Physics 1320 Mount Exam 2 Practice Problems
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
Light is emitted when
- A.
Atomic nuclei are made to vibrate
- B.
High-frequency sound waves strike matter
- C.
Electromagnetic waves emanate from matter
- D.
Electron clouds of atoms are forced into oscillation
Correct Answer
D. Electron clouds of atoms are forced into oscillationExplanation
Light is emitted when the electron clouds of atoms are forced into oscillation. This is because when the electron clouds are disturbed or excited, the electrons move to higher energy levels. As they return to their original energy levels, they release energy in the form of light. This process is known as electron transition or electron oscillation, and it is responsible for the emission of light in various forms such as fluorescence, phosphorescence, and incandescence.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The law of reflection holds for
- A.
Both curved and plane mirrors
- B.
Only plane mirrors
- C.
Only curved mirrors
- D.
Neither of these
Correct Answer
A. Both curved and plane mirrorsExplanation
The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. This principle applies to both curved and plane mirrors. In the case of plane mirrors, the reflection occurs on a flat surface, while in curved mirrors, the reflection occurs on a curved surface. Regardless of the shape of the mirror, the law of reflection remains valid, making the correct answer "both curved and plane mirrors."Rate this question:
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- 3.
When light reflects from a surface, there is a change in its
- A.
Frequency
- B.
Speed
- C.
Wavelength
- D.
All of these
- E.
None of these
Correct Answer
E. None of theseExplanation
When light reflects from a surface, there is no change in its frequency, speed, or wavelength. The reflection process only changes the direction of the light wave, while its properties remain the same. Therefore, the correct answer is "none of these."Rate this question:
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- 4.
A diver shines light up to the surface of a smooth pond at a 10 degree angle to the normal. Some of the light passes into the air above, and the part that reflects back into the water makes an angle to the normal of
- A.
Less than 10 degrees
- B.
10 degrees
- C.
Not enough information to answer
- D.
More than 10 degrees
Correct Answer
B. 10 degreesExplanation
When light passes from one medium to another, it changes direction at the boundary due to the change in its speed. This change in direction is described by the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. In this case, the light is passing from water to air, so the angle of incidence is 10 degrees. According to the law of reflection, the angle of reflection will also be 10 degrees. Therefore, the part of the light that reflects back into the water makes an angle of 10 degrees to the normal.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Interference occurs when two (or more) waves meet while traveling along the same medium.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Interference is a phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves meet while traveling along the same medium. This can result in the waves either reinforcing each other (constructive interference) or canceling each other out (destructive interference). Therefore, the statement "Interference occurs when two (or more) waves meet while traveling along the same medium" is true.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Interference can be constructive or destructive.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Interference refers to the interaction of waves, where they combine and either reinforce each other (constructive interference) or cancel each other out (destructive interference). Therefore, it is true that interference can be either constructive or destructive depending on the phase relationship between the waves.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Interference of two waves at a given location results in the formation of a new pattern which has a greater amplitude than either of the two interfering waves.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
When two waves interfere, the resulting pattern can have a greater or lesser amplitude than either of the two interfering waves. The amplitude of the resulting pattern depends on the phase relationship between the waves. If the waves are in phase (crest aligns with crest and trough aligns with trough), constructive interference occurs, resulting in a greater amplitude. However, if the waves are out of phase (crest aligns with trough), destructive interference occurs, resulting in a lesser amplitude. Therefore, the statement that the interference of two waves always results in a new pattern with greater amplitude is false.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The meeting of a trough of one wave with a trough of another wave results in destructive interference.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
When two waves meet, whether it's a trough with a trough or a crest with a crest, they can result in destructive interference. Destructive interference occurs when the peaks of one wave align with the troughs of another wave, causing them to cancel each other out. Therefore, the statement that the meeting of a trough of one wave with a trough of another wave results in destructive interference is incorrect.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Young's experiment provided evidence that light exhibits particle-like behavior.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Young's experiment provided evidence that light exhibits wave-like behavior. This experiment involved shining light through a double slit and observing an interference pattern on a screen, which is a characteristic of waves. This supported the wave theory of light proposed by Thomas Young and contradicted the particle theory. Therefore, the correct answer is False.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The only way for two waves to interfere constructively is for a crest to meet a crest or a trough to meet a trough.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
When two waves interfere constructively, it means that their amplitudes add up, resulting in a wave with a larger amplitude. This can only happen when a crest meets a crest or a trough meets a trough. When a crest meets a trough, they cancel each other out, resulting in destructive interference. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Young's experiment depends upon the use of light from two sources.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Young's experiment does not depend on the use of light from two sources. Instead, it is a classic experiment that demonstrates the wave-like nature of light and interference patterns. In Young's experiment, a single light source is passed through a barrier with two slits, creating two coherent sources of light waves. These waves then interfere with each other, producing an interference pattern on a screen. Therefore, the correct answer is False.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Refraction results from differences in light's
- A.
Frequency
- B.
Speed
- C.
Incident angles
- D.
All of these
Correct Answer
B. SpeedExplanation
Refraction occurs when light passes through a medium with a different optical density, causing a change in its speed. This change in speed causes the light to bend as it enters or exits the medium. The frequency of light remains constant during refraction, while the incident angle only affects the direction of the refracted light. Therefore, the correct answer is speed, as it is the main factor that determines the phenomenon of refraction.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The average speed of light is greatest in
- A.
Green glass
- B.
Red glass
- C.
Blue glass
- D.
Orange glass
- E.
Is the same in all of these
Correct Answer
B. Red glassExplanation
The correct answer is red glass because the speed of light in a medium depends on the refractive index of that medium. Red light has the longest wavelength among the given options, and it is known that the speed of light decreases as the wavelength decreases in a medium. Therefore, the average speed of light is greatest in red glass compared to green, blue, orange, or any other color of glass.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The critical angle is least in which of the following?
- A.
Vacuum (empty space)
- B.
Water
- C.
Glass
- D.
Diamond
Correct Answer
D. DiamondExplanation
The critical angle is the angle of incidence at which light is refracted at an angle of 90 degrees, causing total internal reflection. The critical angle depends on the refractive index of the medium. Diamond has the highest refractive index among the given options, meaning it slows down light the most. As a result, diamond has the smallest critical angle compared to vacuum, water, and glass.Rate this question:
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- 15.
A type of lens that spreads out parallel light is a
- A.
Converging lens
- B.
Diverging lens
- C.
Combination of converging-diverging lens
Correct Answer
B. Diverging lensExplanation
A diverging lens is a type of lens that spreads out parallel light. Unlike a converging lens, which brings parallel light rays together, a diverging lens causes the light rays to diverge or spread out. This is due to the shape of the lens, which is thinner in the middle and thicker at the edges. As the light passes through the lens, it is refracted in such a way that it spreads out instead of converging. Therefore, a diverging lens is the correct answer in this case.Rate this question:
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- 16.
A person standing waist-deep in a swimming pool appears to have short legs because of the light
- A.
Absorption
- B.
Diffraction
- C.
Reflection
- D.
Refraction
- E.
Interference
Correct Answer
D. RefractionExplanation
When light passes from one medium to another, such as from air to water in this case, it changes direction due to refraction. This change in direction causes the light rays to bend as they enter the water, creating an optical illusion. As a result, the person's legs appear shorter than they actually are when viewed through the water's surface.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Different colors are dispersed by a prism because different colors in the prism have different
- A.
Frequencies
- B.
Speeds
- C.
Energies
- D.
Directions
- E.
None of these
Correct Answer
B. SpeedsExplanation
Different colors are dispersed by a prism because different colors in the prism have different speeds. This is due to the phenomenon of refraction, where light waves change direction and speed when passing through a medium, such as a prism. The speed of light is dependent on the wavelength of the light, with shorter wavelengths (such as blue and violet) being slowed down more than longer wavelengths (such as red and orange). As a result, when white light enters a prism, it is separated into its component colors, creating a spectrum.Rate this question:
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- 18.
According to Huygen's principle, every point on a wave
- A.
Is a diffraction source
- B.
Is a superposition of every other part of a wave
- C.
Behaves as a source of new waves
- D.
All of these
Correct Answer
C. Behaves as a source of new wavesExplanation
According to Huygen's principle, every point on a wave behaves as a source of new waves. This principle states that each point on a wavefront can be considered as a point source, emitting secondary spherical wavelets. These secondary wavelets combine to form a new wavefront, explaining the phenomenon of diffraction and interference. Therefore, every point on a wave can be seen as a source of new waves.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Diffraction is more pronounced through relatively
- A.
Large openings
- B.
Small openings
- C.
Same for each
Correct Answer
B. Small openingsExplanation
Diffraction refers to the bending or spreading of waves as they pass through an opening or around an obstacle. It is more pronounced when the size of the opening or obstacle is comparable to the wavelength of the wave. Therefore, diffraction is more noticeable and significant when waves pass through small openings, as the size of the opening is closer to the wavelength of the wave. On the other hand, when waves pass through large openings, the diffraction effect is less pronounced as the size of the opening is much larger compared to the wavelength.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Waves diffract the least when their wavelengths are
- A.
Long
- B.
Short
- C.
Both diffract the same
Correct Answer
B. ShortExplanation
Waves diffract the least when their wavelengths are short. This is because diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings. When the wavelength of a wave is short, it means that the distance between each wave crest is small. As a result, the wave is able to pass through smaller openings and bend less around obstacles, leading to less diffraction. On the other hand, when the wavelength is long, the wave is more likely to bend around obstacles and diffract more. Therefore, short wavelengths experience the least diffraction.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Diffraction is a result of
- A.
Dispersion
- B.
Reflection
- C.
Refraction
- D.
Polarization
- E.
Interference
Correct Answer
E. InterferenceExplanation
Diffraction is a phenomenon that occurs when waves encounter an obstacle or aperture and bend around it, spreading out in all directions. Interference, on the other hand, is the interaction of two or more waves that results in their combining or canceling each other out. In the case of diffraction, interference plays a crucial role in the bending and spreading of waves around obstacles or through apertures. Therefore, interference is the correct answer as it is directly related to the occurrence of diffraction.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Polarization is a property of
- A.
Transverse waves
- B.
Longitudinal waves
- C.
Both
- D.
Neither
Correct Answer
A. Transverse wavesExplanation
Polarization is a property that refers to the orientation of the oscillations of a wave. In transverse waves, the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. This allows for the wave to be polarized, meaning that the oscillations occur in a specific plane. On the other hand, longitudinal waves have oscillations that are parallel to the direction of wave propagation, making polarization impossible. Therefore, the correct answer is transverse waves.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Monochromatic light is light of a single
- A.
Color
- B.
Frequency
- C.
Wavelength
- D.
All of these
Correct Answer
D. All of theseExplanation
Monochromatic light refers to light that consists of a single color, which means it has a single frequency and wavelength. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of these" because all three options - color, frequency, and wavelength - accurately describe monochromatic light.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The spacing between double-slit interference fringes is increased if the slits are
- A.
Narrower
- B.
Closer together
- C.
Wider
- D.
Farther apart
Correct Answer
B. Closer togetherExplanation
When the slits are closer together, the distance between the interference fringes increases. This is because the interference pattern is determined by the wavelength of the light and the distance between the slits. When the slits are closer together, the path difference between the waves from the two slits becomes smaller, resulting in a larger distance between the fringes. Therefore, the spacing between the interference fringes is increased when the slits are closer together.Rate this question:
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- 25.
If an object is placed inside the focal point of a diverging lens, the image is
- A.
Virtual, upright and reduced
- B.
Real, upright and reduced
- C.
Virtual, inverted and reduced
- D.
Virtual, upright and enlarged
Correct Answer
A. Virtual, upright and reducedExplanation
When an object is placed inside the focal point of a diverging lens, the rays of light diverge after passing through the lens. This causes the image to appear on the same side of the lens as the object, making it virtual. The image is also upright, meaning it has the same orientation as the object. Additionally, the image is reduced in size compared to the object.Rate this question:
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- 26.
If an object is placed outside twice the focal point of a converging lens, the image is
- A.
Real, inverted and enlarged
- B.
Real, inverted and reduced
- C.
Virtual, inverted and enlarged
- D.
Real, upright and enlarged
Correct Answer
B. Real, inverted and reducedExplanation
When an object is placed outside twice the focal point of a converging lens, the image formed is real because it can be projected onto a screen. The image is inverted because the light rays converge and intersect. The image is reduced because the object is placed beyond the focal point, causing the rays to spread out and form a smaller image. Therefore, the correct answer is "real, inverted and reduced".Rate this question:
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- 27.
Fiber optics depend upon the phenomenon of
- A.
Polarization
- B.
Dispersion
- C.
Diffuse reflection
- D.
Total internal reflection
Correct Answer
D. Total internal reflectionExplanation
Fiber optics rely on the principle of total internal reflection. This phenomenon occurs when light traveling through a medium with a higher refractive index encounters a boundary with a medium of lower refractive index at an angle greater than the critical angle. Instead of refracting out of the medium, the light reflects back into it, allowing it to propagate along the fiber. This property is essential for the transmission of light signals through optical fibers, enabling high-speed and long-distance communication.Rate this question:
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- 28.
When light passes into a medium that is more optically dense, the light will refract _____ the normal. When light passes a medium in which it travels slower, light will reflect ______ the normal.
- A.
Towards, away from
- B.
Away from, towards
Correct Answer
B. Away from, towardsExplanation
When light passes into a medium that is more optically dense, it will refract away from the normal. This is because the denser medium causes the light to slow down, resulting in the light bending away from the normal line. On the other hand, when light passes through a medium in which it travels slower, it will reflect towards the normal. This is because the slower speed causes the light to bend towards the normal line.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Light will undergo total internal reflection only when it is ________. Choose two.
- A.
In the less dense medium traveling towards the more dense medium
- B.
In the more dense medium traveling towards the less dense medium
- C.
In the medium where it travels the slowest, moving towards the medium where it travels fastest
- D.
In the medium where it travels fastest, moving towards the medium where it travels slowest
Correct Answer(s)
B. In the more dense medium traveling towards the less dense medium
C. In the medium where it travels the slowest, moving towards the medium where it travels fastestExplanation
When light travels from a more dense medium to a less dense medium, it undergoes total internal reflection. This is because the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle, causing the light to be completely reflected back into the more dense medium. Additionally, total internal reflection occurs when light travels from a medium where it travels slower to a medium where it travels faster. This is because the angle of incidence is again greater than the critical angle, resulting in total reflection.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Converging lenses are ______ at the center and _____ at the edges.
- A.
Thickest, thinnest
- B.
Thinnest, thickest
Correct Answer
A. Thickest, thinnestExplanation
Converging lenses are thickest at the center and thinnest at the edges. This is because the shape of the lens causes light rays passing through the center to converge or come together, while the rays passing through the edges are less affected and remain more spread out. This variation in thickness across the lens allows for the bending of light and the formation of focused images.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Diverging lenses are ______ at the center and _____ at the edges.
- A.
Thickest, thinnest
- B.
Thinnest, thickest
Correct Answer
B. Thinnest, thickestExplanation
Diverging lenses are thinnest at the center because the lens curves outward, causing it to be thinner in the middle. On the other hand, diverging lenses are thickest at the edges because the lens bulges outwards, making it thicker towards the outer edges.Rate this question:
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- 32.
When a light wave vibrates in a variety of directions, the light is said to be
- A.
Transverse
- B.
Polarized
- C.
Unpolarized
Correct Answer
C. UnpolarizedExplanation
Unpolarized light refers to light waves that vibrate in various directions. Unlike polarized light, which vibrates in a single plane, unpolarized light has its electric field oscillating in multiple planes perpendicular to the direction of propagation. This means that the light waves are not aligned and have random orientations. As a result, unpolarized light can vibrate in any direction, making it a suitable description for light that is not restricted to a specific polarization state.Rate this question:
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- 33.
When a light waves are isolated to a single plane, the light is said to be
- A.
Transverse
- B.
Polarized
- C.
Unpolarized
Correct Answer
B. PolarizedExplanation
When a light wave is isolated to a single plane, it means that the electric field oscillations of the wave occur in only one direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation. This phenomenon is known as polarization. Therefore, the correct answer is "polarized."Rate this question:
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- 34.
A Polaroid filter polarizes light by
- A.
Re-orienting all the wave vibrations such that they vibrate in a single plane
- B.
Blocking part of the vibrations while letting through those that are in a specific plane
Correct Answer
B. Blocking part of the vibrations while letting through those that are in a specific planeExplanation
A Polaroid filter polarizes light by blocking part of the vibrations while letting through those that are in a specific plane. This means that the filter only allows light waves that are vibrating in a particular direction to pass through, while blocking waves that are vibrating in other directions. This selective filtering of light helps to reduce glare and improve the clarity and contrast of the image.Rate this question:
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- 35.
How must the axes of polarization be oriented in order to block road glare?
- A.
Vertical
- B.
Horizontal
- C.
One lens vertical one horizontal
Correct Answer
A. VerticalExplanation
To block road glare, the axes of polarization must be oriented vertically. This means that the polarizing filter should be aligned vertically, allowing only vertically polarized light to pass through while blocking horizontally polarized light. By doing so, the filter effectively reduces the glare caused by horizontally polarized light reflecting off the road surface, making it easier for the viewer to see clearly.Rate this question:
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- 36.
When two pulses meet up with each other while moving through the same medium, they have a tendency to bounce off each other and return back to their origin.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
When two pulses meet up with each other while moving through the same medium, they do not have a tendency to bounce off each other and return back to their origin. Instead, they undergo a phenomenon called interference, where they combine and either reinforce or cancel each other out, depending on their amplitudes and phases. This behavior is known as the principle of superposition and is a fundamental concept in wave mechanics. Therefore, the correct answer is false.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Constructive interference occurs when a crest meets up with another crest at a given location along the medium.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Constructive interference occurs when two waves meet and their crests align, resulting in a larger amplitude. This leads to an increase in the overall intensity of the wave at that location along the medium. Therefore, the statement that constructive interference occurs when a crest meets up with another crest is true.Rate this question:
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- 38.
Destructive interference occurs when a pulse with an amplitude of +5 units interferes with a pulse with an amplitude of -5 units.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Destructive interference occurs when two waves combine and their amplitudes have opposite signs. In this case, one pulse has an amplitude of +5 units and the other pulse has an amplitude of -5 units. Since these amplitudes have opposite signs, they will interfere destructively, resulting in a decrease in the overall amplitude of the combined wave. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 39.
Destructive interference occurs when a trough meets up with another trough at a given location along the medium.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Destructive interference occurs when a trough meets up with a crest at a given location along the medium, not another trough. When trough and crest meet, they cancel each other out, resulting in destructive interference. Therefore, the statement that destructive interference occurs when a trough meets up with another trough is false.Rate this question:
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- 40.
If a pulse with an amplitude of +5 units interferes with a pulse with an amplitude of +3 units, the resulting amplitude of the medium will be +4 units - the average of the two individual amplitudes.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement suggests that when two pulses with different amplitudes interfere, the resulting amplitude of the medium will be the average of the two individual amplitudes. However, this is incorrect. When two pulses interfere, the resulting amplitude is determined by the principle of superposition, which states that the amplitudes of the individual pulses add together. Therefore, the correct answer is False.Rate this question:
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- 41.
If a pulse with an amplitude of +5 units interferes with a pulse with an amplitude of -3 units, then neither constructive nor destructive interference occurs.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
When two waves interfere, their amplitudes can either add up constructively (resulting in a larger amplitude) or cancel out destructively (resulting in no amplitude). In this case, the pulse with an amplitude of +5 units interferes with the pulse with an amplitude of -3 units. Since the amplitudes have opposite signs, they will cancel out destructively, resulting in no amplitude. Therefore, the statement that neither constructive nor destructive interference occurs is false.Rate this question:
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