NEET Physics: fundamental mode and harmonics Practice Questions
13 free multiple-choice questions on fundamental mode and harmonics (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 NEET questions in the app →Q1. 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.
Q2. If a physical system has several allowed modes of oscillation, the fundamental mode generally corresponds to:
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Correct answer: D — The mode with the lowest oscillation frequency.
The fundamental mode is characterized by the lowest natural oscillation frequency for the system.
Q3. The fundamental frequency of a standing wave is determined by which of the following physical properties of the medium?
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Correct answer: A — tension and length of the medium
The fundamental frequency (first harmonic) of a standing wave depends on the physical parameters that define the system, such as the tension and length of the vibrating medium (like a string or tube).
Q4. If the frequency of vibration of a system is f, what is the frequency of its second harmonic?
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Correct answer: A — 2f
In harmonic motion, the frequency of the n⁽th) harmonic is n times the fundamental frequency (fₙ = n · f). Thus, the second harmonic is 2f.
Q5. Which of the following statements is true regarding the harmonics of a standing wave?
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Correct answer: D — The frequency of the n-th harmonic is n times the fundamental frequency.
In a standing wave, the frequency of the n-th harmonic is n times the fundamental frequency (fₙ = n f₁).
Q6. In a standing wave, the fundamental frequency (f₁) is related to the frequency of the first harmonic (f₁) by which relation?
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Correct answer: D — f₁ = f₁
By definition, the fundamental frequency (f₁) is the lowest frequency component. The first harmonic is, by definition, the fundamental frequency itself (n=1 in the general harmonic series formula n · f₁).
Q7. In a standing wave pattern, the points where the displacement is always zero are known as:
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Correct answer: D — Nodes
Nodes are the points in a standing wave where the amplitude of vibration is always zero, resulting in zero displacement.
Q8. The fundamental mode of vibration in a system of coupled masses is characterized by:
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Correct answer: C — the lowest possible frequency of vibration
The fundamental mode is the mode with the lowest possible frequency for the given physical constraints.
Q9. In a system exhibiting normal modes of oscillation, what is the defining characteristic of the fundamental mode?
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Correct answer: A — It has the lowest possible frequency among all allowed modes.
The fundamental mode is defined as the oscillation mode with the lowest possible frequency (or lowest natural angular frequency) for the system.
Q10. Which of the following statements correctly describes the relationship between the fundamental mode and its subsequent harmonics?
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Correct answer: B — The frequencies of the allowed modes form a harmonic series where each harmonic is an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency.
The frequencies of all allowed modes are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency (n f₁), forming a harmonic series.
Q11. If the fundamental frequency of a string is 100 Hz, what is the frequency of the second harmonic?
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Correct answer: D — 200 Hz
For the second harmonic (n=2), the frequency is 2 × f₁. Thus, 2 × 100 Hz = 200 Hz.
Q12. For a system of coupled oscillators, the fundamental mode of oscillation corresponds to the motion where the amplitude of all masses oscillates in phase. Which statement correctly describes the characteristic of the fundamental mode?
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Correct answer: B — The masses oscillate in phase, and the motion is characterized by the lowest possible frequency.
The fundamental mode of oscillation is the mode with the lowest possible frequency. In systems like coupled oscillators, this mode typically involves all particles moving in phase (in phase motion).
Q13. The fundamental mode of vibration in a closed-end pipe (open pipe) corresponds to which mode?
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Correct answer: D — Lowest frequency mode
The fundamental mode is the mode of vibration with the lowest possible frequency, which corresponds to the longest wavelength and the largest amplitude of vibration for a given system.
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