Wave Phenomena Practice Questions
IB (International Baccalaureate) · IB Physics HL · 149 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.
149
Total
53
Easy
71
Medium
25
Hard
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Sample Questions from Wave Phenomena
Here are 10 sample questions. Start a quiz to get randomized questions with scoring.
Q1
Easy
What is the relationship between the frequency and wavelength of a wave in a vacuum?
A.
Frequency is directly proportional to wavelength.
B.
Frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength.
C.
Frequency and wavelength are unrelated.
D.
Frequency is equal to wavelength.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
In a vacuum, the speed of light is constant. The relationship is given by the equation v = fฮป, where v is the speed of light, f is the frequency, and ฮป is the wavelength. Since v is constant, an increase in frequency results in a decrease in wavelength, hence frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength.
Q2
Easy
When a wave encounters a boundary between two different media, what phenomenon may occur?
A.
Only reflection occurs.
B.
Only refraction occurs.
C.
Both reflection and refraction occur.
D.
No change to the wave occurs.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
When a wave hits the boundary between two different media, part of the wave is reflected back into the first medium, while part of it is refracted into the second medium. This dual behavior is a fundamental characteristic of waves.
Q3
Easy
What property of a wave is defined as the distance between two consecutive peaks?
A.
Wavelength
B.
Frequency
C.
Amplitude
D.
Speed
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks (or troughs) in a wave, making option A the correct answer.
Q4
Medium
A wave traveling in a medium has a frequency of 500 Hz and a wavelength of 0.68 m. What is the speed of the wave?
A.
340 m/s
B.
250 m/s
C.
680 m/s
D.
425 m/s
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The speed of a wave can be calculated using the formula v = f ร ฮป. Here, v = 500 Hz ร 0.68 m = 340 m/s. Thus, option A is correct.
Q5
Medium
When two waves meet in phase, what type of interference occurs?
A.
Constructive interference
B.
Destructive interference
C.
Standing wave formation
D.
Dissipative interference
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
Constructive interference occurs when two waves meet in phase, resulting in a larger amplitude. This is why option A is correct.
Q6
Medium
A sound wave travels through air at 343 m/s. If the wavelength of the sound wave is 0.5 m, what is its frequency?
A.
686 Hz
B.
171.5 Hz
C.
6860 Hz
D.
343 Hz
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The frequency can be found using the formula f = v / ฮป. Here, f = 343 m/s / 0.5 m = 686 Hz. Thus, option A is correct.
Q7
Medium
When light travels from air into glass, which property of the light wave changes?
A.
Speed
B.
Wavelength
C.
Frequency
D.
Both A and B
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: D
When light enters a denser medium like glass from air, its speed and wavelength decrease, while frequency remains constant. Therefore, both A and B change, making option D correct.
Q8
Hard
A wave traveling along a string has a frequency of 20 Hz and a wavelength of 2 m. What is the speed of the wave?
A.
40 m/s
B.
10 m/s
C.
20 m/s
D.
5 m/s
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The speed of a wave is calculated using the formula v = f ร ฮป, where v is the speed, f is the frequency, and ฮป is the wavelength. Substituting the given values: v = 20 Hz ร 2 m = 40 m/s. Therefore, the correct answer is A.
Q9
Hard
A wave travels through a medium and reflects off a boundary. If the wave speed in the medium is 340 m/s and the frequency is 170 Hz, what is the wavelength of the wave?
A.
2.0 m
B.
1.0 m
C.
0.5 m
D.
0.2 m
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The wavelength can be calculated using the formula: wavelength = speed / frequency. Here, wavelength = 340 m/s / 170 Hz = 2.0 m.
Q10
Hard
A student observes a interference pattern produced by two coherent light sources. The distance between the sources is 0.5 m and the first-order bright fringe is observed at a distance of 1.2 m from the centerline. If the wavelength of the light used is 600 nm, what is the distance from the centerline to the second-order bright fringe?
A.
2.4 m
B.
1.2 m
C.
3.6 m
D.
4.8 m
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The distance to the nth-order bright fringe is given by y_n = (n ร ฮป ร L) / d, where n is the order, ฮป is wavelength, L is distance to the screen, and d is the distance between sources. For the second-order (n=2), y_2 = (2 ร 600 nm ร 1.2 m) / 0.5 m = 2.4 m.
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Wave Phenomena โ IB (International Baccalaureate) IB Physics HL Practice Questions Online
This page contains 149 practice MCQs for the chapter Wave Phenomena in IB (International Baccalaureate) IB Physics HL. The questions are organized by difficulty โ 53 easy, 71 medium, 25 hard โ 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.