NEET Physics: Oscillations and Waves Practice Questions
12 free multiple-choice questions on Oscillations and Waves for NEET Physics, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation. Attempt a question, then reveal the solution to check your reasoning.
Practice thousands more Oscillations and Waves questions in the app →Q1. The property that allows a wave to be classified as progressive is that its shape and the phase relationship between its points remain constant as the wave travels. Which term defines the spatial dependence in the displacement equation y = f(x) for a progressive wave?
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Correct answer: B — Wave number
The spatial dependence is governed by the wave number (k), which is related to the spatial variation of the displacement (k = 2π/λ).
Q2. Which physical quantity is NOT required to determine the time period of a simple pendulum swinging under gravity?
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Correct answer: C — The amplitude of swing
The time period T of a simple pendulum depends only on the length of the string (l) and the acceleration due to gravity (g). The mass of the bob and the amplitude of oscillation do not affect the time period of the simple harmonic motion.
Q3. In one-dimensional motion, the displacement of a particle in a progressive wave depends on the position x and time t. Which of the following correctly describes the mathematical form of the displacement relation for a progressive wave traveling in the positive x direction?
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Correct answer: C — y = A sin(kx + ωt)
For a progressive wave traveling in the positive x direction, the general displacement relation is y = A sin(kx - ωt). The negative sign ensures that a positive displacement at x occurs at a later time (and earlier in space).
Q4. In a system exhibiting standing waves, the fundamental mode corresponds to which characteristic?
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Correct answer: C — The mode with the lowest possible frequency.
The fundamental mode is defined as the mode corresponding to the lowest possible frequency (and longest wavelength) for a given system.
Q5. Sound waves are an example of which type of wave?
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Correct answer: D — Longitudinal wave
Sound waves involve the compression and rarefaction of the medium, which is the definition of a longitudinal wave.
Q6. If an object completes 10 oscillations in 5 seconds, what is the time period of the oscillation?
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Correct answer: A — 0.5 s
First, calculate the frequency: f = 10 / 5 = 2 Hz. Then, calculate the time period: T = 1/f = 1/2 = 0.5 seconds.
Q7. The total mechanical energy of a simple harmonic oscillator is conserved. This energy is continuously exchanged between kinetic energy and potential energy. At the points of maximum displacement, the energy is stored primarily as:
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Correct answer: A — potential energy only
At the points of maximum displacement (extreme positions), the velocity is momentarily zero, meaning the kinetic energy is zero, and the total energy is entirely stored as potential energy (maximum potential energy).
Q8. In a medium, the speed of a longitudinal wave is determined primarily by which factor?
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Correct answer: C — The velocity of the particles of the medium
For mechanical waves (like sound waves) in a medium, the wave speed is dependent on the properties of the medium itself, specifically the velocity of the particles through which the wave travels. In a non-dispersive medium, this is related to the material's elastic properties.
Q9. Which of the following physical quantities determines the speed of a wave traveling through a specific medium?
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Correct answer: C — The properties of the medium (e.g., density, elasticity)
The speed of a wave depends entirely on the medium through which it is travelling. Properties like density and elasticity of the medium govern the wave speed.
Q10. The relationship between the length of an open pipe and the frequency of its fundamental tone is inversely proportional to which parameter?
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Correct answer: A — The wavelength of the sound
For an open pipe, the fundamental frequency is f₁ = v/2L. Since the wave speed (v) is constant, the frequency is inversely proportional to the length of the pipe (L).
Q11. At the equilibrium position of an oscillating mass, what is the value of its potential energy?
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Correct answer: A — Zero
Since potential energy is defined relative to a reference point (usually the equilibrium position), the potential energy at the equilibrium position is zero.
Q12. Which property of the medium primarily determines the speed at which a mechanical wave propagates through it?
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Correct answer: B — The elasticity (stiffness) of the medium
The speed of a mechanical wave is dependent on the physical properties of the medium, primarily its elastic properties (stiffness) and density.
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