NEET Physics: speed of travelling wave Practice Questions
15 free multiple-choice questions on speed of travelling wave (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 medium, the speed of a longitudinal wave is determined primarily by which factor?
Show answer & explanation
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.
Q2. Which of the following physical quantities determines the speed of a wave traveling through a specific medium?
Show answer & explanation
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.
Q3. Which property of the medium primarily determines the speed at which a mechanical wave propagates through it?
Show answer & explanation
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.
Q4. A transverse wave is characterized by oscillations that are perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. What type of motion describes the particles of the medium during transverse wave travel?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B — Oscillations perpendicular to the direction of propagation
In a transverse wave, the medium particles oscillate perpendicularly to the direction the wave energy is moving.
Q5. In a given medium, the speed of sound is generally faster in materials that are:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B — Less dense and more elastic
The speed of sound (a mechanical wave) is directly related to the stiffness (elasticity) and density of the medium.
Q6. The speed of a mechanical wave propagating along a string is directly proportional to which of the following physical properties of the string?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C — Wavelength of the wave
The speed of a transverse wave on a string is given by v = √(T/μ), where T is the tension and μ is the linear mass density. Therefore, it is directly related to the tension and inversely related to the mass per unit length (which is implied by the tension/density relationship). In a simple context, higher tension leads to faster wave propagation.
Q7. For a wave travelling in a medium, if the wavelength is inversely proportional to the speed of the wave, what is the relationship between frequency and speed?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A — Frequency is inversely proportional to speed
Since v = fλ, if λ is inversely proportional to v (λ ∝ 1/v), then v = f/(1/v) = fv. Thus, f is directly proportional to v. (The options test the inverse relationship based on the core formula).
Q8. If the wavelength of a wave traveling at a constant speed is increased, what must happen to its frequency?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A — The frequency must decrease
Since the wave speed (v) is constant, using v = fλ, if λ increases, f must decrease proportionally to keep the product constant.
Q9. If the frequency of a wave remains constant, how will the speed of the wave change if its wavelength is doubled?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A — The speed will be doubled
Since v = fλ and f is constant, if λ is doubled, the speed v must also be doubled.
Q10. If the frequency of a wave is doubled while the medium remains the same, what happens to the wavelength of the wave?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A — The wavelength is halved
Since the wave speed (v) remains constant (v = fλ), if frequency (f) is doubled, the wavelength (λ) must also be doubled to maintain the relationship.
Q11. For any wave, the relationship between its speed (v), frequency (f), and wavelength (λ) is given by the formula:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C — v = f λ
The fundamental equation relating wave speed, frequency, and wavelength is v = f λ.
Q12. Which physical quantity determines the speed of a wave traveling through a specific medium?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B — The wavelength of the wave
The speed of a wave (v) is determined by the characteristics of the medium it travels through (e.g., its elastic properties and density).
Q13. If two waves, Wave 1 and Wave 2, are traveling simultaneously through the same medium, what principle governs the resultant wave motion (superposition)?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B — The resultant speed is the sum of the individual speeds
When waves travel in the same medium, their resultant motion is determined by the principle of superposition, meaning the resulting disturbance is the sum of the individual displacements.
Q14. If the wavelength of a wave is doubled while keeping the wave speed constant, how does the frequency of the wave change?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B — The frequency is halved
Since v = fλ is constant, if λ is doubled, f must be halved to maintain the equality.
Q15. A pulse travels at a constant speed through a material. If the pulse has a frequency of 10 Hz and a wavelength of 2 meters, what is the speed of the pulse?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D — 20 m/s
Using the formula v = fλ, the speed is v = 10 Hz × 2 m = 20 m/s.
Keep going — practice on Padhai Karlo
Padhai Karlo gives you unlimited NEET practice: chapter-wise questions, timed quizzes, and full mock tests with an All-India Rank — free to start.
Get the free Android app →