Waves Practice Questions
IB (International Baccalaureate) · IB Physics HL · 148 free MCQs with instant results and detailed explanations.
148
Total
47
Easy
76
Medium
25
Hard
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Sample Questions from Waves
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Q1
Easy
What is the speed of a wave if its wavelength is 3 meters and its frequency is 10 Hz?
A.
30 m/s
B.
3 m/s
C.
10 m/s
D.
6 m/s
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The speed of a wave is calculated using the formula: speed = wavelength ร frequency. Here, speed = 3 m ร 10 Hz = 30 m/s.
Q2
Easy
Which of the following phenomena is a characteristic of transverse waves?
A.
The particles move parallel to the direction of wave propagation.
B.
The particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
C.
The wave can travel through fluids.
D.
The wave speed is constant regardless of medium.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
In transverse waves, particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, as seen in waves on a string or electromagnetic waves.
Q3
Easy
If the frequency of a wave increases while its speed remains constant, what happens to its wavelength?
A.
It increases.
B.
It decreases.
C.
It remains the same.
D.
It becomes zero.
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
According to the wave equation (speed = wavelength ร frequency), if speed is constant and frequency increases, wavelength must decrease to maintain the equation's balance.
Q4
Medium
What property of a wave is affected when it passes from one medium to another, such as from air to water?
A.
Frequency
B.
Amplitude
C.
Wavelength
D.
Speed
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Correct Answer: C
When a wave enters a different medium, its speed changes, which in turn affects the wavelength while the frequency remains constant.
Q5
Medium
A sound wave in air has a frequency of 440 Hz. If the speed of sound in air is 340 m/s, what is the wave's period?
A.
0.00227 s
B.
0.005 s
C.
0.0025 s
D.
0.001 s
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The period (T) of a wave is the reciprocal of the frequency. T = 1/f = 1/440 Hz = 0.00227 s.
Q6
Medium
A student observes that when a tuning fork is struck, the sound is louder when placed near a wall than when in the open. This phenomenon is an example of:
A.
Doppler effect
B.
Reflection of sound
C.
Diffraction of sound
D.
Interference of sound
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
The increased loudness near the wall is due to the reflection of sound waves, which reinforces the sound heard by the student.
Q7
Medium
When two waves of the same frequency and amplitude meet in phase, what type of interference occurs?
A.
Destructive interference
B.
Constructive interference
C.
Total reflection
D.
Partial reflection
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
When waves meet in phase, they reinforce each other, leading to an increase in amplitude, which is constructive interference.
Q8
Hard
A wave traveling along a string has a frequency of 50 Hz and a wavelength of 2 meters. What is the speed of the wave?
A.
100 m/s
B.
25 m/s
C.
50 m/s
D.
75 m/s
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The speed of a wave can be calculated using the formula v = f ร ฮป, where v is the speed, f is the frequency, and ฮป is the wavelength. Plugging in the values, v = 50 Hz ร 2 m = 100 m/s, thus the correct answer is A.
Q9
Hard
A wave travels through a medium with a speed of 340 m/s and has a wavelength of 0.85 m. What is the frequency of the wave?
A.
400 Hz
B.
300 Hz
C.
250 Hz
D.
500 Hz
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
The frequency can be calculated using the wave equation: speed = frequency ร wavelength. Rearranging gives frequency = speed / wavelength = 340 m/s / 0.85 m = 400 Hz.
Q10
Hard
A string fixed at both ends vibrates in its second harmonic mode with a frequency of 120 Hz. If the length of the string is 2 m, what is the speed of the wave on the string?
A.
240 m/s
B.
120 m/s
C.
60 m/s
D.
480 m/s
Show Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: A
In the second harmonic, the wavelength is twice the length of the string. Thus, the wavelength is 2 m / 2 = 1 m. The wave speed is then calculated as speed = frequency ร wavelength = 120 Hz ร 2 m = 240 m/s.
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Waves โ IB (International Baccalaureate) IB Physics HL Practice Questions Online
This page contains 148 practice MCQs for the chapter Waves in IB (International Baccalaureate) IB Physics HL. The questions are organized by difficulty โ 47 easy, 76 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.