Waves Practice Questions
GCSE · GCSE Physics · 137 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.
137
Total
37
Easy
73
Medium
27
Hard
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Sample Questions from Waves
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Q1
Easy
What is the primary characteristic of a transverse wave?
A.
Particles move parallel to the direction of wave travel.
B.
Particles move in a direction perpendicular to the wave's travel.
C.
Wave energy travels faster than the speed of light.
D.
Transverse waves cannot travel through liquids.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium move up and down perpendicular to the direction of the wave's travel, which is the defining characteristic of this type of wave.
Q2
Easy
Which of the following statements about sound waves is true?
A.
Sound waves can travel through a vacuum.
B.
Sound waves are longitudinal waves.
C.
Sound waves travel faster in air than in solids.
D.
Sound waves do not require a medium to travel.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Sound waves are longitudinal waves, meaning that the particles of the medium vibrate in the same direction as the wave travels, unlike transverse waves where particles move perpendicular to the wave direction.
Q3
Easy
What is the frequency of a wave if its period is 0.2 seconds?
A.
5 Hz
B.
10 Hz
C.
2 Hz
D.
20 Hz
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Frequency is the reciprocal of the period. Thus, frequency = 1/period = 1/0.2 = 5 Hz.
Q4
Medium
What is the primary difference between longitudinal and transverse waves?
A.
Longitudinal waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of travel.
B.
Transverse waves require a medium, while longitudinal waves do not.
C.
Longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to the direction of travel.
D.
Transverse waves travel faster than longitudinal waves.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Longitudinal waves oscillate parallel to the direction of travel. This is distinct from transverse waves, which oscillate perpendicular to the direction of travel.
Q5
Medium
A wave travels through a medium and has a frequency of 500 Hz and a wavelength of 2 meters. What is the speed of the wave?
A.
1000 m/s
B.
250 m/s
C.
500 m/s
D.
2000 m/s
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Correct Answer: A
The speed of a wave can be calculated using the formula speed = frequency × wavelength. Here, speed = 500 Hz × 2 m = 1000 m/s.
Q6
Medium
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the principle of superposition of waves?
A.
Two boats create waves in a pond that combine and then separate.
B.
A single sound wave travels through air.
C.
A light beam passing through a prism.
D.
A swing moving back and forth.
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Correct Answer: A
The principle of superposition states that when two waves meet, they combine to form a resultant wave, as illustrated by two boats creating waves that combine and then separate.
Q7
Medium
If the frequency of a wave is doubled while its speed remains constant, what happens to its wavelength?
A.
It doubles.
B.
It stays the same.
C.
It halves.
D.
It quadruples.
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Correct Answer: C
Wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency when speed is constant. If frequency is doubled, the wavelength must halve to maintain the same speed.
Q8
Hard
A sound wave travels through air at a speed of 343 m/s. If the frequency of the sound is 686 Hz, what is the wavelength of the sound wave?
A.
0.5 m
B.
1 m
C.
2 m
D.
10 m
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Using the wave equation, wavelength = speed / frequency, we find the wavelength = 343 m/s / 686 Hz = 0.5 m, confirming option A is correct.
Q9
Hard
A sound wave travels through air at a speed of 343 m/s. If the frequency of the sound wave is 440 Hz, what is the wavelength of the sound wave in meters?
A.
0.78
B.
1.56
C.
0.78 m
D.
1.56 m
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
The wavelength is calculated using the formula: wavelength = speed / frequency. Here, wavelength = 343 m/s / 440 Hz = 0.78 m.
Q10
Hard
A beam of light passes from air into water at an angle of incidence of 30 degrees. Calculate the angle of refraction in water, given that the refractive index of water is 1.33.
A.
22.1 degrees
B.
30 degrees
C.
41.8 degrees
D.
45 degrees
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Using Snell's Law, n1 * sin(theta1) = n2 * sin(theta2). Here, sin(theta2) can be calculated as (n1/n2) * sin(theta1) = (1/1.33) * sin(30 degrees), leading to an angle of approximately 22.1 degrees.
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Waves — GCSE GCSE Physics Practice Questions Online
This page contains 137 practice MCQs for the chapter Waves in GCSE GCSE Physics. The questions are organized by difficulty — 37 easy, 73 medium, 27 hard — so you can choose the right level for your preparation.
Every question includes a detailed explanation to help you understand the concept, not just memorize answers. Take a timed quiz to simulate exam conditions, or practice at your own pace with no time limit.