Waves - NEET Physics Questions
Question 21: easy

The equations of two interferring waves are \(Y_1 = b cos \omega t\) and \(Y_2 = b cos (\omega t+\phi)\) respectively. Destructive interference will take place at the point of observation for the following value of \(\phi\) :–

1.
2. 360°
3. 180°
4. 720°
View Answer

For destructive interference to occur, the phase difference between the two interfering waves must be an odd multiple of \(pi\) (i.e., \(180^0\), \(540^0 \), etc.). From the options, \(180^0 \) is correct.

Question 22:

The correct relation between frequencies of x-rays, \( \gamma\)-rays, heat rays and radio waves :

1. \(\gamma\)-rays < x-rays < heat rays = radio waves
2. \(\gamma\)-rays > x-rays > heat rays = radio waves
3. \(\gamma\)-rays > x-rays > heat rays > radio waves
4. \(\gamma\)-rays < x-rays < heat rays < radio waves
View Answer

The electromagnetic spectrum in order of decreasing wavelength (and thus increasing frequency) is: Radio waves < Heat rays (Infrared) < X-rays \nu_x > \nu_{\text{heat}} > \nu_{\text{radio}}\).

Question 23: moderate

The \(4^{\text{th}}\) overtone of a closed organ pipe is same as that of \(3^{\text{th}}\) overtone of an open pipe. The ratio of the length of the closed pipe to the length of the open pipe is:

1. 9 : 8
2. 7 : 9
3. 8 : 9
4. 9 : 7
View Answer

The frequency of the \(4^{\text{th}}\) overtone (9th harmonic) of a closed pipe is \(f_c = \frac{9v}{4L_c}\). The frequency of the \(3^{\text{rd}}\) overtone (4th harmonic) of an open pipe is \(f_o = \frac{4v}{2L_o} = \frac{2v}{L_o}\). Equating the two, \(\frac{9v}{4L_c} = \frac{2v}{L_o} ⇒ \frac{L_c}{L_o} = \frac{9}{8}\).

Question 24: easy

Two tuning forks A and B when sounded together produce \(4\text{ beats/s}\). When B is loaded with wax, the beat frequency remains same. If frequency of A is \(212\text{ Hz}\). The frequency of B before loading is:

1. 208 Hz
2. 212 Hz
3. 216 Hz
4. 220 Hz
View Answer

The frequency of B must be either \(212 + 4 = 216\text{ Hz}\) or \(212 - 4 = 208\text{ Hz}\). Loading B with wax decreases its frequency. For the beat frequency to remain \(4\text{ Hz}\), its frequency must drop from \(216\text{ Hz}\) to \(208\text{ Hz}\). Thus, the initial frequency of B is \(216\text{ Hz}\).

Question 25: easy

If a string fixed at both ends vibrates in three loops, the wavelength is \(30\text{ cm}\). The length of string is:

1. 30 cm
2. 45 cm
3. 60 cm
4. 90 cm
View Answer

For a string fixed at both ends vibrating in \(n\) loops, the length of the string is given by \(L = \frac{n\lambda}{2}\). Here, \(n = 3\) and \(\lambda = 30\text{ cm}\), so \(L = 3 \times \frac{30}{2} = 45\text{ cm}\).

Question 26: easy

Two waves represented by the following equations are travelling in the same medium: \(y_1 = 5 \sin 2\pi(75t – 0.25x)\) and \(y_2 = 10 \sin 2\pi(150t – 0.50x)\). The intensity ratio \(I_1/I_2\) of the two waves is:

1. 1 : 2
2. 1 : 4
3. 1 : 8
4. 1 : 16
View Answer

The intensity of a wave is proportional to the square of its amplitude and frequency, \(I \propto A^2 f^2\). Substituting \(A_1=5, f_1=75\) and \(A_2=10, f_2=150\) gives \(\frac{I_1}{I_2} = \left(\frac{5}{10}\right)^2 \left(\frac{75}{150}\right)^2 = \frac{1}{16}\).

Question 27: easy

Two waves having the intensities in the ratio of 9 : 1 produce interference. The ratio of maximum to minimum intensity is equal to:

1. 10 : 8
2. 9 : 1
3. 4 : 1
4. 2 : 1
View Answer

The ratio of maximum to minimum intensity is given by \(frac{I_{\text{max}}}{I_{\text{min}}} = \left(\frac{\sqrt{I_1/I_2} + 1}{\sqrt{I_1/I_2} - 1}\right)^2\). Substituting \(\frac{I_1}{I_2} = 9\) yields \(\left(\frac{3 + 1}{3 - 1}\right\)^2 = 4\), which is \(4:1\).

Question 28: easy

The frequency of the first overtone of a closed pipe of length \(L_1\), is equal to that of the first overtone of an open pipe of length \(L_2\). The ratio of their lengths \((L_1 : L_2)\) is:

1. 2 : 3
2. 4 : 5
3. 3 : 5
4. 3 : 4
View Answer

The first overtone of a closed pipe of length \(L_1\) has frequency \(f_{c,1} = \frac{3v}{4L_1}\) and that of an open pipe of length \(L_2\) is \(f_{o,1} = \frac{v}{L_2}\). Equating the two frequencies gives \(\frac{3v}{4L_1} = \frac{v}{L_2}\), which simplifies to \(\frac{L_1}{L_2} = \frac{3}{4}\).

Question 29: easy

Equation of a progressive wave is given by \( y = 0.2 \cos \pi(0.04t + 0.02x – \pi/6) \). The distance is expressed in cm and time in second. What will be the minimum distance between two particles having the phase difference of \( \pi/2 \)?

1. 4 cm
2. 8 cm
3. 25 cm
4. 12.5 cm
View Answer

The wave number is \(k = 0.02\pi\text{ cm}^{-1}\). Since phase difference \(\Delta \phi = k \Delta x\), we have \(\Delta x = \frac{\Delta \phi}{k} = \frac{\pi/2}{0.02\pi} = 25\text{ cm}\).

Question 30: easy

Given below are two statements:


Assertion (A): Sound would travel faster on a hot summer day than on a cold winter day.


Reason (R): Velocity of sound is directly proportional to the square root of its absolute temperature.


 

1. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3. (A) is true but (R) is false.
4. (A) is false but (R) is true.
View Answer

The speed of sound in a gas is \(v = \sqrt{\frac{\gamma RT}{M}}\), meaning \(v \propto \sqrt{T}\). Since temperature is higher on a hot summer day than a cold winter day, sound travels faster in summer. Both statements are true and Reason is the correct explanation.