Waves and sound

EXERCISE # 1
Q.1 The property of a medium necessary for wave Q.8 The propagation of sound waves is not possible
propagation is - through -
(1) Its inertia (2) Its elasticity (1) Solids (2) Gases (3 )
(3) Its low resistance (4) All of above Vacuum (4) Liquids

Q.2 Water waves are -

(1) Transverse Q.9 The amplitude of a wave represented by
(2) Longitudinal displacement equation
(3) Sometimes longitudinal sometimes 1 1
transverse y= sin t ± cos t will be -
a b
(4) Neither transverse nor longitudinal
ab a b
(1) (2)
Q.3 By which of the following waves, energy is not ab ab
carried ?
a b ab
(1) stationary waves (3) (4)
ab ab
(2) longitudinal progressive waves
(3) transverse progressive waves
(4) electromagnetic waves Q.10 The relation between the particles velocity and
wave velocity is -
Q.4 Which of the following are longitudinal waves ? dy v
(1) sound waves (1) u = –v (2) u =
dx  dy 
(2) radio waves  
 dx 
(3) infrared waves
(4) electromagnetic waves. dy
(3) u = v (4) u = v +
dx
Q.5 In stationary waves, energy is -
(1) transferred Q.11 Which of the following is not a formula of
(2) not transferred wave velocity ?
(3) zero at every point

(4) transferred in the direction of propagation of (1) v = (2) v = n
K
waves.
2 K
(3) v = (4) v =
Q.6 The wavelength of sound wave in a gas is - TK 
(1) The distance between compression and
rarefaction propagating in the medium. Q.12 The time taken by a particle in reaching from
(2) The distance travelled by the wave in one trough to crest in a transverse wave is -
second.
T T 3T
(3) The distance between two consecutive (1) (2) (3) (4) T
4 2 4
particles of the medium oscillating in the
same phase.
(4) None of these Q.13 A sine wave has amplitude A and wavelength
. If V is the wave velocity and v be the
Q.7 Sound waves in air do not show the maximum particle velocity, then -
phenomenon of polarisation because - 
(1) Sound waves require a material medium for (1) V = v if A =
2
their propagation (2) V = v if A = 2 
(2) Sound waves in air are longitudinal (3) V = v if A = 
(3) Sound waves are transverse
(4) V can never be equal to v.
(4) Sound waves have low velocity

WAVE THEORY 33
Q.14 In the diagram, the phase difference between Q.21 The relation between frequency n, wavelength
points A and D is -  and velocity of propagation v of the wave is -
 (1) n = v (2) n = /v
A B D C (3) n = 1/v (4) n = v/
x
 2   Q.22 If the air pressure is doubled at constant
(1) x (2) x (3) x (4)
  2 x temperature, then the speed of sound will
become -
Q.15 If the energy density and velocity of a wave are (1) Double
u and c respectively then the energy propagating (2) Three times
per second per unit area will be - (3) Four times
c u (4) Equal to its initial value
(1) uc (2) (3) (4) c2 u
u c
Q.23 If the frequency of a sound wave is doubled
Q.16 The velocity of a wave propagating along a then the velocity of sound will become -
stretched string is 10 m/s and its frequency is (1) Half (2) Double
100 Hz. The phase difference between the (3) Remain unchanged (4) Zero
particles situated at a distance of 2.5 cm on the
string will be - Q.24 If the frequency of a sound wave is increased
(1) /8 (2) /4 (3) 3/8 (4) /2 by 25% then the change in its wavelength will
be -
Q.17 Two points lie on a ray are emerging from a (1) 25% Decrease (2) 20% Decrease
source of simple harmonic wave having period (3) 20% Increase (4) 10% Increase
0.040. The wave speed is 300 m/s and points are
at 10 m and 16 m from the source. They differ Q.25 Two sound waves are represented by the
in phase by - following equations :
(1)  (2) /2 y1= 10 sin (3t – 0.03x) and
(3) 0 or 2 (4) none of these y2 = 5{sin(3t–0.03x) + 3 cos (3t– 0.03x)}
Then the ratio of their amplitudes is given by -
Q.18 If the frequency of a wave is 100 Hz then the (1) 1 : 1 (2) 1 : 2
particles of the medium cross the mean position (3) 2 : 1 (4) 2 : 5
in one second -
(1) 100 times (2) 200 times Q.26 The displacement y of a particle executing
(3) 400 times (4) 50 times periodic motion is given by y = 4 cos2 (t) sin
(1000 t). This expression may be considered to
Q.19 The velocity of sound in sea water is be a result of the superposition of waves :
1530 m/s. If a sound of frequency 1800 Hz is (1) Two (2) Three
produced in sea water, then its wavelength will be - (3) Four (4) Five
(1) 0.18 m (2) 5.45 m
(3) 0.85 m (4) 1.18 m
Q.27 The correct relation between phase difference
Q.20 When a sound wave of frequency 300 Hz passes () and path difference () is -
through a medium, the maximum displacement 2 
(1)  =  (2)  = 
of a particle of the medium is 0.1 cm. The  2
maximum velocity of the particle is equal to - 
(3)  = (4)  = 
(1) 60  cm/sec (2) 30  cm/sec 
(3) 30 cm/sec (4) 60 cm /sec

WAVE THEORY 34
 Waves and sound
Q.28 The displacement of the medium in a sound 0.05m
y
wave is given by the equation
y1 = A cos (ax + bt) Where A, a and b are
x
positive constants. Then the wavelength and 0.25 m
frequency of the incident wave are -
(1) a, b (2) 2a , 2b (all quantities are in MKS units)
2 2 2 b (1) y = 0.05 sin 2  (4000 t – 12.5 x)
(3) , (4) ,
a b a 2 (2) y = 0.05 sin 2  (4000 t – 122.5 x)
(3) y = 0.05 sin 2  (3300 t – 10 x)
Q.29 The equation of a progressive wave moving in (4) y = 0.05 sin 2  (3300 x – 10 t)
+ve X-direction is given by -
 vt  Q.33 The equation of the a progressive wave is
(1) Y = A sin 2   x 
  F I
2  x
y = a sin
H2 K
x  200  t . The frequency of the
(2) Y = A sin  vt   wave will be -
  
(1) 0.1 Hz (2) 25 Hz
2
(3) Y = A sin (vt – x) (3)100 Hz (4) 200 Hz

2 Q.34 The equation of a transverse wave, out of the
(4) Y = A sin (x + vt)
 following is -
(1) X = a sin (Kx – t)
Q.30 Which of the following equation does not (2) Y = a sin (Ky – t)
represent the progressive wave - (3) Y = a sin (Kx – t)
 x (4) Z = a cos (Kz – t)
(1) y = A sin   t  
 v
 t x Q.35 The equation of a transverse wave is given by
(2) y = A sin 2   
T  y = 10 sin  ( 0.01x – 2.0t ) , where y and x are
in cm and t is in second. The frequency of the
2
(3) y = A sin (vt – x) wave will be -

(1) 1Hz (2) 2 Hz
 t x (3) 3 Hz (4) 4 Hz
(4) y = A sin 2   
T v
Q.36 In the equation of motion of a particle
Q.31 Which of the following is not the equation of a y = 0.5 sin (0.3t + 0.1), the initial phase of
plane progressive wave - motion is -
(1) y = a sin (t ± Kx) (1) 0.1 (2) 0.3t
(3) 0.3 (4) (0.3t + 0.1)
2
(2) y = a sin [vt ± x]
 Q.37 The equation for stationary wave is
 t x  
(3) y = a sin 2    y = 0.005 cos  62.8t  3.14x   , its
T    3
(4) y = 2a sin Kx cos t periodic time T and wavelength  are -
(1) 3.14 sec, 1m
Q.32 If the speed of the wave shown in the figure is (2) 1 sec, 1 m
330 m/s in the given medium, then the equation (3) 0.1 sec, 2m
of the wave propagating in the positive (4) 0.1 sec, 1m
x-direction will be –
WAVE THEORY 35
 Q.43 The equation of a wave propagating in a string
Q.38 The equation of a progressive wave is
is y = 2cos (100t – x). Its wavelength will be -
y = 8 sin  (.02 x – 4t). If the x and y are
(1) 5 cm (2) 2 m
expressed in cm and time in seconds, the value
(3) 20 m (4) 50 cm
of wavelength and the periodic time will be -
(1) 50cm, 25 sec (2) 0.02 cm, 4 sec
Q.44 A transverse wave, whose amplitude is 0.5 m
(3) 100 cm, 0.5 sec (4) None of these
wavelength is 1 m and frequency is 2Hz. is
travelling along positive x direction. The
Q.39 The displacement produced by a simple
equation of this wave will be-
harmonic wave is :
10 F x I (1) y = 0.5 cos (2x – 4t)
y =
 H K
sin 2000  t  17 cm. The time (2) y = 0.5 cos (2x + 4t)
period and maximum velocity of the particle (3) y = 0.5 sin (x – 2t)
will be respectively - (4) y = 0.5 cos (2x + 2t)
(1) 10–3 second and 200 m/s
Q.45 The equation of plane progressive wave
(2) 10–2 second and 2000 m/s
propagating in positive X-direction is
(3) 10–3 second and 330 m/s
 x
(4) 10–4 second and 20 m/s y = a sin 2 n   . If the maximum particle
 
Q.40 Equation of a progressive wave is given velocity is three time the wave velocity then
 the wavelength of wave is -

by y = 0.2 cos   .04t  .02x   . The a
 6 (1) (2) a
3
distance is expressed in cm and time in second.
What will be the minimum distance between a 2a
(3) (4)
two particles having the phase difference of 2 3
/2 ?
Q.46 The equation of a progressive wave is
(1) 4 cm (2) 8 cm
Y = 10 sin 2 (60t + 2X), where X and Y are in
(3) 25 cm (4) 12.5 cm
metres and t is in seconds. It represents a wave
whose velocity is -
Q.41 A progressive wave is represented by
(1) 60 metre/sec in +X direction
8  x  (2) 60 metre/sec in –X direction
y = 0.1 sin  0.1t   . Where all the
7  20  (3) 30 metre/sec in +X direction
observations are in MKS system. The wave (4) 30 metre/sec in –X direction
velocity will be -
(1) 2m/sec Q.47 The correct equation of one dimensional wave
(2) 15 m/sec is -
(3) 20 m/sec d2y 1 d2y
(1) =
(4) 40 m/sec dx 2 V 2 dt 2
d2y 2
d2y
(2) 2 = V
dx dt 2
Q.42 The equation of a transverse waves is given by
d2y 1 d2y
y = 10 sin (0.01 x – 2.0t), where y and x are in (3) 2 =
dx V dt 2
cm and t is in second. The frequency of the
d2y d2y
wave will be - (4) 2 = V
dx dt 2
(1) 1 Hz (2) 2Hz
(3) 3 Hz (4) 4 Hz

WAVE THEORY 36
 Waves and sound
Q.48 A uniform rope of length 10 m and mass 15 kg
hangs vertically from a rigid support. A block of Q.53 In the given arrangement, if hanging mass will
mass 5 kg is attached to the free end of the rope. be changed by 4%, then percentage change in
A transverse pulse of wavelength the wave speed in string will be:
0.08 m is produced at the lower end of the rope.
The wavelength of the pulse when it reaches the
top of the rope will be-
m m

15 kg (1) 2% (2) 8% (3) 3% (4) 4%

Q.54 When waves are superposed. Which of the

5 kg
following properties of wave is not changed?
(1) Frequency (2) Energy density
(1) 0.08 m (2) 0.04 m (3) Velocity (4) Total energy
(3) 0.16 m (4) 0 m
Q.55 If the amplitude of two sound waves is a1 and
Q.49 The density of the material of a wire used in
a2, then on superposition the resultant
sonometer is 7.5 × 103 kg/m3. If the stress on
amplitude will be -
the wire is 3.0 × 108 N /m2, the speed of
(1) (a1 + a2) only
transverse wave in the wire will be -
(1) 100 m/s (2) 200 m/s (2) (a1 – a2) only
(3) 300 m/s (4) 400 m/s (3) (a1 + a2) or (a1 – a2)

Q.50 The length of a copper wire is 5 m and its radius (4) a12  a 22  2a1a 2 cos 
is 1 mm . A force of 31.4 N is applied at each ( = phase difference between two waves)
end of the wire. The Young’s modules of
elasticity for copper is 11 × 1010 N/m2. The
Q.56 Superposition is the main characteristic of -
density of copper is 8900 Kg/m3 . The velocity (1) Wave motion
of transverse waves in the wire is - (2) Particle motion
(1) 33.5 m/s (2) 82 m/s (3) Wave and particle motion
(3) 123 m/s (4) 164 m/s (4) None of the two motions

Q.51 When a body of mass 25Kg is suspended from a Q.57 Two sound wave of equal intensity 
sonometer wire then it vibrates with frequency superimpose at point P in the same phase. The
200 Hz. If the volume of the body is 0.009 m3 resultant intensity at point P will be -
and it is immersed in water then the frequency (1)  (2) 2 (3) 2  (4) 4
of vibration of the wire will be -
(1) 220 Hz (2) 160 Hz Q.58 The resultant amplitude, when two waves of
(3) 240 Hz (4) 180 Hz same frequency but with amplitudes a1 and a2

Q.52 The length, mass and tension of a string are superimpose at phase difference of , will be -
2
1000 cm, 0.01 Kg and 10 N respectively. The
(1) a1 + a2
speed of transverse waves in the string will be -
(2) a1 – a2
(1) 102 m/s (2) 104 m/s
(3) 106 m/s (4) None of these (3) a 12  a 22
(4) a 12  a 22

WAVE THEORY 37
 Q.64 Two periodic waves of amplitudes A1 and A2
Q.59 The frequencies of sources A and B as shown pass through a region, If A1 > A2 , the
in figure are same. The nature of interference at difference in the maximum and minimum
 possible amplitudes will be -
points P, Q and R will be if AB = and the
2 (1) A1 – A2 (2) A1 + A2
two sources are in same phase - (3) 2A1 (4) 2A2
R
Q.65 The ratio of sound intensities of two waves of
P A B Q the same frequency is 1 : 16. Then the ratio of
x x the amplitudes will be -
(1) constructive at P. destructive at Q and R. (1) 1 : 2 (2) 1 : 4 (3) 1 : 8 (4) 1 : 16
(2) constructive at P and R. destructive at Q.
(3) constructive at P and Q. destructive at R. Q.66 If two waves are represented by :
(4) constructive at R. destructive at P and Q y1 = 2 sin (4x – 300t) & y2 = sin (4x – 300t – 0.2)
then their superposed wave will have angular
Q.60 For superposition of two waves in interference - frequency -
(1) They must have equal frequency and (1) 150/ (2) 150 
wavelength (3) 300 (4) 600 
(2) They must have equal frequency but may
have unequal wavelengths Q.67 If two progressive waves of amplitude A1 and
(3) They must have the same wavelength but
A2 superpose, while moving in the same
may have different frequencies
(4) They must have neither equal frequencies direction, then the amplitude of the resultant
nor equal wavelengths wave will be -
(1) A1 + A2
Q.61 Two waves of same frequency but of (2) A12  A 22
amplitudes a and 2a respectively superimpose (3) Between A1 + A2 and A1 – A2
over each other. The intensity at a point where
(4) A1 – A2
3
the phase difference is , will be -
2
Q.68 Two waves of intensities I and 4I produce
(1) 9a2 (2) 3a2 (3) a (4) 5a2
interference. Then the intensity at constructive
and destructive interference respectively is -
Q.62 Two waves of same frequency and of intensity
(1) 3I, 5I (2) 5I, 3I
I0 and 9I0 produces interference. If at a certain
(3) I, 9I (4) 9I, I
point the resultant intensity is 7I0 then the
minimum phase difference between the two Q.69 When two trains of the same frequency and
sound waves will be - same amplitude 'a' are superposed in phase, the
(1) 90º (2) 100º resulting intensity at the point of superposition
(3) 120º (4) 110º is proportional to -
(1) 4a2 (2) 2a2 (3) 2a (4) 0
Q.63 If the ratio of amplitudes of two waves at any
point in the medium is 1:3, then the ratio of Q.70 Two sources of intensities I and 4I and waves,
maximum and minimum intensities due to their which interfere to produce a resultant intensity
superposition will be - I0 at a point of phase difference /2. I0 is
(1) 2 : 3 (2) 3 :1 equal-
(3) 2 : 1 (4) 4 : 1 (1) 5I (2) 4I (3) 3I (4) I

WAVE THEORY 38
 Waves and sound
Q.71 Intensity at any point due to interference of two (3) Stationary waves (4) Harmonic nodes
waves will be maximum, when path Q.76 If the displacement of the particles in a string
difference at that point is - stretched along X - direction is y, then the
 expression representing the stationary wave in it
(1) (2) 
2 is -
 (1) K 2 x 2 –  2 t 2
(3) 2n (4) (2n + 1)
2 (2) cos K x sin t
(3) cos ( K 2 x 2 – 2 t 2 )
Q.72 Two waves of same frequency and same (4) cos ( K 2 x 2 + 2 t 2 )
amplitude reach a common point of the medium
simultaneously. If the amplitude of resultant Q.77 Out of the following which equation represents
wave is zero then the path difference between a stationary wave ?
the waves will be - (1) y = ae–bx sin (t – Kx + x)
3 (2) y = (ax + b) x sin (t – Kx)
(1)  (2) /2 (3) 2 (4)
4 (3) y = a sin Kx sin (t + x)
(4) y = a sin (t – Kx)
Q.73 A tuning fork of frequency 250 Hz is vibrating
at one end of a tube as shown in figure. If Q.78 A stationary wave is represented by -
maximum sound is heard at the other end, the
(1) Y = 2A cos Kx sin t.
velocity of wave will be -
(2) Y = 2A sin K (x – vt) sin t
(3) Y = 2A cos Kx cos (t – Kx)
r (4) Y = 2A cos K (X – vt) cos t
Source Detector
2m Q.79 When a plane progressive wave superposes
(1) 285 m/s (2) 280 m/s with another plane progressive wave reflected
(3) 180 m/s (4) 320 m/s by a denser medium then the equation of
resulting stationary wave will be -
Q.74 Two loudspeakers L1 and L2 driven by a
(1) y = 2a sin Kx cos t
common oscillator and amplifier are set up as (2) y = 2a cos K x cost
shown in figure. As the frequency of the (3) y = 2a sin Kx sin t
oscillator increases from zero, the detector at D
(4) y = 2a cos Kx sin t
recorded a series of maximum and minimum
signals. What is the frequency at which the first
Q.80 The following equations represent progressive
maximum is observed. (Speed of sound = 330
waves - z1 = Acos (kx–t), z2=Acos (ky+t )
m/s)
and z3 = A cos(kz – t). Which two waves can
L1 40m
produce stationary waves ?
9m (1) 1 and 2
(2) 2 and 3
L2
(3) 1 and 3
(1) 165Hz (2) 330Hz (4) none of the above
(3) 495Hz (4) 660Hz
Q.81 The distance between two consecutive
Q.75 Two waves travelling in mutually opposite
antinodes is -
direction in a medium superimpose over each
 
other, then which event is observed - (1) (2)
4 2
(1) Beats (2) Resonance
(3)  (4) 2
WAVE THEORY 39
 (4) Alternating maxima and minima of energy
Q.82 The distance between consecutive node and are produced at nodes and antinodes
antinode is - Q.89 The equation of stationary wave is given by -
  (1) y = 2y0sin kx cost
(1) (2) (3)  (4) 2
4 2 (2) y = y0sin k (x – vt)
Fkx – t I
Q.83 The equation y = 0.15 sin 5x cos 300t represents
a stationary wave. The wavelength of this
(3) y = y0cos 2 Ht T K
stationary wave will be - 2vT
(4) y = y0 sin
(1) zero (2)1.256 m 
(3) 2.512 m (4) 0.628m
Q.90 Which of the following expression is that of a
Q.84 For stationary wave, which of the following stationary wave -
statement is correct - (1) A sint (2) A sint coskx
(1) All the particles vibrate in same phase (3) A sin (t – kx) (4) A coskx
(2) All the particles between an antinode and
node vibrate in phase
Q.91 For the stationary wave, y = 4 sin (x/15) cos
(3) Particles between any two consecutive nodes
(96t) the distance between a node and the
vibrate in phase
next antinode is -
(4) All the particles vibrate in different phases.
(1) 7.5 (2) 15 (3) 22.5 (4) 30

Q.85 Which of the following statements is not true

Q.92 For formation of standing wave, the medium -
for stationary waves?
(1) Should have infinite extension
(1) All the particles of medium vibrate with
(2) Should be bounded
same frequency
(3) Should be a gas only
(2) All the particles are in the same phase
(4) Should be having zero inertia and zero
between successive nodes
elasticity.
(3) All the particles are in the same phase
between successive antinodes
Q.93 In a stationary wave all particles are -
(4) The distance between alternate nodes is
(1) At rest at the same time twice in every
equal to wavelength
period of oscillation
(2) At rest at the same time once in every
Q.86 The equation of a stationary wave is
period of oscillation
πx
Y = 10 sin cos20 t. The distance between (3) Never at rest at the same time
4 (4) At rest always
two consecutive nodes in metres is -
(1) 4 (2) 2 (3) 5 (4) 8 Q.94 In stationary waves, at the nodes -
(1) Energy is minimum
Q.87 The phase difference between the two particles (2) Pressure and density variations are
situated on both the sides of a node is - maximum
(1) 0º (2) 90º (3) 180º (4) 360º (3) Strain variation is maximum
(4) All of the above
Q.88 In stationary wave in strings –
(1) Energy is uniformly distributed Q.95 In the stationary waves in an open organ pipe -
(2) Energy is maximum at nodes and minimum (1) Both the ends are antinodes and in between
at antinodes them there is at least one node
(3) Energy is minimum at nodes and maximum (2) Both the ends are nodes and in between
at antinodes them there is at least one antinode
(3) Antinode at one end and node at the other
WAVE THEORY 40
 Waves and sound
(4) Both the ends are antinodes and in between (4) By decreasing tension and mass per unit
them there is no node. length of the wire
Q.96 A stretched string of length L, fixed at both ends
can sustain stationary waves of wavelength 
Q.102 Four wires of same length and same material,
given by -
whose diameters are in the ratio 4 : 3 : 2 :1, are
(1) = n2 / 2 L (2)  = L2 / 2n clamped in such a way that each wire produces
(3)  = 2 L /n (4)  = 2 Ln note of frequency double that of the preceding
wire. If the tension in the first wire is 2 Kg-wt,
Q.97 In a stretched string - then tension in the second wire will be -
(1) Only even harmonics are produced (1) 4.5 (2) 8 (3) 9 (4) 16
(2) Only odd harmonics are produced
(3) Even as well as odd harmonics are produced Q.103 A 110 cm long wire is to be divided into three
(4) Neither even nor odd harmonics are segments by two bridges. The ratio of
produced frequencies of three segments is 1 : 2 : 3 . The
positions of the bridges will be -
Q.98 A wire of linear mass density 9 × 10–3 kg /m is (1) 20 cm from one end 60 cm from another
stretched between two rigid supports under a end
tension of 360 N. The wire resonates at (2) 60 cm from one end and 20 cm from
frequency 210 Hz. The next higher frequency at another end
which the same wire resonates is 280 Hz. The (3) 30 cm from one end and 70 cm from
number of loops produced in first case will be - another end
(1) 1 (2) 2 (4) 40 cm from one end and 50 cm from
(3) 3 (4) 4 another end

Q.99 In a stretched string under tension and fixed at Q.104 The relation between frequency 'n' of the string,
both ends, the fundamental frequency is n. The if n1,n2,n3,.... are the frequencies of segments
ratio of harmonic frequencies produced is - of the stretched string, is -
(1) n : 2n : 3n (2) n : 3n : 5n (1) n = n1 + n2 + n3 +...
(3) n : 2n : 5n (4) 3n : 7n : 11n
(2) n = n1  n 2  n 3  ....
Q.100 The waves produced in the wire of a sonometer 1 1 1 1
(3)     ...
are - n n1 n 2 n 3
(1) Transverse, progressive and polarized
(4) none of these
(2) Longitudinal
(3) Transverse, stationary and polarized
Q.105 Which of the following laws of strings is not
(4) Transverse, stationary and unpolarised
correct -
1
Q.101 The length of the sonometer wire is fixed (1) n  T (2) n 

between two bridges. Its frequency can be
increased - 1
(3) n  (4) n  
(1) By increasing tension and decreasing mass m
per unit length of wire
(2) By decreasing tension and increasing mass Q.106 In a stretched string under tension and fixed at
per unit length of wire both ends, the tension is increased by four
(3) By increasing tension and mass per unit times, and the length is doubled, the frequency-
length of wire (1) Becomes half
(2) Remains the same

WAVE THEORY 41
 (3) Becomes twice (1) 4 (2) 8
(4) Becomes four times (3) 2 (4) 12

Q.107 The total mass of a sonometer wire remains Q.114 The ratio (V) of velocities of sound in dry air
constant. On increasing the distance between and humid air is -
two bridges to four times, its frequency will (1) V < 1 (2) V > 1
become - (3) zero (4) V = 1
(1) 4 times (2) 1/2 times
Q.115 The Laplace’s formula for sound waves is -
(3) 8 times (4) 2 times
P P
(1) V = (2) V =
Q.108 The frequency of a note produced by vibrating  
stretched string increases if -
(1) Tension in it decreases  P
(3) V = (4) V =
(2) Tension in it increases P 
(3) Its length increases
(4) Its mass per unit length increases Q.116 Sound waves are propagating in a medium.
The moduli of isothermal and adiabatic
Q.109 The frequency of a sitar wire is 440 vibrations elasticity of the medium are Er and Es
per second. If the sitar player reduces the length respectively. The velocity of sound waves is
of the wire by 1/5 th, then the change in the proportional to -
frequency of sitar wire will be - E
(1) 2200 vibrations /sec (1) s (2) E r (3) E s (4) Er
Er
(2) 1760 vibrations /sec
(3) 440 vibrations /sec
Q.117 If the air pressure is doubled at constant
(4) 110 vibrations /sec
temperature, then the speed of sound will be
Q.110 The frequency ratio of two wires of copper is become -
2 : 3 if the diameter of the first wire is 0.6mm, (1) Double
the diameter of the other wire is - (2) Three times
(1) 0.9 mm (2) 0.4 mm (3) Four times
(3) 0.27 mm (4) 0.8 mm (4) Equal to its initial value

Q.111 Two similar wires of length  and 2  of same Q.118 At what temperature the speed of sound in air
becomes double of its value of 0ºC -
material produces vibrations of 100Hz and
(1) 273 K (2) 819 K
150 Hz . The ratio of tensions in them is -
(3) 1092 K (4) 553 K
(1) 2 : 3 (2) 3 : 2 (3) 1 : 9 (4) 1 : 4

Q.119 At what temperature the speed of sound will be

Q.112 If the density of materials of two strings of same
double of the speed at 27º C -
length, tension and area of cross section are
(1) 54º C (2) 108º C
2Kg/m3 and 4Kg/m3 respectively then the ratio (3) 927º C (4) 327º C
of their frequencies will be -
(1) 2 : 1 (2) 1 : 2 Q.120 The velocity of sound waves in an ideal gas at
(3) 1 : 2 (4) 2 : 1 temperatures T1K and T2 K are respectively v1
and v2. The rms velocity of gas molecules at
Q.113 In Melde's experiment, 8 loops are formed with these two temperatures are 1 and 2,
a tension of a 0.75 N. If the tension is increased respectively then -
to four times then the number of loops produced
will be -
WAVE THEORY 42
 Waves and sound
v  v   3
(1) 1  1 (2) 1   1 (3) , ,
v 2 2 v2 2 4 4
5 3
v1  1 v1 1 (4) ,
(3)  (4)  4 4
v2 3 2 v2 2
Q.121 The velocity of longitudinal waves in solid, is
given by (where symbols have their usual
meanings)- Q.126 Modes of vibration in an open organ pipe are
Y represented by –
T
(1) v = (2) v = 
m
B P (a) (b)
(3) v =  (4) v = 

Q.122 The densities of two monoatomic gases are in

the ratio of 16:9 . The velocities of sound in
gases having the same pressure will be in the (c) (d)
ratio of
(1) 4 : 3 (2) 3 : 4
(3) 16 : 9 (4) 9 : 16 (1) a (2) b (3) c (4) d

Q.127 In closed pipes, the positions of antinodes are

Q.123 The correct graph between v2 (square of the
obtained at –
speed of sound) and absolute temperature T of
 3 5 
the gas is – (1) , , (2) 0, , 
Y Y 4 4 4 2
(3) , 2, 3 (4) 2, 4, 6
(1) (2)
v2 v2
X X Q.128 Modes of vibration in a closed organ pipe are
O T O T represented by –
Y Y

(3) (4)
v2 v2 (a) (b)
O X O X
T T

Q.124 In the stationary waves in an open organ pipe -

(1) Both the ends are antinodes and in between
them there is at least one node (c) (d)
(2) Both the ends are nodes and in between
them there is at least one antinode (1) a (2) b (3) c (4) d
(3) Antinode at one end and node at the other
(4) Both the ends are antinodes and in
between them there is no node. Q.129 The first overtone of a closed pipe is given by –
V 3V
(1) n2 = (2) n2 =
Q.125 In open pipes, the positions of antinodes are 4 4
obtained at – 5V 7V
(3) n2 = (4) n2 =
 4 4
(1) 0, , 2
2
 Q.130 The frequency of an open organ pipe is n. If
(2) 0, ,  one of its ends is closed then its fundamental
2
frequency will be –

WAVE THEORY 43
 (1) 2n (2) n (3) n/2 (4) 3n/4 (2) (v/4) and all harmonic are present
(3) (v/4) and only odd harmonics are present
Q.131 In an open organ pipe, if the fundamental (4) (v/4) and only even harmonics are present
frequency is n, the overtones produced in it are
in the ratio of- Q.139 For an open organ pipe of length  the
(1) 2n : 3n : 4n (2) 2n : 4n : 8n wavelength of the fundamental note is equal to-
(3) 3n : 5n : 7n (4) 3n : 7n : 11n (1)  (2) /2 (3) /4 (4) 2 

Q.132 An open pipe of length 33cm resonates with Q.140 A cylindrical tube, open at the both ends, has a
frequency of 1000Hz. If the speed of sound is fundamental frequency f in air . The tube is
330m/s, then this frequency is - dipped vertically in water so that half of it is in
(1) The fundamental frequency of the pipe water . The fundamental frequency of the air
(2) The first overtone of the pipe column is now -
(3) The second overtone of the pipe (1) f / 2 (2) 3f /4 (3) f (4) 2 f
(4) The fourth overtone of the pipe
Q.141 An air column in a pipe, which is closed at one
Q.133 The velocity of sound in air is 333 m/s. The length end. will be in resonance with a vibrating
of an open pipe, in order to produce second tuning fork of frequency 264 Hz if the length
overtone of frequency 999 Hz in it, will be - of the column in cm is-
(1) 1.5 m (2) 1.0 m (3) 0.5 m (4) 2 m (1) 31.25 (2) 62.50 (3) 93.75 (4) 125

Q.134 The length of an open pipe is 48 cm and its Q. 142 If length of a closed organ pipe is 1 m and
fundamental frequency is 320 Hz. If one of the velocity of sound is 330 m/s, then the
ends of the pipe is closed then its fundamental frequency is-
frequency will be- (V = 330m/s) -  330   330 
(1) 4   (2) 3  
(1) 160 Hz (2) 320 Hz  4   4 
(3) 200 Hz (4) 240 Hz
 330 
(3) 2   (4) None
Q.135 The ratio of the lengths of two closed pipes is  4 
31/30. Their fundamental frequencies are in
ratio of – Q. 143 In the open organ pipe, the fundamental
31 30 60 31 frequency is 30 vibration /sec. If the organ pipe
(1) (2) (3) (4)
30 31 31 60 is closed, then the fundamental frequency will
be-
Q.136 The length of an open pipe is 0.5m and the (1) 10 vib/sec (2) 20 vib/sec
velocity of sound in air is 332 m/sec. The (3) 30 vib/sec (4) 15 vib/sec
fundamental frequency of the pipe is -
(1) 166 Hz (2) 332 Hz Q. 144 An open organ pipe sounds a fundamental note
(3) 664 Hz (4) 996 Hz of frequency of 230 Hz . It the speed of sound
in air is 330 m/s., then the length of the pipe is
Q.137 Velocity of sound in air is 332 m/sec. The nearly-
shortest length of an open pipe which will (1) 0.25 m (2) 0.50 m
resonate with a tuning fork of frequency 166Hz (3) 0.75 m (4) 2.00 m
is -
(1) 4.0 m (2) 2.0 m Q. 145 An open organ pipe has fundamental frequency
(3) 1.0 m (4) 0.5 m of 300 Hz. The first overtone of this organ pipe
is the same as the first overtone of a closed
Q.138 With a closed end organ pipe of length , the organ pipe. The length of the closed organ pipe
fundamental tone has a frequency - is -
(1) (v/ 2) and all harmonics are present (1) 10 cm (2) 41 cm
(3) 82 cm (4) 164 cm
WAVE THEORY 44
 Waves and sound
Q. 146 A tube closed at one end and containing air, Q. 153 The wave produced in a resonating air
produces, when excited , the fundamental note column is-
of frequency 512 Hz. If the tube is open at both (1) Progressive longitudinal
ends, the fundamental frequency that can be (2) Stationary longitudinal
excited is ( in Hz) - (3) Progressive transverse
(1) 1024 (2) 512 (4) Stationary transverse
(3) 256 (4) 128
Q. 147 An organ pipe P1 closed at one end vibrating in Q. 154 In a long cylindrical tube , the water level is
its first harmonic and another pipe P2 open at adjusted and the air column above it is made to
both ends vibrating in its third harmonic are in vibrate in unison with a vibrating tuning fork
resonance with a given tuning fork. The ratio of kept at the open end . Maximum sound is heard
the length of P1 to that of P2 is- when the air column lengths are equal to-
  3  3
(1) 8/3 (2) 1/6 (1) , , (2) , ,
(3) 1/2 (4) 1/3 4 2 4 2 2
 3 5  3 5
(3) , , (4) , ,
Q. 148 An organ pipe of effective length 0.6 m is 2 2 2 4 4 4
closed at one end . Given that the speed of the
sound in air is 300 m/sec, the two lowest Q. 155 Standing stationary waves can be obtained in
frequencies for the pipe are- an air column even if interfering waves are-
(1) 250 Hz, 750 Hz (2) 250 Hz , 500 Hz (1) Of different pitches
(3) 125 Hz, 375 Hz (4) 125 Hz , 250 Hz (2) Of different amplitudes
(3) Of different qualities
Q. 149 The fundamental frequency of an open pipe is (4) Moving with different velocities
30 Hz. If one end of this pipe is closed, then the
fundamental frequency will be - Q. 156 The correct formula for determination of
(1) 15 Hz (2) 30 Hz velocity of sound be resonance tube is -
(3) 45 Hz (4) 60 Hz (1) V = n(2 – 1) (2) V = 2n(2 – 1)
2n ( –  )
Q.150 An open pipe is suddenly closed at one end with (3) V = (4) V = 2 1
(2 – 1 ) 2n
the result that the frequency of third harmonic
of the closed pipe is found to be higher by
100Hz than the fundamental frequency of the Q. 157 The approximate relation between the first and
open pipe. The fundamental frequency of the second resonance lengths of a resonance tube is –
open pipe is - (1) 2 = 1 (2) 2 = 21
(1) 200 Hz (2) 300 Hz
(3) 2 = 31 (4) 2 = 1/2
(3) 240 Hz (4) 480 Hz

Q. 151 The velocity of sound in air is 330 m/s. Then Q. 158 The first two resonance lengths in a resonance
the frequency that will resonate with an open tube formed are 16.5 cm and 51cm. The end
pipe of length 1m is - correction for the tube is –
(1) 165 Hz (2) 330 Hz (1) 0.25 cm (2) 0.50 cm
(3) 495 Hz (4) All of the above (3) 0.75 cm (4) 1.00 cm

Q. 159 A resonance tube is resonated with tuning fork

Q. 152 An open pipe of length L and another open pipe
of frequency 256 Hz, If the lengths of
of length (L + x) are sounded together. If the
resonating air columns are 32cm and 100cm,
velocity of sound is V and x << L, then the beat
then end correction will be -
frequency produced will be -
(1) 2cm (2) 4cm
(1) Vx2/2L (2) VL/2x2
(3) 6 cm (4) 1 cm
(3) Vx/2L2 (4) VL2/ 2x

WAVE THEORY 45
Q.160 To reduce the frequency of a tuning fork – Q. 167 The frequency of a fork A is 3 % more than the
(1) It should be scraped by a file frequency of a standard fork whereas the
(2) It should be loaded with a little wax. frequency of fork B is 3% less. The forks A
(3) Either of (1) and (2) and B produce 6 beats per second. The
(4) Neither of (1) and (2) frequency of standard fork will be-
(1) 100 Hz (2) 106 Hz
(3) 103 Hz (4) 112 Hz

Q. 168 Beats are produced by two waves y1 = a sin

Q. 161 The number of beats produced per second is 2000 t and y2 = a sin 2008 t. The number
equal to the -
of beats heard per second is-
(1) Sum of frequencies of two forks
(1) Zero (2) One
(2) Difference of frequencies of two forks
(3) Ratio of frequencies of two forks (3) Four (4) Eight
(4) Product of frequencies of two forks
Q. 169 Two waves are y = 0.25 sin 316 t and
Q. 162 Beats are the result of - y = 0.25 sin 310 t are travelling in same
(1) Diffraction direction. The number of beats produced per
(2) Destructive interference second will be -
(3) Constructive and destructive interference (1) 6 (2) 3 (3) 3 / (4) / 3
(4) Superposition of two waves of nearly equal
frequencies Q.170 A sources of sound gives 5 beats per second
when sounded with another sources of
Q. 163 Two adjacent piano keys are struck frequency 100 second–1 . The second harmonic
simultaneously. The notes emitted by them have of the source, together with a source of
frequencies n1 and n2 . The number of beats
frequency 205 second–1 gives 5 beats per
heard per sound is - second. What is the frequency of the source ?
(1) (n1 – n2) /2 (2) (n1 + n2) / 2 (1) 95 sec–1 (2) 100 sec–1
(3) n1 – n2 (4) 2 ( n1 – n2 ) (3) 105 sec–1 (4) 205 sec–1

Q. 164 The fork A of frequency 100 is sounded with Q. 171 When tension in a string is 225N, then
another tuning fork B. The number of beats vibrating in fundamental mode it produces
produced is 2. On putting some wax on the 6 beats per second with a tuning fork. The
prong of B, the number of beats reduces to 1. same string, when under tension of 256 N,
The frequency of the fork B is - again vibrating in fundamental mode produces
(1) 101 (2) 99 (3) 102 (4) 98
with the same tuning fork 6 beats/sec. Then the
frequency of the tuning fork is -
Q. 165 If two tuning forks A and B are sounded
(1) 256Hz (2) 225Hz
together, they produce 4 beats per sound . A is
(3) 240Hz (4) 186Hz
then slightly loaded with wax, they produce two
beats when sounded again. The frequency of A
is 256. The frequency of B will be- Q. 172 A sonometer wire is 31cm long is in resonance
(1) 250 (2) 252 (3) 260 (4) 262 with a tuning fork of frequency n. If the length
is increased by 1cm and it is vibrated with the
Q. 166 56 tuning forks are so arranged in series that same tuning fork, then 8 beats/sec are heard.
each fork gives 4 beats per sec with the pervious The frequency of the tuning fork is -
one. The frequency of the last fork is 3 times (1) 248Hz (2) 256Hz
that of the first. The frequency of the first fork is - (3) 264Hz (4) None
(1) 110 (2) 56 (3) 60 (4) 52

WAVE THEORY 46
 Waves and sound
Q. 173 A set of 24 tuning forks are so arranged that
each gives 4 beats per second with the previous
one and the last sounds the octave of the first.
Then the frequency of the last fork is -
(1) 92 Hz (2) 184Hz
(3) 116Hz (4) 160Hz

Q. 174 Five beats per second are heard when a tuning

fork is sounded together with a sonometer wire,
when its length is either 95 cm or 100 cm. Then ,
the frequency of the tuning fork is -
(1) 190Hz (2) 195Hz
(3) 200Hz (4) 185 Hz

Q. 175 Voice of a child is more shrill than that of an

elderly person because -
(1) The pitch of the child's voice is higher than
that of the person
(2) The pitch is lower
(3) The child is more energetic
(4) None of the above

Q. 176 The terms pitch, quality and loudness of sound

are associated with the following, respectively –
(1) Intensity, frequency and waveform
(2) Frequency, intensity and waveform
(3) Frequency, waveform and intensity
(4) Waveform, frequency and intensity

Q. 177 In an orchestra, the musical sounds of different

instruments are distinguished from one another
by which of the following characteristic –
(1) Pitch (2) Loudness
(3) Quality (4) Overtones

WAVE THEORY 47
 EXERCISE # 2
Q.1 The wrong statement is - Q.6 Of the following properties of a wave, the one
(1) Superposition takes place between light that is independent of the other is its -
waves (1) Amplitude (2) Velocity
(2) Superposition takes place between sound (3) Wavelength (4) Frequency
wave
(3) Superposition takes place between light Q.7 Two sound waves are respectively y = a sin
waves and sound waves both (t – kx) and y = b cos (t – kx) the phase
(4) Superposition takes place between laser difference between the two waves is -
waves (1) / 2 (2)  / 4 (3)  (3) 3/4

Q.2 Which of the following properties is true for all Q.8 At a moment in a progressive wave, the phase
types of waves ? 
(1) All the waves of same frequency move with of a particle executing S.H.M. is . Then the
3
same velocity irrespective of the
phase of the particle 15 cm ahead and at the
medium
T
(2) All the waves of same amplitude have same time will be, if the wavelength is 60 cm -
2
intensity
(3) All the waves transfer the energy of but not  2 5
(1) (2) (3) zero (4)
transfer of medium takes place 2 3 6
(4) All waves need medium
Q.9 If the equation of progressive wave given by
Q.3 When stationary waves are produced the energy L
t x 
M O
P
y = 4 sin  5  9  6 then .Which of the
is zero is nodes because - N Q
(1) Energy is lost following is correct-
(2) Energy in transferred to towards antinodes (1) v = 5 cm/s (2) = 18 m
(3) Some portion is transferred to antinodes (3) A = 0.04 cm (4) f = 50 Hz
and same is lost
(4) All of the above Q.10 The two waves having intensities in the ratio
1 : 9 produce interference. The ratio of the
Q.4 Disturbances of two waves are shown as a maximum to the minimum intensities is equal
function of time in the following figure. The to -
ratio of their intensities will be - (1) 10 : 8 (2) 9 :1 (3) 4 :1 (4) 2 :1
II
2a Q.11 If a wave is represented by the following
I
a 2x 2vt
f equation y = A cos sin then it is a :
y  
(1) Progressive wave
(2) Stationary wave
(1) 1 : 4 (2) 4 : 1
(3) Longitudinal progressive wave
(3) 1 : 2 (4) 1 : 1
(4) Transverse progressive wave

Q.5 The equation of a progressive wave is

Q.12 A transverse wave is described by the equation
  y = y0 sin 2  ( f t – x / ). The maximum
y = a sin  x  200t  . The frequency of the
 2  particle velocity is equal to four times the wave
wave will be - velocity if -
(1) 0.1 Hz (2) 25 Hz (1)  =  y0/4 (2)  = y0/2
(3) 100 Hz (4) 200 Hz
(3)  =  y0 (4) = 2 y0

WAVE THEORY 48
 Waves and sound
Q.13 If the radius of a stretched string is reduced to Q.20 A transverse wave along a string is given by
one third, keeping its tension, density and force  
constant, then the speed of sound, as compared y = 2 sin  23t  x   
 4
to its initial value will become -
where, x and y are in cm and t is second. The
(1) Double (2) Three times
acceleration of a particle located at
(3) Four times (4) Zero
x = 4 cm at t = 1 s is -

Q.14 In a stationary sound waves in air - (1) 36 2  2 cm/s2 (2) 362 cm/s2
(1) At rest at the same time twice in every (3) – 36 2 2 cm/s2 (4) – 362cm/s2
period of oscillation
(2) At rest at the same time once in every period Q.21 If the amplitudes of two sources, having equal
of oscillation frequency are not equal, then-
(3) Never at rest at the same time (1) There will be no interference
(4) Never at rest at all (2) The intensity of sound will be the same at
all the points
Q.15 Stationary wave is represented by : (3) The intensity of sound at any point will
y = A sin (100t ) cos (0.01x) decrease and increase
where y and A are in mm, t in sec, and x in m. (4) The interference will be there, but the
The velocity of the wave - minimum intensity will not be zero.
(1) 1 m/s (2) 102 m/s
(3) 104 m/s (4) not derivable Q.22 The beats are produced by two sound sources
of same amplitude and of nearly equal
Q.16 The time taken by a transverse wave to travel frequencies. The maximum intensity of beats
the full length of a uniform rope of mass 0.1 kg will be ..... that of one source -
and length 2.45 m hanging from the ceiling, is- (1) Same (2) Double
(1) 1 s (2) 0.5 s (3) 2 s (4) 1.5 s (3) Four times (4) Eight times

Q.17 A sonometer wire of density d and radius r is 3λ

Q.23 Two vertical antennas situated at a distance
held between two bridges at a distance L apart. 2
The wire has a tension T. The fundamental emit radio signals of same wavelength. The
frequency of the wire will be - intensity of each is I0. The intensity at a point
1 T r d equidistant from two antennas will be -
(1) f = (2) f =
2Lr d 2L T (1) 4 I 0 (2) 2 I 0
1 d 1 d (3) zero (4) I 0
(3) f = (4) f =
2Lr T 2L T
Q.24 The keys of two pianos are simultaneously
Q.18 The tension of a piano wire is 16 Kg weight. pressed. The frequencies of nodes produced by
What must be the change in tension so as to them are n1 and n2. The number of beats
produce a tone an octave lower - produced per second is -
(1) 8 kg weight (2) 32 kg weight (1) (n1 – n2)
(3) 12 kg weight (4) 4 kg weight
(n 1  n 2 )
(2)
2
Q.19 A stretched wire of length 114 cm is divided
(n  n 2 )
into three segments whose frequencies are in the (3) 1
ratio 1 : 3 : 4, the length of the segments must 2
be in the ratio - (4) 2(n1 – n2)
(1) 18 : 24 : 72 (2) 24 : 72 : 18
(3) 24 : 18 : 72 (4) 72 : 24 : 18

WAVE THEORY 49
Q.25 On sounding two tuning forks A and B together Q.31 The frequency of an open pipe is 300Hz. The
5 beats per second are produced. On filling A first overtone of this pipe is the same as the
slightly, the number of beats per second first overtone of a closed pipe. The length of
becomes 2. If the frequency of the A is 384 Hz. the closed organ pipe is -
Then the frequency of B will be - (1) 21 cm (2) 42 cm (3) 11 cm (4) 84 cm
(1) 319 Hz (2) 314 Hz
(3) 389 Hz (4) 334 Hz Q.32 The fundamental frequency of an open pipe is
n. Keeping the pipe vertical it is submerged in
Q.26 A tuning fork when sounded with tuning fork of water so that half of its length is filled with
frequency 256 produces 4 beats/sec and when water. The fundamental frequency of the air
sounded with another of frequency 250 column above water is -
produces 2 beats/sec. The frequency of the fork (1) n/2 (2) 3n/4 (3) n (4) 2n
is -
(1) 260 (2) 252 (3) 248 (4) 250 Q.33 A metallic rod of length 0.88 m is arranged in
Kundt’s tube by clamping at its midpoint. If
Q.27 When a unknown fork is sounded with a known the distance between two consecutive nodes in
fork of frequency 288Hz then 5 beats per the tube is 8 cm then the velocity of sound in
second are produced. The unknown fork is metal will be (V = 332 m/s) -
again sounded after loading it with wax and (1) 3652 m/s (2) 365 m/s
again 5 beats are produced. The frequency of (3) 36.5 m/s (4) 3.65 m/s
unknown fork will be -
(1) 283 Hz (2) 293 Hz Q.34 Two identical sonometer wires have a
(3) 288 Hz (4) 292 Hz fundamental frequency of 500 Hz when kept
under the same tension. What fractional
Q.28 If a vibrating tuning fork is put in contact with increase in the tension of one wire would cause
the sonometer box then the rider on the wire an occurence of 5 beats/sec when both wires
falls down. The frequency of tuning fork, as the vibrate together ?
compared to that of the sonometer wire will be - (1) 1% (2) 2% (3) 3% (4) 4%
(1) More
(2) Less Q.35 Two sound waves, originating from the same
(3) Equal sound source travel along different paths in air
(4) No relation between the two and than meet at a point . The speed of the
sound is 330m/s. If the source vibrates at a
Q.29 A metal wire of diameter 1 mm is stretched with frequency of 500 Hz and one path is
a tension of 100N between two bridges 50cm 33 cm linger than the other, then the nature of
apart. It vibrates with its fundamental frequency interference is -
to produce 5 beats with a tuning fork. The same (1) Destructive
number of beats/s are heard when tension is (2) Constructive
reduced to 81 N. The frequency of the fork is - (3) Neither destructive nor constructive
(1) 75 Hz. (2) 85 Hz (4) Nothing can be predicted
(3) 95 Hz (4) 105 Hz
Q.36 Air is blown on the mouth of a tube of length
Q.30 If oil of density higher than that of water be 25 cm and diameter 2 cm. The tube is open at
used (in place of water) in a resonance tube, both the ends . The velocity of sound is 330
then its frequency will - m/s. Then sound which is produced will
(1) Increase correspond to frequencies -
(2) Decrease (1) 660 Hz, 1320 Hz, 1980 Hz
(3) Remain the same (2) 330 Hz , 990 Hz, 1650 Hz
(4) Depend upon the density of the material of (3) 330 Hz, 660 Hz , 990 Hz
the tube (4) All of the above

WAVE THEORY 50
 Waves and sound
Q.37 A brass rod of length 3 meter is clamped at the
centre. It emits a not of frequency Q.39 An organ pipe P1 closed at one end vibrating in
600 Hz when longitudinal vibrations are excited. its first harmonic and another pipe P2 open at
If the density of the brass is both ends vibrating in its third harmonic are in
3 3
8.3 × 10 kg/m , then the Young's modulus of resonance with a given tuning fork. The ratio
the brass is - of the length of P1 to that of P2 is -
(1) 10.7 × 1010 N/m2 (1) 8/3 (2) 1/6
(2) 3.8 × 1011 N/m2 (3) 1/2 (4) 1/3
(3) 2.7 × 1010 N/m2
(4) Can not be determined Q.40 A sonometer wire with a suspended mass of
M =1 kg is in resonance with a given tuning
Q.38 In a resonance tube, using a tuning fork of fork. The apparatus is taken to the moon where
frequency 325 Hz, two successive resonance the acceleration due to gravity is 1/6 that on the
length are observed at 25.4 cm and 77.4 cm earth. To obtain resonance on the moon, the
respectively . The velocity of sound in air is - value of M should be -
(1) 338 ms–1 (2) 328 ms–1 (1) 1 kg (2) 6 kg
(3) 330 ms–1 (4) 320 ms–1
(3) 6 kg (4) 24 kg

WAVE THEORY 51
 EXERCISE # 3(A)
Q.1 Which one of the following statements is true- Q.7 'SONAR' emits which of the following waves ?
[AIPMT-2006] [AIIMS-1999]
(1) Both light and sound waves in air are (1) radio waves (2) ultrasonic waves
transverse (3) magnetic waves (4) light waves
(2) The sound waves in air are longitudinal
Q.8 Energy is not carried by which of the following
while the light waves are transverse
waves ? [AIIMS-1999]
(3) Both light and sound waves in air are
(1) stationary (2) transverse
longitudinal (3) progressive (4) electromagnetic
(4) Both light and sound waves can travel in
vacuum Q.9 The ratio of intensities of two waves is 9 : 1.
When they superimpose, the ratio of maximum
Q.2 The waves in which the particles of the medium to minimum intensity will become-
vibrate in a direction perpendicular to the [AIIMS-2000]
direction of wave motion is known as- (1) 4 : 1 (2) 3 : 1 (3) 2 : 1 (4) 1 : 1
[AIIMS-1998]
(1) transverse waves (2) propagated waves Q.10 Two waves are said to be coherent, if they
have- [AIIMS-2000]
(3) longitudinal waves (4) stationary waves
(1) same frequency but different amplitude
(2) same phase and different amplitudes
Q.3 The intensity of sound increases at night due to- (3) same frequency, phase and amplitudes
[AIIMS-1998] (4) different frequency, phase and amplitudes
(1) increase in density of air
(2) decrease in density of air Q.11 A wave is represented by the equation :
(3) low temperature y = a sin (0.01x – 2t) where a and x are in cm.
(4) high temperature Velocity of propagation of wave is-
[AIIMS-2000]
Q.4 Newton's formula for the velocity of sound in (1) 20 cm/s (2) 50 cm/s
gases- [AIIMS-1998] (3) 100 cm/s (4) 200 cm/s

2p p Q.12 A vehicle, with a horn of frequency n is

(1) v = (2) v =
  moving with a velocity of 30 m/s in a direction
perpendicular to the straight line joining the
 3 p
(3) v = (4) v = observer and the vehicle. The observer
p 2 
perceives the sound to have a frequency n + n1.
Then – (Take velocity of sound in air 330 m/s)
Q.5 If vibrations of a string are to be increased to a [AIIMS-2000]
factor of two, then tension in the string must be (1) n1 = 10 n (2) n1 = –n
made- [AIIMS-1999] (3) n1 = 0 (4) n1 = 2n
(1) half (2) thrice
(3) four times (4) eight times Q.13 How does the red shift confirm that the
universe is expanding ? [AIIMS-2001]
(1) wavelength of light emitted by galaxies
Q.6 A siren emitting sound of frequency 500 Hz is
appears to decrease
going away from a static listener with a speed of
(2) wavelength of light emitted by galaxies
50 m/sec. The frequency of sound to be heard
appears to be the same
directly from the siren is- [AIIMS-1999] (3) wavelength of light emitted by galaxies
(1) 434.2 Hz (2) 589.3 Hz appears to increase
(3) 484.2 Hz (4) 256.5 Hz (4) none of these

WAVE THEORY 52
 Waves and sound
Q.14 A sings with a frequency (n) and B sings with a
frequency 1/8 that of A. If the energy remains Q.20 A string in a musical instrument is 50 cm long
the same and the amplitude of A is a, then and its fundamental frequency is 800 Hz. If a
amplitude of B will be- [AIIMS-2001] frequency of 1000 Hz is to be produced, then
(1) 2a (2) 8a required length of string is-[AIIMS-2002]
(3) 4a (4) a (1) 62.5 cm (2) 50 cm
(3) 40 cm (4) 37.5 cm
Q.15 The tension in a piano wire is 10N. What
should be the tension in the wire to produce a Q.21 What is the path difference for destructive
note of double the frequency ? interference ? [AIIMS-2002]
[AIIMS-2001] (1) n (2) n( + 1)
(1) 10N (2) 20N (n  1) (2n  1)
(3) 40N (4) 80N (3) (4)
2 2

Q.16 If equation of a sound wave is y = 0.0015 Q.22 An earthquake generates both transverse (S)
sin(62.8x + 314t) then its wavelength will be- and longitudinal (P) sound waves in the earth.
[AIIMS-2002,AFMC-2002] The speed of S waves is about 4.5 km/s and
(1) 2 unit (2) 0.3 unit that of P waves is about 8.0 km/s. A
(3) 0.1 unit (4) 0.2 unit seismograph records P and S waves from an
earthquake. The first P wave arrives 4.0 min
Q.17 A siren emitting sound of frequency 800 Hz is before the first S wave. The epicenter of the
going away from a static listener with a speed of earthquake is located at a distance of about-
30 m/s. Frequency of sound to be heared by the [AIIMS-2003]
listener is- [AIIMS-2002] (1) 25 km (2) 250 km
(1) 286.5 Hz (2) 418.2 Hz (3) 2500 km (4) 5000 km
(3) 733.3 Hz (4) 644.8 Hz
Q.23 The waves produced by a motorboat sailing in
Q.18 The velocities of sound at the same pressure in water are- [AIIMS-2004]
two monatomic gases of densities 1 and 2 are (1) Transverse
(2) Longitudinal

v1 and v2 respectively. If 1 = 4, then the (3) Longitudinal and transverse
2
(4) Stationary
v1
value of is- [AIIMS-2002]
v2 Q.24 An organ pipe closed at one end has
fundamental frequency of 1500 Hz. The
1 1
(1) (2) (3) 2 (4) 4 maximum number of overtones generated by
4 2 this pipe which a normal person can hear is-
[AIIMS-2004]
Q.19 The graph between wave number ( v ) and (1) 14 (2) 13 (3) 6 (4) 9
angular frequency () is-[AIIMS-2002]
Q.25 A boat at anchor is rocked by waves whose
frequency()

frequency()

crests are 100 m apart and velocity is 25 m/sec.

Angular

Angular

The boat bounces up once in every-

(1) (2) [AIIMS-2006]
Wave no.( v ) Wave no.( v ) (1) 2500 s (2) 75 s (3) 4 s (4) 0.25 s
frequency()

frequency()

Q.26 For a wave propagating in a medium, identify

the property that is independent of the others-
Angular

Angular

(3) (4) [AIIMS-2006]

(1) Velocity
Wave no.( v ) Wave no.( v ) (2) Wavelength
(3) Frequency

WAVE THEORY 53
 (4) All these depend on each other (1) 529.2 Hz (2) 295.2 Hz
(3) 440.5 Hz (4) none of these
Q.27 When a guitar string is sounded with a 440 Hz Q.33 Two sound waves have phase difference of 60º,
tuning fork a beat frequency of 5 Hz is heard if then they will have the path difference of-
the experiment is repeated with a tuning fork of [AIIMS-2001]
437 Hz. The beat frequency is 8 Hz. The string  
(1) 3 (2) (3) (4) 
frequency (in Hz) is- [AIIMS-2006] 3 6
(1) 445 (2) 435 (3) 429 (4) 448

Q.28 The driver of a car travelling with speed Q.34 In a sinusoidal wave, the time required for a
30m/sec towards a hill sounds a horn of particular particle to move from mean position
frequency 600 Hz. If the velocity of sound in to maximum displacement is 0.17 sec then the
air is 330 m/s, the frequency of reflected sound frequency of wave is- [AIIMS-2001]
as heard by driver is- [AIPMT-2009] (1) 1.47 Hz (2) 0.36 Hz
(1) 500 Hz (2) 550 Hz (3) 2.94 Hz (4) 2.48 Hz
(3) 555.5 Hz (4) 720 Hz
Q.35 At what temperature the speed of sound in air
Q.29 A wave in a string has an amplitude of 2cm. will become double of its value at 27ºC ?
The wave travels in the +ve direction of x-axis [AIIMS-2002]
with a speed of 128 m/sec and it is noted that 5 (1) 54ºC (2) 627ºC
complete waves fit in 4m length of the string. (3) 927ºC (4) 327ºC
The equation describing the wave is-
[AIPMT-2009] Q.36 Two tuning forks P and Q when set vibrating,
(1) y = (0.02)m sin(7.85x – 1005t) give 4 beats per second. If a prong of the fork
(2) y = (0.02)m sin(7.85x + 1005t) P is filed, the beats are reduced to 2 per second.
(3) y = (0.02)m sin(15.7x – 2010t) What is frequency of P, if that of Q is 250 Hz ?
(4) y = (0.02)m sin(15.7x + 2010t) [AIIMS-2006]
(1) 246 Hz (2) 250 Hz
Q.30 Each of the two strings of length 51.6 cm and (3) 254 Hz (4) 252 Hz
49.1 cm are tensioned separately by 20N force.
Mass per unit length of both the strings is same Q.37 A person speaking normally produces a sound
and equal to 1 g/m. When both the strings intensity of 40 dB at a distance of 1m. If the
vibrate simultaneously the number of beats is-
threshold intensity for reasonable audibility is
[AIPMT-2009] 20 dB, the maximum distance at which he can
(1) 3 (2) 5 (3) 7 (4) 8 be heard clearly is- [AIIMS-2008]
Q.31 A transverse wave passes through a string with (1) 4 m (2) 5 m
the equation y = 10 sin(0.02 x – 2.00t), where (3) 10 m (4) 20 m
x is in metre and t in second. The maximum
velocity of the particle in wave motion is- Q.38 A wave represented by the equation
[AIIMS-2000] y = acos(kx – t) is superposed with another
(1) 100 m/s (2) 63 m/s wave to form a stationary wave such that the
(3) 120 m/s (4) 161 m/s point x = 0 is a node. The equation of the other
wave is- [AIIMS-2009]
Q.32 Two cars A and B approach a stationary (1) a sin(kx + t) (2) –a cos(kx + t)
observer from opposite sides as shown in figure. (3) –a cos(kx – t) (4) –a sin(kx – t)
Observer hears no beats. If the frequency of the
horn of the car B is 504 Hz, the frequency of Q.39 On producing the waves of frequency 1000 Hz
horn of car A will be- [AIIMS-2000] in a Kundt's tube, the total distance between 6
15 m/sec 30 m/sec successive nodes is 85 cm. Speed of sound in
the gas filled in the tube is- [AFMC-1999]
(1) 300 m/s (2) 350 m/s
A vijay B (3) 340 m/s (4) 330 m/s

WAVE THEORY 54
 Waves and sound
(3) 10 : 9 (4) 4 : 3
Q.40 Which of the following are not the transverse Q.47 Two organ pipes sounded together give 5 beats
wave ? [AFMC-1999] per second. If their length are in the ratio of
(1) Sound waves in the gas 50 : 51, then the frequency of shorter and
(2) Visible light waves longer pipes are respectively-[AFMC-2001]
(3) X-rays (1) 250, 245 (2) 245, 250
(4) -rays (3) 250, 255 (4) 255, 250

Q.41 In a transverse progressive wave of amplitude A, Q.48 An organ pipe P1 is closed at one end and
the maximum particle velocity is four times its vibrating in its first overtone and another pipe
wave velocity, then the wavelength of the wave P2 opened at both ends vibrating in its third
is- [AFMC-2000] overtone are in resonance with a given tuning
A A fork. Then the ratio of length P1 and P2 is-
(1) 2A (2) A (3) (4)
2 4 [AFMC-2001]
1 2 8 3
(1) (2) (3) (4)
Q.42 Masses of three wires of copper are in the ratio 3 3 3 8
of 1 : 3 : 5 and their lengths are in the ratio of
5 : 3 : 1. The ratio of their electrical resistance Q.49 A standing wave is represented by
is- [AFMC-2000] y =a sin(100t) cos(0.01x) where t is in second
(1) 125 : 15 : 1 (2) 1 : 15 : 125 and x is in meter. Then the velocity of the
(3) 5 : 3 : 1 (4) 1 : 3 : 5 wave is- [AFMC-2002]
(1) 10–2 m/s (2) 10–4 m/s
Q.43 The speed of a wave in a medium is 650 m/s. If (3) 1 m/s (4) 104 m/s
4000 waves are passing through a point in the
medium in 1.67 minute, then its wavelength will Q.50 The amplitude of the vibrating particle due to
be- [AFMC-2000] superposition of two simple harmonic motions
(1) 25.16 m (2) 16.25 m
 
(3) 32.50 m (4) 8.25 m of y1 = sin  t   and y2 = sin(t) will be-
 3

Q.44 A string is fixed at both ends and it oscillates in [AFMC-2002]

5 segments each of length 8 m and velocity of (1) 2 (2) 3
wave is 32 m/s. What is the frequency of (3) 2 (4) 1
oscillation of the string ? [AFMC-2000]
(1) 4 Hz (2) 2 Hz
(3) 3 Hz (4) 1 Hz Q.51 Two sine waves having unequal amplitudes

and a phase difference of , are travelling
Q.45 Two sound sources emitting sound each of 2
along x and y-axis respectively. When they
wavelength  are fixed at a given distance apart.
superimpose, the resultant wave will be-
A listener standing between them moves with a
[AFMC-2003]
velocity u along the line joining the two sources. (1) elliptical (2) hyperbolic
The number of beats heard by him per second (3) straight line (4) parabolic
is- [AFMC-2001]
u 2u u 3u Q.52 Two closed organ pipes of length 100 cm and
(1) (2) (3) (4)
  2  101 cm long gives 16 beats in 20 s. When each
pipe is sounded in its fundamental mode,
Q.46 Two waves, whose intensities are 9 : 16 are calculated the velocity of sound-
made to interfere the ratio of maximum and [AFMC-2003]
minimum intensities in the interference pattern (1) 303 m/s (2) 332 m/s
is- [AFMC-2001] (3) 323.2 m/s (4) 300 m/s
(1) 49 : 1 (2) 25 : 7
WAVE THEORY 55
Q.53 If fundamental frequency of closed pipe is Q.60 A tuning fork A produces 4 beat/s with another
50 Hz, then frequency of second overtone is- tuning fork B of frequency 320 Hz. On filing
[AFMC-2004] one of the prongs of A, 4 beats/s are again
(1) 100 Hz (2) 50 Hz heard when sounded with the same fork B.
(3) 250 Hz (4) 150 Hz Then, the frequency of the fork A before filing
is-
Q.54 If CS be the velocity of sound in air and C be the [AFMC-2008]
rms speed, then- [AFMC-2005] (1) 328 Hz (2) 316 Hz
(1) CS > C (2) CS = C (3) 324 Hz (4) 320 Hz
 Q.61 The equation of a simple harmonic wave is
(3) CS = C. (4) none of these
3 
given by y = 5 sin (100t  x ) , where x and y
2
Q.55 The time of reverberation of a room A is one are in metre and time t is in second. The
second. What will be the time (in second) of period of the wave in second will be-
reverberation of a room, having all the [AFMC-2008]
dimensions double of those of room A ? (1) 0.04 (2) 0.01
[AFMC-2006] (3) 1 (4) 5
1
(1) 2 (2) 4 (3) (4) 1
2 Q.62 The loudness and pitch of a sound note
depends on- [AFMC-2008]
Q56 A closed organ pipe of length 20 cm is sounded (1) intensity and frequency
with tuning fork in resonance. What is the (2) frequency and number of harmonics
frequency of tuning fork ? (v = 332 m/s) (3) intensity and velocity
[AFMC-2006] (4) frequency and velocity
(1) 300 Hz (2) 350 Hz
(3) 375 Hz (4) 415 Hz Q.63 The equation of a stationary wave along a
stretched string is given by :
Q.57 An observer moves towards a stationary source 2x
y = 4sin cos40t
of sound, with a velocity one-fifth of the 3
velocity of sound. What is the percentage where x and y are in cm and t is in sec. The
increase in the apparent frequency ? separation between two adjacent nodes is-
[AFMC-2006] [AFMC-2009]
(1) 5 % (2) 20 % (3) Zero (4) 0.5 % (1) 3 cm (2) 1.5 cm
(3) 6 cm (4) 4 cm
Q.58 The fundamental frequency of a closed pipe is
1 Q.64 A transverse wave is represented by y = A
220 Hz. If of the pipe is filled with water,
4 sin(t – kx). For what value of the wavelength
the frequency of the first overtone of the pipe is the wave velocity equal to the maximum
now is- [AFMC-2007] particle velocity ? [AIPMT Pre-2010]
(1) 220 Hz (2) 440 Hz (1) A/2 (2) A (3) 2A (4) A
(3) 880 Hz (4) 1760 Hz
Q.65 A tuning fork of frequency 512 Hz makes 4
Q.59 A stationary wave is represented by beats per second with the vibrating string of a
y = Asin100t.cos(0.1x), where y and A are in piano. The beat frequency decreases to 2 beats
mm, t in second and x in cm. Then the per sec when the tension in the piano string is
positions of nodes are- [AFMC-2007] slightly increased. The frequency of the piano
(1) 0, 10, 20, .... cm (2) 5, 15, 25, ... cm string before increasing the tension was-
(3) 4, 14, 24, .... cm (4) 0, 8, 18, ... cm [AIPMT Pre-2010]
(1) 510 Hz (2) 514 Hz (3) 516 Hz (4) 508 Hz

WAVE THEORY 56
 Waves and sound
Q.66 Two waves are represented by the equations
y1 = a sin (t + kx + 0.57) m and y2 = a cos (t
+ kx)m, where x is in meter and t in sec. The
phase difference between them is :
[AIPMT Pre-2011]
(1) 0.57 radian (2) 10 radian
(3) 1.25 radian (4) 1.57 radian

Q.67 Out of the following functions representing

motion of a particle which represents SHM :
(A) y = sin t – cos t (B) y = sin3 t
 3 
(C) y = 5 cos   3t  [AIPMT Pre-2011]
 4 
(D) y = 1 + t + 2t2
(1) Only (A) and (B)
(2) Only (A)
(3) Only (D) does not represent SHM
(4) Only (A) and (C)

Q.68 Sound waves travel at 350 m/s through a warm

air and at 3500 m/s through brass. The
wavelength of a 700 Hz acoustic wave as it
enters brass from warm air :
[AIPMT Pre-2011]
(1) decreases by a factor 20
(2) decreases by a factor 10
(3) increases by a factor 20
(4) increases by a factor 10

Q.69 Two identical piano wires, kept under the same

tension T have a fundamental frequency of
600Hz. The fractional increase in the tension of
one of the wires which will lead to occurrence
of 6 beats / s when both the wires oscillate
together would be : [AIPMT Mains-2011]
(1) 0.01 (2) 0.02
(3) 0.03 (4) 0.04

WAVE THEORY 57
 EXERCISE # 3(B)
Q.1 The intensity of the sound at 3m distance from a (1) 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 (2) 16 : 9 : 4 : 1
small loudspeaker of power 10 W is 2 W/m2. If (3) 1 : 4 : 9 : 16 (4) 4 : 3 : 2 : 1
the power of loudspeaker is doubled then
intensity at 6 m will be- [MPPMT-92] Q.9 A man standing on a cliff claps his hand and
(1) 4 W/m2 (2) 2 W/m2 hears its echo after one second. If the sound is
(3) 1 W/m2 (4) 0.5 W/m2 reflected from another mountain then the
distance between the man & reflection points is
Q.2 Sound wave are not polarized because- Vsound = 340 m/sec. [RPET-2000]
[RPMT-93] (1) 680 m (2) 340 m
(1) Their speed is less (3) 170 m (4) 85 m
(2) The medium is needed for their propagation
(3) These are longitudinal Q.10 A string is rigided by two ends and its equation
(4) Their speed depends on temperature is given by y = cos2t sin 2x. Then minimum
length of string is - [RPMT-2001]
Q.3 The equation of wave is given as (1) 1m (2) 1/2m
Y = Asin(x/v – K) where  is the angular (3) 5m (4) 2m
velocity and v is the linear velocity. The
dimension of K is- [RPMT-93] Q.11 If the velocity of wave is 360 m/sec and
(1) LT (2) T frequency 500 Hz then find the path difference
(3) T–1 (4) T2 corresponding to 60º phase difference-
[RPMT-2001]
Q.4 Ratio of amplitudes of two waves is 3 : 4. The (1) 10 cm (2) 12 cm
ratio of maximum and minimum intensity (3) 15 cm (4) 72 cm
obtained from then will be- [RPET-93]
(1) 7 : 1 (2) 49 : 1 Q.12 A tuning fork A produces 4 beats/sec with
(3) 1 : 25 (4) 5 : 1 another tuning fork B of frequency 320 Hz. On
filing the fork A, 4 beats/sec are again heard.
Q.5 In a string the speed of wave is 10 m/s and its The frequency of fork A, before filing is-
frequency is 100 Hz. The value of the phase [KCET- 1999]
difference at a distance 2.5 cm will be- (1) 318 (2) 316 (3) 320 (4) 312
[RPET-94]
(1) /2 (2) /8 Q.13 A tuning fork produces 4 beats/sec with another
(3) 3/2 (4) 2 tuning fork B of frequency 288 Hz. If fork is
loaded with little wax, no. of beats per sec
Q.6 Length of a sonometer wire is either 95 cm or decreases. The frequency of the fork A, before
100 cm. In both the cases a tuning fork loading is- [KCET- 1998]
produces 4 beats then the frequency of tuning (1) 290 Hz (2) 288 Hz
fork is- [RPMT-98] (3) 292 Hz (4) 284 Hz
(1) 152 (2) 156
(3) 160 (4) 164 Q.14 The frequency of the first overtone of a closed
pipe of length c is equal to that of the third
Q.7 The displacement x (in metres) of a particle overtone of an open pipe of length 0. The ratio
performing simple harmonic motion is related to 0/c will be - [KCET
time (t in seconds) as x = 0.05 cos(4t + /4). 1997]
The frequency of the motion will be- (1) 7/6 (2) 4/5 (3) 8/3 (4) 3/8
[MPPMT-98,C.G.-2008]
(1) 0.5 Hz (2) 1.0 Hz Q.15 A source X of unknown frequency produces 8
(3) 1.5 Hz (4) 2.0 Hz beats per second with a source of 250 Hz and 12
beats per second with a source of 270 Hz. The
Q.8 Four wires of identical lengths, diameters and of frequency of the source X is (Hz) -
the same material are stretched on a sonometer [CET- 2000]
wire. The ratio of their tension is 1 : 4 : 9 :16. (1) 242 (2) 258
The ratio of their fundamental frequencies is- (3) 282 (4) 262
[CET-2000]

WAVE THEORY 58
 Waves and sound
Q.16 An empty vessel is partially filled with water (1) 720 m/sec (2) 480 m/sec
the frequency of vibration of air column in the (3) 240 m/sec (4) 180 m/sec
vessel- [CET- 1999]
(1) decreases Q.24 Wave of frequency 100 Hz travels along a string
(2) increases towards its fixed end. When this wave travels
(3) depends on the purity of water back, after reflection a node is formed at a
(4) remains the same distance of 10 cm from the fixed end. The
speed of the wave (incident and reflected) is-
Q.17 Two tuning forks having frequency 256 Hz (A) [H-PMT- 2002]
and 262 Hz(B) tuning fork. A produces some (1) 5 m/s (2) 10 m/s
beats per second with unknown tuning fork, (3) 20 m/s (4) 40 m/s
same unknown tuning fork produce double
beats per second from B tuning fork then the Q.25 Two wires are fixed in a sonometer. Their
frequency of unknown tuning fork is- tensions are in the ratio 8 : 1. The lengths are in
[RPMT-2001] the ratio 36 : 35. The diameters are in the ratio
(1) 262 (2) 260 (3) 250 (4) 300 4 : 1, densities of the materials are in the ratio
1 : 2. If the higher frequency in the setting is
Q.18 Two waves are represented by equation 360 Hz, the beat frequency when the two wires
y1 = a sin t sounded together is- [CET- 2003]
y2 = a cost (1) 8 (2) 5 (3) 10 (4) 6
the first wave- [MPPMT- 2001]
(1) leads the second by  Q.26 What is the beat frequency produced when
(2) lags the second by  following two waves are sounded together ?
(3) leads the second by /2 x1 = 10 sin(404t – 5x)
(4) lags the second by /2 x2 = 10 sin(400t – 5x)
[BHU-PMT-2003]
Q.19 Transverse wave of some frequency are (1) 4 (2) 1 (3) 3 (4) 2
generated in two steel wires A and B the
diameter of A is twice of B and the tension in A Q.27 In COP at temperature 10ºC the number of beats
is half that in B. The ratio of velocities of waves are 5. If temperature is made to 20ºC the
in A and B is- [CET- 2001] number of beats will be- [RPMT-2006]
(1) less than 5 (2) equal to 5
(1) 1 : 2 (2) 1 : 2 (3) more than 5 (4) nothing can be said
(3) 3 : 2 2 (4) 1 : 2 2
Q.28 The air column in a pipe with both ends open
Q.20 Echo is due to- [BHU PMT- 2001] vibrates with a fundamental frequency f. If one
(1) diffraction of sound of the ends of the pipe is closed, the
(2) interference of sound
fundamental frequency will be - [RPMT-2011]
(3) refraction of sound
(4) reflection of sound 3 f
(1) f (2) 2f (3) f (4)
2 2
Q.21 Two waves of intensities ratio are 9 : 1 then the
ratio of their maximum and minimum Q.29 The displacement y of a particle varies with
intensities will be- [RPMT-2002]
(1) 10 : 8 (2) 7 : 2 (3) 4 : 1 (4) 2 : 1 time t, in seconds, as [RPMT-2011]
y = 2 cos (t + /6).
Q.22 A sound wave of frequency 50 Hz has velocity The time period of the oscillations is -
360 m/s. If phase difference between two (1) 2 sec (2) 4 sec (3) 1 sec (4) 0.5 sec
particles is 60º, then path difference will be-
[RPMT-2002] Q.30 The number of beats per second resulting from
(1) 1.2 m (2) 0.12 m the vibration [RPMT-2011]
(3) 2.4 m (4) 12 m
x1 = a cos 500 t
Q.23 The phase difference between two particles and x2 = a cos 508 t
separated by 1 m in a wave of frequency 120 Hz is
is 90º. The wave velocity will be- (1) zero (2) 2 (3) 4 (4) 8
[VMMC-Safdergunj-2002]
WAVE THEORY 59
WAVE THEORY 60
 Waves and sound
EXERCISE # 4
These questions of two statements each, (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
printed as Assertion and Reason. While Q.5 Assertion : Longitudinal waves are called
answering these Questions you are required pressure waves.
to choose any one of the following four Reason : Propagation of longitudinal waves
responses. through a medium involves changes in pressure
(A) If both Assertion & Reason are true & (density of medium particles), when
the Reason is a correct explanation of the compressions and rarefactions are formed.
Assertion. (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
(B) If both Assertion and Reason are true
but Reason is not a correct explanation Q.6 Assertion : Mechanical transverse waves
of the Assertion. cannot be generated in gaseous medium.
(C) If Assertion is true and Reason is false. Reason : Mechanical transverse waves can be
(D) If Assertion & Reason both are false. produced only in such medium which have
Q.1 Assertion : In standing wave pattern particle of shearing property.
medium between two consecutive nodes (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
vibrates in same phase but with different
amplitude. Q.7 Assertion : If three sources of sound of equal
Reason : In stationary wave, the amplitude of intensities with frequency n, n+1 and n+2 Hz
vibration does not depends on the position of are sounded simultaneously, the beat frequency
the particle. heard is 2.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D Reason : In beats at a given position, intensity
varies periodically with time with periodicity
Q.2 Assertion : The velocity of sound in air T = 1/(n1 ~ n2) while in interference at a given
decreases if the pressure of air decreases at time, intensity varies periodically with position
constant temperature. with periodicity .
Reason : According to Laplace's formula as (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
modified by Newton, velocity of sound in air is
P Q.8 Assertion : In transverse wave particle velocity
given by v = . is perpendicular to the direction of wave

velocity.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D Reason : In wave motion energy always
transfered in the direction of wave propagation.
Q.3 Assertion : A wave can represented by function (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
y = f(kx ± t).
Reason : Because it satisfy the differential Q.9 Assertion : In longitudinal wave propagation
2y 1  2y   the distance between two consecutive
equation =  2  where v = .
2 
x 2
v  t  k compression is equal to wavelength of wave.
Reason : Standing wave does not transfered.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D

Q.4 Assertion : The transverse wave is travelling Q.10 Assertion : Sound wave travels faster in moist
along a string in the positive x-axis as shown air.
B wave Reason : The density of moist air is less then
density of dry air.
P1 (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
C E
A
x
P2
Q.11 Assertion : Standing waves do not transferred
D energy in the medium.
Points (A & P1) moving (downward) and Reason : Every particle vibrates with its own
points (C & P2) moving  (upward). energy and it does not share its energy with any
Reason : In a wave propagating in positive x other particle.
direction, the points with +ve slope move (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
downward and vice versa.

WAVE THEORY 61
Q.12 Assertion : When two vibrating tuning forks Q.19 Assertion : Frequency of COP is double of
having frequencies 240 Hz and 300 Hz are held same length OOP.
near each other, beats cannot be heard by us. V
Reason : This is because beats cannot be Reason : For OOP frequency = for COP
4
distinctly heard due to the property of
V
persistence of hearing. frequency = .
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D 2
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
Q.13 Assertion : Harmonics are the notes (a single
sound of a certain pitch & wavelength) of Q.20 Assertion : In stretched wire corresponding to
frequencies which are integral multiple of the Pth overtone, (P + 1) nodes are present.
fundamental frequency. Reason : In stretched wire corresponding to
Reason : Tones of frequencies higher than fundamental frequency n, Pth harmonic present.
fundamental note are called overtones. (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
Q.21 Assertion : In COP corresponding to Mth
Q.14 Assertion : Beats arise when two waves having overtone (2M + 1). Harmonic, (M + 1) node,
slightly different frequencies are superposed. (M + 1) antinode are present.
Reason : Superposition of two identical waves Reason : COP contain only even harmonics.
moving in opposite directions produces standing (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
waves.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D Q.22 Assertion : For stationary wave general
equation is 2Asin(Bt) sin(kx).
Q.15 Assertion : COP contain only odd harmonics. Reason : For progressive wave general equation
Reason : OOP contain all odd and even is Asin(Bt ± Kx).
harmonics. (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
Q.23 Assertion : For same length but different gas
Q.16 Assertion : Due to end correction fundamental COP fundamental frequency are different.
frequency of any pipe becomes less than Reason : Here frequency is proportional to
frequency without end correction. velocity for same length given.
Reason : Due to end correction effective length (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
of pipe increases.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D wavelength
Q.24 Assertion : Speed of wave = .
time period
Q.17 Assertion : In Resonance tube 2 > 3 1, (1,  Reason : Wavelength is the distance between
2 first and second resonating length) two nearest particles in phase. [AIIMS-2002]
  31 (1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D
Reason : e = 2 (e = end correction) and
2
'e' remain always positive.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D

Q.18 Assertion : Sonometer is used to determine

frequency of unknown tuning fork.
Reason : In sonometer riders used as indicator.
(1) A (2) B (3) C (4) D

WAVE THEORY 62
 Waves and sound
ANSWER KEY

EXERCISE-1
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 4 3 1 1 2 3 2 3 4 1 4 2 1 2 1 4 1 2 3 1
Q.No. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Ans. 4 4 3 2 1 2 1 4 3 4 4 3 3 3 1 1 3 3 1 3
Q.No. 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Ans. 1 1 2 1 4 4 1 3 2 1 2 1 1 4 4 1 4 3 4 1
Q.No. 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
Ans. 4 3 4 4 2 3 3 4 1 1 2 2 1 2 3 2 3 1 1,3 4
Q.No. 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100
Ans. 2 1 2 3 3 1 3 3 1 2 1 2 1 4 1 3 3 3 1 3
Q.No. 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120
Ans. 1 1 2 3 4 2 2 2 4 2 3 1 1 1 2 3 4 3 3 1
Q.No. 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140
Ans. 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 3 1 1 3 1 2 2 3 3 4 3
Q.No. 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160
Ans. 1,3 2 4 3 2 1 2 3 4 1 4 3 2 4 2 2 3 1 1 2
Q.No. 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177
Ans. 2 4 3 3 2 1 1 3 3 3 4 2 2 2 1 3 3

EXERCISE-2
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 4 3 2 4 3 1 1 4 2 3 2 2 2 1 4 1 1 3 2 3
Q.No. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Ans. 4 3 1 1 3 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 3

EXERCISE-3(A)
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 2 1 3 2 3 1 2 1 1 3 4 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 2 3
Q.No. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Ans. 4 3 3 3 3 1 1 4 1 3 2 1 3 1 3 1 3 2 3 1
Q.No. 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Ans. 3 1 2 2 2 1 4 4 4 2 1 3 3 3 1 4 2 3 2 2
Q.No. 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69
Ans. 1 1 2 3 4 2 4 4 2

WAVE THEORY 63
 EXERCISE-3(B)
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 3 3 2 2 1 2 4 1 3 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 3 4 4 4
Q.No. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. 3 1 2 3 3 4 3 4 1 3

EXERCISE-4
Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 3 4 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 2 4 4
Q.No. 21 22 23 24
Ans. 3 2 1 2

WAVE THEORY 64