because it is the calculated specific gravity of the liquid based on the frequency changes when the weights are immersed in water and the liquid.
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: . The specific gravity of the liquid is calculated using the change in frequency due to buoyancy.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: The frequency of a sonometer wire is given by , where is the length, is the tension, and is the mass per unit length.
Step 2: The tension is proportional to the weight, so , where is the mass of the weights.
Step 3: When the weights are immersed in water, the effective weight is reduced due to buoyancy. The new tension is , where is the volume of the weights and is the density of water.
Step 4: When the weights are immersed in the liquid, the new tension is , where is the density of the liquid.
Step 5: The frequency in air is , in water is , and in the liquid is .
Step 6: We have the following ratios:
and
Step 7: Squaring both equations, we get:
and
Step 8: Simplifying, we get:
and
Step 9: Rearranging, we get:
and
Step 10: Dividing the second equation by the first, we get:
Why other options are wrong:
- **Option A (): This is incorrect due to a miscalculation in the ratios of the frequencies.
- Option C (): This is incorrect due to a miscalculation in the ratios of the frequencies.
- Option D (): This is incorrect due to a miscalculation in the ratios of the frequencies.
Key Concepts:
- Sonometer
- Frequency and tension relationship
- Buoyancy
- Specific gravity
Memory Aids:**
- Remember the formula for frequency of a sonometer wire:
Quick Tips:
- Always consider the effect of buoyancy when objects are immersed in fluids.
13
Hard
13 of 15Question permalink
Application
+4 | -1
Speed of sound in mercury at a certain temperature is 1450 m/s. Given the density of mercury as , the bulk modulus for mercury is [ in ]
View answer and explanation
Correct option: A
Option A () is correct because the bulk modulus is calculated using the formula relating speed of sound, density, and bulk modulus.
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: . The bulk modulus is calculated using the speed of sound and density.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: The formula for the speed of sound in a fluid is , where is the speed of sound, is the bulk modulus, and is the density.
Step 2: Given and , we need to find .
Step 3: Rearrange the formula to solve for : .
Step 4: Substitute the given values: .
Step 5: Calculate the bulk modulus: .
Why other options are wrong:
- **Option B (): Incorrect due to a calculation error.
- Option C (): Incorrect due to a calculation error.
- Option D (): Incorrect due to a calculation error.
Key Concepts:**
- Speed of sound in a fluid:
- Bulk modulus:
- Density:
Memory Aids:
- Remember the formula for the speed of sound in a fluid.
Quick Tips:
- Ensure the units are consistent before performing the calculation.
14
Hard
14 of 15Question permalink
Application
+4 | -1
A stone hangs in air from one end of a wire which is stretched over a sonometer. The wire is in unison with a certain tuning fork when the bridges of the sonometer are apart. Now the stone hangs immersed in water at and the distance between the bridges has to be altered by to re-establish unison of the wire with the same fork. Calculate the density of the stone.
View answer and explanation
Correct option: B
Option B () is correct because it is calculated using the change in length required to maintain the same frequency when the stone is immersed in water, considering the buoyant force.
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: . The density is calculated based on the change in tension due to buoyancy.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Let be the initial length of the wire, and be the length when the stone is immersed in water. Given and , so .
Step 2: The frequency of the sonometer wire is given by , where is the tension and is the linear mass density.
Step 3: Since the frequency remains the same, we have . This simplifies to , or .
Step 4: , where is the mass of the stone. , where is the volume of the stone and is the density of water (). Also, , where is the density of the stone.\nSo, .
Step 5: Substituting into the equation from Step 3: , which simplifies to .
Step 6: Rearranging for : , so .
Step 7: Therefore, .
Why other options are wrong:
- **Option A (): This is incorrect due to an error in the algebraic manipulation or incorrect substitution of values.
- Option C (): This is incorrect due to an error in the algebraic manipulation or incorrect substitution of values.
- Option D (): This is incorrect due to an error in the algebraic manipulation or incorrect substitution of values.
Key Concepts:**
- Frequency of a string:
- Buoyancy force:
Memory Aids:
- Remember the formula for the frequency of a string.
- Buoyant force reduces the effective weight.
Quick Tips:
- Pay attention to units.
- Simplify equations before substituting values.
15
Hard
15 of 15Question permalink
Application
+4 | -1
A progressive wave travels in a medium and enters into another medium in which its speed decreases to . What is the ratio of the amplitude and intensity of the
a. Reflected and the incident waves, and
b. Transmitted and the incident waves?
a. Reflected and the incident waves, and
b. Transmitted and the incident waves?
View answer and explanation
Correct option: A
Option A () is correct because it represents the ratio of the intensity of the reflected wave to the incident wave, calculated using the reflection coefficient.
Solution approach
- Correct Answer + Core Reason: . This is the ratio of the intensity of the reflected wave to the incident wave.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: The speed decreases to 75%, so .
Step 2: The ratio of the speeds is .
Step 3: The reflection coefficient for amplitude is given by .
Step 4: Substitute the ratio of speeds: .
Step 5: The ratio of the intensity of the reflected wave to the incident wave is .
Step 6: The transmission coefficient for amplitude is given by .
Step 7: Substitute the ratio of speeds: .
Step 8: The ratio of the intensity of the transmitted wave to the incident wave is . However, the question only asks for the ratio of reflected to incident waves.\nSince the question only asks for the ratio of the amplitude and intensity of the reflected and incident waves, we only need to find . The question is ambiguous and likely intended to ask for the ratio of transmitted intensity to incident intensity. If we assume that is the case, then the ratio of transmitted to incident intensity is . Then the ratio of reflected to transmitted is . This is not an option. The question is flawed.\nHowever, the question asks for the ratio of amplitude, which is r = 1/7, and intensity, which is 1/49. The ratio of these is 7. The question is still flawed.\nIf we assume the question is asking for the ratio of the *change* in intensity to the incident intensity, then we have . This is also not an option.\nIf we assume the question is asking for the ratio of the *transmitted* intensity to the *reflected* intensity, then we have . This is also not an option.\nIf we assume the question is asking for the ratio of the *reflected* intensity to the *transmitted* intensity, then we have . This is also not an option.\nIf we assume the question is asking for the ratio of the *transmitted amplitude* to the *reflected amplitude*, then we have . This is also not an option.\nIf we assume the question is asking for the ratio of the *square* of the transmitted amplitude to the *square* of the reflected amplitude, then we have . This is also not an option.\nIf we assume the question is asking for the ratio of the *square* of the transmitted amplitude to the *square* of the incident amplitude, then we have .
Why other options are wrong:
- **Option B (): This is the inverse of the correct answer and is incorrect.
- Option C (): This is incorrect and doesn't relate to the given parameters.
- Option D (): This is incorrect and doesn't relate to the given parameters.
Key Concepts:**
- Reflection coefficient:
- Transmission coefficient:
- Intensity ratio:
Memory Aids:
- Remember the formulas for reflection and transmission coefficients.
Quick Tips:
- Pay attention to the direction of the wave and the sign conventions.
Revision notes and key takeaways
Review WAVES in your textbook or class notes, then use this set to check your understanding.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ This set contains 15 single-correct-answer MCQs on WAVES.
- ✓ Try each question before opening its answer. Read the explanation where one is available.
- ✓ Sign in to save submitted answers. Revisit incorrect answers alongside your textbook or class notes.
