Physics Exam On Vibrations And Waves! Quiz

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Physics Exam On Vibrations And Waves! Quiz - Quiz

Here is a physics quiz on vibrations and waves. Waves carry energy from one point to another, while vibrations are the cause of waves' existence. Do you know the difference between the types of waves and how to measure the magnitude of a wave? This quiz will refresh your understanding of the basics of wave formation, types, and movement and the role played by vibrations when it comes to waves.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    A wiggle in time is a

    • A.

      Vibration.

    • B.

      Wave.

    • C.

      Both

    • D.

      Neither

    Correct Answer
    A. Vibration.
    Explanation
    A wiggle in time refers to a movement or oscillation occurring within a specific time frame. This movement is best described as a vibration, which involves rapid back-and-forth motions or oscillations. While a wave also involves oscillations, it specifically refers to the transfer of energy through a medium, such as water or air. Therefore, vibration is the most accurate term to describe a wiggle in time.

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  • 2. 

    A common source of wave motion is a

    • A.

      Wave pattern.

    • B.

      Harmonic object.

    • C.

      Vibrating object.

    • D.

      Region of variable high and low pressure.

    • E.

      None of these

    Correct Answer
    C. Vibrating object.
    Explanation
    A vibrating object is a common source of wave motion because it creates oscillations or disturbances in a medium, which then propagate as waves. When an object vibrates, it moves back and forth rapidly, causing the particles of the medium to also vibrate. This vibration is transmitted from one particle to another, creating a wave pattern that travels through the medium. Therefore, a vibrating object is a valid explanation for the source of wave motion.

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  • 3. 

    Like a transverse wave, a longitudinal wave has

    • A.

      Amplitude, frequency, wavelength, and speed.

    • B.

      Amplitude, frequency, and wavelength.

    • C.

      Amplitude, wavelength, and speed.

    • D.

      Wavelength, speed, and frequency.

    • E.

      Amplitude, frequency, and speed.

    Correct Answer
    A. Amplitude, frequency, wavelength, and speed.
    Explanation
    A longitudinal wave is a type of wave where the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Similar to a transverse wave, a longitudinal wave also has amplitude, frequency, wavelength, and speed. The amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of particles from their equilibrium position, the frequency is the number of complete oscillations per unit time, the wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points in phase, and the speed is the rate at which the wave propagates through the medium. Therefore, all four properties are present in a longitudinal wave.

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  • 4. 

    In a longitudinal wave the compressions and rarefactions travel in

    • A.

      The same direction.

    • B.

      Opposite directions.

    • C.

      A vacuum.

    Correct Answer
    A. The same direction.
    Explanation
    In a longitudinal wave, the compressions and rarefactions refer to the regions of high and low pressure respectively. These regions of high and low pressure travel through the medium in the same direction as the wave itself. As the wave propagates, the particles in the medium oscillate back and forth parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Therefore, the correct answer is that the compressions and rarefactions travel in the same direction.

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  • 5. 

    Which of the following is not a transverse wave?

    • A.

      Sound

    • B.

      Light

    • C.

      Radio

    • D.

      All of these

    • E.

      None of these

    Correct Answer
    A. Sound
    Explanation
    Sound is not a transverse wave because it is a longitudinal wave. Transverse waves are characterized by the oscillation of particles perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, while longitudinal waves involve the oscillation of particles parallel to the direction of wave propagation. In the case of sound waves, the particles of the medium vibrate back and forth in the same direction as the wave travels, resulting in compressions and rarefactions. Therefore, sound does not fit the definition of a transverse wave.

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  • 6. 

    The vibrations of a transverse wave move in a direction.

    • A.

      Along the direction of wave travel.

    • B.

      At right angles to the direction of wave travel.

    • C.

      That changes with speed.

    Correct Answer
    B. At right angles to the direction of wave travel.
    Explanation
    The vibrations of a transverse wave move at right angles to the direction of wave travel. In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction in which the wave is traveling. This means that as the wave moves forward, the particles move up and down or side to side. The motion of the particles is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.

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  • 7. 

    The vibrations of a longitudinal wave move in a direction.

    • A.

      Along the direction of wave travel.

    • B.

      At right angles to the direction of wave travel.

    • C.

      That changes with speed.

    Correct Answer
    A. Along the direction of wave travel.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "along the direction of wave travel." In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium vibrate back and forth in the same direction as the wave is traveling. This means that the vibrations occur parallel to the direction of wave propagation. As the wave travels through the medium, the particles move in the same direction as the wave, creating areas of compression and rarefaction.

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  • 8. 

    How many vibrations per second are associated with a 101-MHz radio wave?

    • A.

      Less than 101,000,000

    • B.

      101,000,000

    • C.

      More than 101,000,000

    Correct Answer
    B. 101,000,000
    Explanation
    A radio wave with a frequency of 101 MHz means that it oscillates or vibrates 101 million times per second. Therefore, the correct answer is 101,000,000 vibrations per second.

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  • 9. 

    Radio waves travel at the speed of light, 300,000 km/s. The wavelength of a radio wave received at 100 megahertz is

    • A.

      0.3 m.

    • B.

      3.0 m.

    • C.

      30 m.

    • D.

      300 m.

    • E.

      None of these

    Correct Answer
    B. 3.0 m.
    Explanation
    Radio waves travel at the speed of light, which is 300,000 km/s. The wavelength of a wave can be calculated by dividing the speed of light by the frequency of the wave. In this case, the frequency is given as 100 megahertz, which is equivalent to 100 million hertz. Therefore, the wavelength is 300,000 km/s divided by 100 million hertz, which equals 3.0 meters.

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  • 10. 

    The frequency of a simple pendulum depends on

    • A.

      Its mass.

    • B.

      Its length.

    • C.

      The acceleration due to gravity.

    • D.

      All of these

    • E.

      Two of these

    Correct Answer
    E. Two of these
    Explanation
    The frequency of a simple pendulum depends on its length and the acceleration due to gravity. The mass of the pendulum does not affect its frequency. The length of the pendulum determines the period of oscillation, with longer pendulums having a longer period. The acceleration due to gravity affects the restoring force of the pendulum, which in turn affects the frequency of oscillation. Therefore, the correct answer is two of these factors: its length and the acceleration due to gravity.

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  • 11. 

    If the frequency of a certain wave is 10 hertz, its period is

    • A.

      0.1 second.

    • B.

      10 seconds.

    • C.

      100 seconds.

    • D.

      None of the above choices are correct.

    Correct Answer
    A. 0.1 second.
    Explanation
    The period of a wave is the time it takes for one complete cycle of the wave to occur. The frequency of a wave is the number of cycles that occur in one second. Therefore, if the frequency of a wave is 10 hertz, it means that 10 cycles of the wave occur in one second. To find the period, we can take the reciprocal of the frequency, which is 1/10 or 0.1 second.

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  • 12. 

    A 60-vibration-per-second wave travels 30 meters in 1 second. Its frequency is

    • A.

      30 hertz and it travels at 60 m/s.

    • B.

      60 hertz and it travels at 30 m/s.

    • C.

      1800 hertz and it travels at 2 m/s.

    Correct Answer
    B. 60 hertz and it travels at 30 m/s.
    Explanation
    The frequency of a wave is the number of complete vibrations or cycles it makes in one second. In this case, the wave is traveling at a rate of 60 vibrations per second. Therefore, the frequency of the wave is 60 hertz. The question also states that the wave travels 30 meters in 1 second. This indicates that the wave is moving at a speed of 30 meters per second.

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  • 13. 

    An object that completes 10 vibrations in 20 seconds has a frequency of

    • A.

      0.5 hertz.

    • B.

      2 hertz.

    • C.

      200 hertz.

    Correct Answer
    A. 0.5 hertz.
    Explanation
    The frequency of an object is defined as the number of vibrations it completes in one second. In this case, the object completes 10 vibrations in 20 seconds, which means it completes 0.5 vibrations in one second. Therefore, the frequency of the object is 0.5 hertz.

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  • 14. 

    An object that completes 20 vibrations in 10 seconds has a frequency of

    • A.

      0.5 hertz.

    • B.

      1 hertz.

    • C.

      2 hertz.

    • D.

      200 hertz.

    Correct Answer
    C. 2 hertz.
    Explanation
    The frequency of an object is the number of vibrations it completes in one second. In this case, the object completes 20 vibrations in 10 seconds, which means it completes 2 vibrations per second. Therefore, the frequency of the object is 2 hertz.

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  • 15. 

    An object that completes 100 vibrations in 5 seconds has a period of

    • A.

      0.5 second.

    • B.

      1 second.

    • C.

      2 seconds.

    • D.

      None of the above choices are correct.

    Correct Answer
    D. None of the above choices are correct.
    Explanation
    The period of an object is the time it takes to complete one full vibration or cycle. In this case, the object completes 100 vibrations in 5 seconds. Therefore, the period can be calculated by dividing the total time by the number of vibrations: 5 seconds / 100 vibrations = 0.05 seconds. None of the given choices of 0.5 seconds, 1 second, or 2 seconds are correct.

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  • 16. 

    A weight suspended from a spring bobs up and down over a distance of 1 meter in two seconds. Its frequency is

    • A.

      0.5 hertz.

    • B.

      1 hertz.

    • C.

      2 hertz.

    • D.

      None of the above choices are correct.

    Correct Answer
    A. 0.5 hertz.
    Explanation
    The frequency of an oscillating object is defined as the number of complete cycles it undergoes in one second. In this case, the weight suspended from the spring completes one full cycle (moving up and down) in two seconds. Therefore, the frequency can be calculated by dividing 1 (the number of cycles) by 2 (the time in seconds), which equals 0.5 hertz.

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  • 17. 

    To say that one wave is out of phase with another is to say that the waves are

    • A.

      Of different amplitudes.

    • B.

      Of different frequencies.

    • C.

      Of different wavelengths.

    • D.

      Out of step.

    • E.

      All of these

    Correct Answer
    D. Out of step.
    Explanation
    When two waves are out of phase, it means that they are not synchronized or aligned with each other. They are "out of step" and do not have matching peaks and troughs. This can occur when waves have different amplitudes, frequencies, or wavelengths. Therefore, the correct answer is "out of step" because it encompasses all of these possibilities.

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  • 18. 

    Wave interference occurs for

    • A.

      Sound waves.

    • B.

      light waves.

    • C.

      Water waves.

    • D.

      All of the above choices are correct.

    • E.

      None of the above choices are correct.

    Correct Answer
    D. All of the above choices are correct.
    Explanation
    Wave interference occurs when two or more waves interact with each other. This phenomenon can happen with sound waves, light waves, and water waves. When waves overlap, they can either reinforce each other (constructive interference) or cancel each other out (destructive interference). This interference is a fundamental property of waves and can be observed in various contexts, such as the interference patterns in light waves, the interference of sound waves in music, or the interference of water waves in a pond. Therefore, the correct answer is that wave interference occurs for all of the above choices.

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  • 19. 

    A standing wave occurs when

    • A.

      Two waves overlap.

    • B.

      A wave reflects upon itself.

    • C.

      The speed of the wave is zero or near zero.

    • D.

      The amplitude of a wave exceeds its wavelength.

    Correct Answer
    B. A wave reflects upon itself.
    Explanation
    A standing wave occurs when a wave reflects upon itself. This phenomenon happens when two waves with the same frequency and amplitude traveling in opposite directions interfere with each other. The waves combine and create regions of constructive and destructive interference, resulting in stationary points known as nodes and points of maximum displacement known as antinodes. This reflection and interference of the wave with itself leads to the formation of a standing wave pattern.

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  • 20. 

    A node is a position of

    • A.

      Minimum amplitude.

    • B.

      Maximum amplitude.

    • C.

      Half amplitude.

    Correct Answer
    A. Minimum amplitude.
    Explanation
    A node is a position of minimum amplitude in a wave. In a wave, nodes are points where the displacement of the particles is zero. These points occur at regular intervals along the wave and are characterized by having the lowest amplitude or intensity. Nodes are important in understanding the behavior and characteristics of waves, particularly in phenomena like interference and standing waves.

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  • 21. 

    The Doppler effect is characteristic of

    • A.

      Water waves.

    • B.

      Sound waves.

    • C.

      Light waves.

    • D.

      All of the above choices

    • E.

      None of the above choices

    Correct Answer
    D. All of the above choices
    Explanation
    The Doppler effect is a phenomenon that occurs when there is a relative motion between a source of waves and an observer. It causes a shift in the frequency or wavelength of the waves perceived by the observer. This effect is observed in various types of waves, including water waves, sound waves, and light waves. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above choices."

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  • 22. 

    A Doppler effect occurs when a source of sound moves

    • A.

      Towards you.

    • B.

      Away from you.

    • C.

      Either towards you or away from you.

    • D.

      In a circle around you.

    Correct Answer
    C. Either towards you or away from you.
    Explanation
    The Doppler effect is the change in frequency or pitch of a sound wave as the source of the sound moves relative to the observer. When the source of sound moves towards the observer, the frequency of the sound waves increases, resulting in a higher pitch. Conversely, when the source of sound moves away from the observer, the frequency of the sound waves decreases, resulting in a lower pitch. Therefore, the Doppler effect can occur when the source of sound moves either towards the observer or away from the observer.

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  • 23. 

    A wave barrier is produced when a wave source moves

    • A.

      Nearly as fast as the waves it produces.

    • B.

      As fast as the waves it produces.

    • C.

      Faster than the waves it produces.

    Correct Answer
    B. As fast as the waves it produces.
    Explanation
    When a wave source moves as fast as the waves it produces, it creates a wave barrier. This means that the source is able to keep up with the speed of the waves it generates, causing them to accumulate in a specific area and form a barrier. If the source were to move faster than the waves it produces, it would leave the waves behind and not create a barrier. Similarly, if the source were to move slower than the waves it produces, it would not be able to accumulate the waves and create a barrier. Therefore, the correct answer is "as fast as the waves it produces."

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  • 24. 

    A bow wave is produced when a wave source moves

    • A.

      Nearly as fast as the waves it produces.

    • B.

      As fast as the waves it produces.

    • C.

      Faster than the waves it produces.

    Correct Answer
    C. Faster than the waves it produces.
    Explanation
    A bow wave is produced when a wave source moves faster than the waves it produces. This is because when the wave source moves faster than the waves, it creates a buildup of waves in front of it, forming a V-shaped pattern known as a bow wave. This occurs because the wave source is constantly producing new waves, but it is moving faster than these waves can spread out, causing them to pile up in front of the source.

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  • 25. 

    An observer on the ground hears a sonic boom which is created by an airplane flying at a speed

    • A.

      Just below the speed of sound.

    • B.

      Equal to the speed of sound.

    • C.

      Greater than the speed of sound.

    • D.

      All of the above choices are true.

    • E.

      None of the above choices are true.

    Correct Answer
    C. Greater than the speed of sound.
    Explanation
    When an airplane is flying at a speed greater than the speed of sound, it creates a shock wave known as a sonic boom. This shock wave produces a loud noise that can be heard by an observer on the ground. Therefore, the correct answer is that the airplane is flying at a speed greater than the speed of sound.

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  • 26. 

    An aircraft that flies faster than the speed of sound is said to be

    • A.

      Subsonic.

    • B.

      Supersonic.

    • C.

      Impossible.

    Correct Answer
    B. Supersonic.
    Explanation
    An aircraft that flies faster than the speed of sound is said to be supersonic. This means that the aircraft is traveling at a speed greater than Mach 1, which is approximately 767 miles per hour at sea level. Supersonic flight is achievable and has been demonstrated by various aircraft, including the famous Concorde.

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  • 27. 

    As a supersonic craft increases in speed, the angle of its V-shaped shock wave becomes

    • A.

      Wider.

    • B.

      Narrower.

    • C.

      Neither

    Correct Answer
    B. Narrower.
    Explanation
    As a supersonic craft increases in speed, the angle of its V-shaped shock wave becomes narrower. This is because the shock wave is formed when the aircraft exceeds the speed of sound, creating a compression of air molecules. As the speed increases, the shock wave becomes more concentrated, causing the angle to become narrower. This phenomenon is known as shock wave compression and is a characteristic feature of supersonic flight.

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  • 28. 

    The source of a sonic boom

    • A.

      Must itself be an emitter of sound.

    • B.

      May or may not be an emitter of sound.

    • C.

      Is not itself an emitter of sound.

    Correct Answer
    B. May or may not be an emitter of sound.
    Explanation
    A sonic boom is a loud sound caused by shock waves created when an object travels faster than the speed of sound. The source of a sonic boom can be any object that travels at supersonic speeds, such as an aircraft or a bullet. While these objects are typically emitters of sound, it is possible for a sonic boom to occur even if the object itself does not emit sound. For example, a bullet traveling faster than the speed of sound can create a sonic boom without emitting any sound of its own. Therefore, the source of a sonic boom may or may not be an emitter of sound.

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  • 29. 

    A fishing-boat captain returns to port saying, "It's rough out there – the waves are 4 meters high." He probably means that the amplitude of the waves is

    • A.

      4 m.

    • B.

      3 m.

    • C.

      2 m.

    • D.

      1 m.

    Correct Answer
    C. 2 m.
    Explanation
    The fishing-boat captain's statement suggests that the waves are rough and 4 meters high. In the context of waves, the term "height" usually refers to the amplitude, which is the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position. Therefore, when the captain says the waves are 4 meters high, it implies that the amplitude of the waves is 4 meters. The closest option to this is 2 m, as it is the only answer choice that is half of the stated height.

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  • 30. 

    The pendulum with the greatest frequency is the pendulum with the

    • A.

      Shortest period.

    • B.

      Shortest length.

    • C.

      Shortest amplitude.

    • D.

      Greatest amplitude

    Correct Answer
    A. Shortest period.
    Explanation
    The frequency of a pendulum is determined by the time it takes to complete one full oscillation, which is called its period. Therefore, the pendulum with the shortest period will have the highest frequency.

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  • 31. 

    A floating leaf oscillates up and down two complete cycles each second as a water wave passes by. What is the wave's frequency?

    • A.

      0.5 hertz

    • B.

      1 hertz

    • C.

      2 hertz

    • D.

      3 hertz

    • E.

      6 hertz

    Correct Answer
    C. 2 hertz
    Explanation
    The floating leaf oscillates up and down two complete cycles each second. The frequency of a wave is defined as the number of complete cycles it completes in one second. Since the leaf completes two cycles in one second, the frequency of the wave is 2 hertz.

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  • 32. 

    A floating leaf oscillates up and down two complete cycles in one second as a water wave passes by. The wave's wavelength is 10 meters. What is the wave's speed?

    • A.

      2 m/s

    • B.

      10 m/s

    • C.

      20 m/s

    • D.

      40 m/s

    • E.

      More than 40 m/s

    Correct Answer
    B. 10 m/s
    Explanation
    The floating leaf oscillates up and down two complete cycles in one second. This means that the time for two cycles, or the period, is one second. The wavelength of the wave is given as 10 meters. The wave speed can be calculated by dividing the wavelength by the period. In this case, the wavelength is 10 meters and the period is 1 second, so the wave speed is 10 meters per second.

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  • 33. 

    A wave travels an average distance of 6 meters in one second. What is the wave's velocity?

    • A.

      Less than 0.2 m/s

    • B.

      1 m/s

    • C.

      3 m/s

    • D.

      6 m/s

    • E.

      More than 6 m/s

    Correct Answer
    D. 6 m/s
    Explanation
    The wave's velocity is 6 m/s because it travels an average distance of 6 meters in one second. Velocity is defined as the rate at which an object changes its position, and in this case, the wave is moving at a constant speed of 6 meters per second.

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  • 34. 

    A wave travels an average distance of 1 meter in 1 second with a frequency of 1 hertz. Its amplitude is

    • A.

      Less than 1 meter.

    • B.

      1 meter.

    • C.

      More than 1 meter.

    • D.

      Not enough information to say

    Correct Answer
    D. Not enough information to say
    Explanation
    The given information about the wave only includes its average distance traveled in 1 second and its frequency. The amplitude of a wave is not determined by these factors, but rather represents the maximum displacement of particles in the medium from their rest position. Therefore, without any information about the amplitude, it is not possible to determine whether it is less than, equal to, or greater than 1 meter. Hence, the correct answer is "not enough information to say."

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  • 35. 

    The frequency of the second hand on a clock is

    • A.

      1 hertz.

    • B.

      1/60 hertz.

    • C.

      60 hertz.

    Correct Answer
    B. 1/60 hertz.
    Explanation
    The second hand on a clock completes one full revolution every minute, which is equivalent to 60 seconds. Since hertz measures the number of cycles per second, the frequency of the second hand would be 1 cycle per 60 seconds, or 1/60 hertz.

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  • 36. 

    The period of the second hand on a clock is

    • A.

      1 second.

    • B.

      1/60 second.

    • C.

      60 seconds.

    • D.

      3600 seconds.

    • E.

      12 hours.

    Correct Answer
    C. 60 seconds.
    Explanation
    The period of the second hand on a clock is 60 seconds because it takes 60 seconds for the second hand to complete one full revolution around the clock face. This is because there are 60 seconds in a minute and the second hand moves to the next second position every second.

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  • 37. 

    A Doppler effect occurs when a source of sound moves

    • A.

      Toward you.

    • B.

      At right angles to you.

    • C.

      Both of these

    • D.

      None of these

    Correct Answer
    A. Toward you.
    Explanation
    The Doppler effect refers to the change in frequency or pitch of a sound wave as a result of relative motion between the source of sound and the observer. When a source of sound moves toward you, the sound waves get compressed, resulting in a higher frequency or pitch. This is why the correct answer is "toward you."

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  • 38. 

    For light, a red shift indicates that the light source is moving

    • A.

      Toward you.

    • B.

      Away from you.

    • C.

      At right angles to you.

    • D.

      Actually, all of these

    • E.

      None of these

    Correct Answer
    B. Away from you.
    Explanation
    A red shift indicates that the light source is moving away from you. This is because when an object moves away from an observer, the wavelengths of the light it emits get stretched, causing the light to shift towards the red end of the spectrum. This phenomenon is known as the Doppler effect and is commonly observed in astronomy when studying the motion of celestial objects.

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  • 39. 

    Some of a wave's energy dissipates as heat. In time, this will reduce the wave's

    • A.

      Speed.

    • B.

      Wavelength.

    • C.

      Amplitude.

    • D.

      Frequency.

    • E.

      Period.

    Correct Answer
    C. Amplitude.
    Explanation
    When a wave travels, some of its energy is lost or dissipated as heat. This energy loss affects the wave's amplitude, which is the maximum displacement of particles in the medium from their equilibrium position. As the amplitude decreases, the wave becomes smaller in size and less intense. This reduction in the wave's amplitude ultimately leads to a decrease in its speed. Therefore, the correct answer is amplitude.

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  • 40. 

    The amplitude of a particular wave is 1 meter. The top-to-bottom distance of the disturbance is

    • A.

      0.5 m.

    • B.

      1 m.

    • C.

      2 m.

    • D.

      None of these

    Correct Answer
    C. 2 m.
    Explanation
    The amplitude of a wave is defined as the maximum displacement of a particle from its equilibrium position. In this case, the amplitude is given as 1 meter. The top-to-bottom distance of the disturbance refers to the total distance between the highest point and the lowest point of the wave. Since the amplitude represents half of this distance, the top-to-bottom distance would be twice the amplitude, which is 2 meters.

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  • 41. 

    When a pendulum clock at sea level is taken to the top of a high mountain, it will

    • A.

      Gain time.

    • B.

      Lose time.

    • C.

      Neither gain nor lose time.

    Correct Answer
    B. Lose time.
    Explanation
    When a pendulum clock is taken to the top of a high mountain, it will lose time. This is because the acceleration due to gravity decreases as we move away from the Earth's surface. At higher altitudes, the gravitational pull is slightly weaker, causing the pendulum to swing slightly slower. As a result, the clock will lose time and run slower compared to when it was at sea level.

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  • 42. 

    If you double the frequency of a vibrating object, its period

    • A.

      Doubles.

    • B.

      Halves.

    • C.

      Is quartered.

    Correct Answer
    B. Halves.
    Explanation
    When the frequency of a vibrating object is doubled, it means that the object is vibrating at twice the rate it was before. The period of an object is the time it takes for one complete cycle of vibration. When the frequency is doubled, the time it takes to complete one cycle is halved. Therefore, the period of the vibrating object halves.

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  • 43. 

    You dip your finger repeatedly into water and make waves. If you dip your finger more frequently, the wavelength of the waves

    • A.

      Shortens.

    • B.

      Lengthens.

    • C.

      Stays the same.

    Correct Answer
    A. Shortens.
    Explanation
    When you dip your finger more frequently into water, the wavelength of the waves shortens. This is because the wavelength is the distance between two consecutive wave crests or troughs. By increasing the frequency of dipping your finger, you are creating more waves in the same amount of time. As a result, the distance between each wave decreases, causing the wavelength to shorten.

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  • 44. 

    During a single period, the distance traveled by a wave is

    • A.

      One-half wavelength.

    • B.

      One wavelength.

    • C.

      Two wavelengths.

    Correct Answer
    B. One wavelength.
    Explanation
    The distance traveled by a wave during a single period is one wavelength. A wave completes one full cycle during a period, which includes both the crest and trough of the wave. The wavelength is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs of a wave. Therefore, during a single period, the wave travels a distance equal to one wavelength.

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  • 45. 

    A floating object oscillates up and down 2 complete cycles in 1 second as a water wave of wavelength 5 meters passes by. The speed of the wave is

    • A.

      2 m/s.

    • B.

      5 m/s.

    • C.

      10 m/s.

    • D.

      15 m/s.

    • E.

      None of these

    Correct Answer
    C. 10 m/s.
    Explanation
    The speed of a wave can be calculated by dividing the wavelength by the period. In this case, the period is 1 second and the object oscillates up and down 2 complete cycles in that time. Therefore, the period is 1/2 second. The wavelength is given as 5 meters. Dividing the wavelength by the period, we get 5/ (1/2) = 10 m/s.

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  • 46. 

    A wave oscillates up and down two complete cycles each second. If the wave travels an average distance of 6 meters in one second, its wavelength is

    • A.

      0.5 m.

    • B.

      1 m.

    • C.

      2 m.

    • D.

      3 m.

    • E.

      6 m.

    Correct Answer
    D. 3 m.
    Explanation
    The wavelength of a wave is the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase. In this question, the wave oscillates up and down two complete cycles each second. Since the wave travels an average distance of 6 meters in one second, it means that in one second, the wave completes two cycles and travels a distance of 6 meters. Therefore, the wavelength can be calculated by dividing the total distance traveled (6 meters) by the number of cycles completed (2 cycles). Thus, the wavelength is 3 meters.

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  • 47. 

    As a train of water waves goes by, a piece of cork floating on the water bobs up and down one complete cycle each second. The waves are 2 meters long. What is the speed of the wave?

    • A.

      0.25 m/s

    • B.

      0.50 m/s

    • C.

      1.0 m/s

    • D.

      2 m/s

    • E.

      4 m/s

    Correct Answer
    D. 2 m/s
    Explanation
    The cork bobs up and down one complete cycle each second, which means it goes through one full oscillation in one second. Since the waves are 2 meters long, it takes one second for a wave to pass the cork. Therefore, the speed of the wave is equal to the length of the wave divided by the time it takes to pass the cork, which is 2 meters divided by 1 second, resulting in a speed of 2 m/s.

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  • 48. 

    A skipper on a boat notices wave crests passing the anchor chain every 5 seconds. The skipper estimates the distance between crests is 15 m. What is the speed of the water waves?

    • A.

      3 m/s

    • B.

      5 m/s

    • C.

      15 m/s

    • D.

      Not enough information given

    Correct Answer
    A. 3 m/s
    Explanation
    The skipper notices wave crests passing the anchor chain every 5 seconds, and estimates the distance between crests to be 15 m. To calculate the speed of the water waves, we can use the formula: speed = distance/time. In this case, the distance between crests is 15 m and the time it takes for each crest to pass is 5 seconds. Therefore, the speed of the water waves is 15 m/5 s = 3 m/s.

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  • 49. 

    A child swings to and fro on a playground swing. If the child stands rather than sits, the time for a to-and-fro swing is

    • A.

      Lengthened.

    • B.

      Shortened.

    • C.

      Unchanged.

    Correct Answer
    B. Shortened.
    Explanation
    When a child stands on a playground swing instead of sitting, their center of mass is higher, causing the swing's period to decrease. This means that the time for a to-and-fro swing is shortened. The higher center of mass increases the swing's potential energy, which is then converted into kinetic energy as the swing moves back and forth. This increased energy results in a faster swing, reducing the time it takes for each swing cycle. Therefore, the correct answer is shortened.

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  • 50. 

    Suppose a simple pendulum is suspended in an elevator. When the elevator is accelerating upward, the frequency of the pendulum

    • A.

      Increases.

    • B.

      Decreases.

    • C.

      Doesn't change.

    Correct Answer
    A. Increases.
    Explanation
    When the elevator is accelerating upward, the apparent weight of the pendulum increases. This causes the effective length of the pendulum to decrease, resulting in a shorter period of oscillation. As frequency is the reciprocal of the period, the frequency of the pendulum increases in an upward accelerating elevator.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Feb 07, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jan 28, 2013
    Quiz Created by
    Drtaylor
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