Question 1

A train approaches a stationary observer while blowing its whistle. Which of the following best describes the change in the frequency of the sound heard by the observer due to the Doppler effect?

Accepted Answer

The frequency increases as the train approaches and decreases as it moves away.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about resonance is correct?

Accepted Answer

Resonance occurs when the frequency of a forced vibration matches an object's natural frequency, resulting in large amplitude oscillations.

Question 3

A sound wave travels from air into water. Which of the following changes occurs as the wave enters the water?

Accepted Answer

The speed of sound increases and the wavelength increases.

Question 4

Which equation correctly relates the speed $$v$$, frequency $$f$$, and wavelength $$\lambda of a $$wave?

Accepted Answer

$$v = f \lambda$$

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why the sky appears blue during the day?

Accepted Answer

Shorter wavelengths of light (blue) are scattered more than longer wavelengths (red) by particles in the atmosphere.

Question 6

A guitar string is plucked and vibrates at its natural frequency. If a nearby tuning fork of the same frequency is struck, what phenomenon will occur?

Accepted Answer

Resonance will cause the guitar string to vibrate more strongly.

Question 7

Which of the following is true about electromagnetic waves?

Accepted Answer

They consist of vibrating electric and magnetic fields and can travel through a vacuum.

Question 8

If two sound waves of frequencies $$f_1 = 440$$\ \mathrm{Hz}$$ and f_2$ = 444\ \mathrm{Hz}$$ are played together, what is the beat frequency heard?

Accepted Answer

$$4\ \mathrm{Hz}$$

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the phenomenon of diffraction?

Accepted Answer

The bending of waves as they pass the edge of an object or through an opening.

Question 10

A red filter is placed in front of a white light source. Which color(s) will be transmitted through the filter?

Accepted Answer

Only red light

Question 11

Which of the following is a property of sound waves in air?

Accepted Answer

They are longitudinal waves.

Question 12

What happens when two waves meet and are 'out of phase' with each other?

Accepted Answer

Destructive interference occurs, reducing the overall amplitude.

Question 13

Which of the following materials would be considered opaque to visible light?

Accepted Answer

Wood

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why sunsets often appear red?

Accepted Answer

As sunlight passes through more atmosphere, blue light is scattered out and red light passes through.

Question 15

Which of the following is true about polarization?

Accepted Answer

It only occurs for transverse waves, such as light.

Question 16

A car moves faster than the speed of sound and creates a shock wave. What is the name of the cone-shaped wave produced?

Accepted Answer

Shock wave

Question 17

Which of the following statements about the electromagnetic spectrum is correct?

Accepted Answer

All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum but have different frequencies and wavelengths.

Question 18

If a thin film of oil (index of refraction $$n = 1.4) $$floats on water ($$n = 1.33$$), what color will be most strongly reflected if the thickness of the film is such that it causes constructive interference for blue light ($$\lambda = 480\ \mathrm{nm} in $$air)?

Accepted Answer

Blue

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of selective transmission?

Accepted Answer

Only certain frequencies of light pass through a material, while others are absorbed.

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of forced vibration?

Accepted Answer

A tuning fork causing a nearby table to vibrate at the same frequency.

Vibrations, Waves, Sound, and Light: Study Guide

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