1. Halliday/Resnick/Walker Fundamentals of Physics 8th edition
Classroom Response System Questions
Chapter 16 Waves I
Reading Quiz Questions

2. 16. 2. 1. According to the text, waves are of three main types
According to the text, waves are of three main types. Which of the following choices correctly lists these three main types?
a) mechanical, sound, and light waves
b) mechanical, electromagnetic, and matter waves
c) transverse, sound, and matter waves
d) longitudinal, electromagnetic, and sound waves
e) simple harmonic, light, and matter waves

3. 16. 2. 1. According to the text, waves are of three main types
According to the text, waves are of three main types. Which of the following choices correctly lists these three main types?
a) mechanical, sound, and light waves
b) mechanical, electromagnetic, and matter waves
c) transverse, sound, and matter waves
d) longitudinal, electromagnetic, and sound waves
e) simple harmonic, light, and matter waves

4. 16.2.2. What type of waves are composed of electrons, protons, and other fundamental particles?
a) electromagnetic
b) longitudinal
c) nuclear resonant
d) matter
e) nanotrophic

5. 16.2.2. What type of waves are composed of electrons, protons, and other fundamental particles?
a) electromagnetic
b) longitudinal
c) nuclear resonant
d) matter
e) nanotrophic

6. 16.3.1. Which one of the following types of waves is purely longitudinal?
a) light traveling through vacuum
b) waves on a plucked guitar string
c) radio waves traveling through air
d) sound waves emitted from a speaker
e) surface waves on the surface of a shallow pond

7. 16.3.1. Which one of the following types of waves is purely longitudinal?
a) light traveling through vacuum
b) waves on a plucked guitar string
c) radio waves traveling through air
d) sound waves emitted from a speaker
e) surface waves on the surface of a shallow pond

8. 16.3.2. Which one of the following statements concerning transverse waves is true?
a) The direction of the disturbance is parallel to the direction of travel.
b) The direction of the disturbance is perpendicular to the direction of travel.
c) A sound wave is an example of a transverse wave.
d) Transverse waves are not periodic waves.
e) Transverse waves always travel at the speed of light.

9. 16.3.2. Which one of the following statements concerning transverse waves is true?
a) The direction of the disturbance is parallel to the direction of travel.
b) The direction of the disturbance is perpendicular to the direction of travel.
c) A sound wave is an example of a transverse wave.
d) Transverse waves are not periodic waves.
e) Transverse waves always travel at the speed of light.

10. 16.3.3. A sound wave is an example of what type of wave?
a) longitudinal wave
b) electromagnetic wave
c) matter wave
d) transverse wave
e) seismic wave

11. 16.3.3. A sound wave is an example of what type of wave?
a) longitudinal wave
b) electromagnetic wave
c) matter wave
d) transverse wave
e) seismic wave

12. 16.4.1. Which one of the following expressions determines the angular wave number?

13. 16.4.1. Which one of the following expressions determines the angular wave number?

14. The graph shows the vertical displacement as a function of time at one location in a medium through which a wave is traveling. What is the amplitude of the wave?
a) 1 m
b) 2 m
c) 4 m
d) 6 m
e) 8 m

15. The graph shows the vertical displacement as a function of time at one location in a medium through which a wave is traveling. What is the amplitude of the wave?
a) 1 m
b) 2 m
c) 4 m
d) 6 m
e) 8 m

16. The graph shows the vertical displacement as a function of time at one location in a medium through which a wave is traveling. What is the period of the wave?
a) 0.5 s
b) 1.0 s
c) 1.5 s
d) 2.0 s
e) 4.0 s

17. The graph shows the vertical displacement as a function of time at one location in a medium through which a wave is traveling. What is the period of the wave?
a) 0.5 s
b) 1.0 s
c) 1.5 s
d) 2.0 s
e) 4.0 s

18. Which one of the following factors is important in determining the speed of waves on a string?
a) amplitude
b) frequency
c) length of the string
d) mass per unit length
e) speed of the particles that compose the string

19. Which one of the following factors is important in determining the speed of waves on a string?
a) amplitude
b) frequency
c) length of the string
d) mass per unit length
e) speed of the particles that compose the string

20. 16. 5. 2. Consider the three waves described by the equations below
Consider the three waves described by the equations below. Which wave(s) is moving in the negative x direction?
a) A only
b) B only
c) C only
d) A and B
e) B and C

21. 16. 5. 2. Consider the three waves described by the equations below
Consider the three waves described by the equations below. Which wave(s) is moving in the negative x direction?
a) A only
b) B only
c) C only
d) A and B
e) B and C

22. Which one of the following statements concerning the equations used to describe waves is false?
a) The equation assumes that y = 0 m and x = 0 m at time t = 0 s.
b) When a calculator is used to calculate the sine function, it must be set in radian mode.
c) The wave equations may be used to describe both longitudinal and transverse waves.
d) The equation includes the amplitude, frequency, and wavelength of the waves.
e) The term (kx  t) is called the group velocity of the wave.

23. Which one of the following statements concerning the equations used to describe waves is false?
a) The equation assumes that y = 0 m and x = 0 m at time t = 0 s.
b) When a calculator is used to calculate the sine function, it must be set in radian mode.
c) The wave equations may be used to describe both longitudinal and transverse waves.
d) The equation includes the amplitude, frequency, and wavelength of the waves.
e) The term (kx  t) is called the group velocity of the wave.

24. 16. 6. 1. A wave moves at a constant speed along a string
A wave moves at a constant speed along a string. Which one of the following statements is false concerning the motion of particles in the string?
a) The particle speed is constant.
b) The particle speed depends on the amplitude of the periodic motion of the source.
c) The particle speed is independent of the tension and linear density of the string.
d) The particle speed is not the same as the wave speed.
e) The particle speed depends on the frequency of the periodic motion of the source.

25. 16. 6. 1. A wave moves at a constant speed along a string
A wave moves at a constant speed along a string. Which one of the following statements is false concerning the motion of particles in the string?
a) The particle speed is constant.
b) The particle speed depends on the amplitude of the periodic motion of the source.
c) The particle speed is independent of the tension and linear density of the string.
d) The particle speed is not the same as the wave speed.
e) The particle speed depends on the frequency of the periodic motion of the source.

26. 16.6.2. Which one of the following statements concerning waves is false?
a) A wave carries energy from one place to another.
b) A wave is a disturbance that travels from one place to another.
c) The disturbance of particles of a medium may be in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction the wave is traveling.
d) Sound waves are purely longitudinal waves.
e) A wave carries particles of its medium from one place to another.

27. 16.6.2. Which one of the following statements concerning waves is false?
a) A wave carries energy from one place to another.
b) A wave is a disturbance that travels from one place to another.
c) The disturbance of particles of a medium may be in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction the wave is traveling.
d) Sound waves are purely longitudinal waves.
e) A wave carries particles of its medium from one place to another.

28. Which of the following properties of a wave on a string do not change when the tension of a string is increased?
a) frequency
b) average transmitted power
c) speed of the wave
d) first harmonic frequency
e) all of the above will change

29. Which of the following properties of a wave on a string do not change when the tension of a string is increased?
a) frequency
b) average transmitted power
c) speed of the wave
d) first harmonic frequency
e) all of the above will change

30. 16. 6. 4. A piano is tuned by tightening or loosing the piano wires
A piano is tuned by tightening or loosing the piano wires. When the wires are tightened, how is speed of the waves on the wire affected, if at all?
a) The speed is increased.
b) The speed is reduced.
c) The speed remains the same.

31. 16. 6. 4. A piano is tuned by tightening or loosing the piano wires
A piano is tuned by tightening or loosing the piano wires. When the wires are tightened, how is speed of the waves on the wire affected, if at all?
a) The speed is increased.
b) The speed is reduced.
c) The speed remains the same.

32. 16. 6. 5. A piano is tuned by tightening or loosing the piano wires
A piano is tuned by tightening or loosing the piano wires. When the wires are tightened, how is frequency of the waves on the wire affected, if at all?
a) The frequency is increased.
b) The frequency is reduced.
c) The frequency remains the same.

33. 16. 6. 5. A piano is tuned by tightening or loosing the piano wires
A piano is tuned by tightening or loosing the piano wires. When the wires are tightened, how is frequency of the waves on the wire affected, if at all?
a) The frequency is increased.
b) The frequency is reduced.
c) The frequency remains the same.

34. When two or more waves are present simultaneously at the same place, the resultant disturbance is the sum of the disturbances from the individual waves. What principle or law makes this statement?
a) Principle of Phase Construction
b) Principle of Linear Superposition
c) Law of Cosines
d) Huygens’ Principle
e) Law of Overlapping Waves

35. When two or more waves are present simultaneously at the same place, the resultant disturbance is the sum of the disturbances from the individual waves. What principle or law makes this statement?
a) Principle of Phase Construction
b) Principle of Linear Superposition
c) Law of Cosines
d) Huygens’ Principle
e) Law of Overlapping Waves

36. 16.9.2. Complete the following sentence: The Principle of Linear Superposition may
a) not be applied to longitudinal waves.
b) not be applied to transverse waves.
c) not be applied to electromagnetic waves.
d) be applied to all types waves.
e) be applied only when a wave reflects from a surface.

37. 16.9.2. Complete the following sentence: The Principle of Linear Superposition may
a) not be applied to longitudinal waves.
b) not be applied to transverse waves.
c) not be applied to electromagnetic waves.
d) be applied to all types waves.
e) be applied only when a wave reflects from a surface.

38. According to the Principle of Superposition, how are two waves combined to produce a resultant wave?
a) The velocity vectors are added together.
b) The amplitudes of the two waves are added algebraically.
c) The amplitudes of the two waves are multiplied together.
d) Waves are always independent of each other and cannot be combined.

39. According to the Principle of Superposition, how are two waves combined to produce a resultant wave?
a) The velocity vectors are added together.
b) The amplitudes of the two waves are added algebraically.
c) The amplitudes of the two waves are multiplied together.
d) Waves are always independent of each other and cannot be combined.

40. Two waves traveling in the same direction produce a resultant wave traveling in the same direction if which of the following conditions are met?
a) The amplitudes of the two waves are identical.
b) The wavelengths of the two waves are identical.
c) The velocities of the two waves are identical.
d) Both the amplitudes and wavelengths for the two waves are identical.
e) Both waves can be described as sine waves.

41. Two waves traveling in the same direction produce a resultant wave traveling in the same direction if which of the following conditions are met?
a) The amplitudes of the two waves are identical.
b) The wavelengths of the two waves are identical.
c) The velocities of the two waves are identical.
d) Both the amplitudes and wavelengths for the two waves are identical.
e) Both waves can be described as sine waves.

42. 16. 10. 1. Wave A has an amplitude of 0
Wave A has an amplitude of 0.5 m and wave B has an amplitude of 0.6 m. When waves A and B travel toward each other, the observed wave amplitude at a certain location and particular time is 0.9 m. Which of the following statements concerning this observation is true?
a) This was an observation in error, since the superposition of these two waves cannot result in an amplitude larger than 0.6 m.
b) This was an observation in error, since the superposition of two these two waves will always result in an amplitude of 1.1 m.
c) This is an example of the superposition of two waves resulting in exactly in phase interference.
d) This is an example of the superposition of two waves resulting in destructive interference.
e) This is an example of the superposition of two waves resulting in constructive interference.

43. 16. 10. 1. Wave A has an amplitude of 0
Wave A has an amplitude of 0.5 m and wave B has an amplitude of 0.6 m. When waves A and B travel toward each other, the observed wave amplitude at a certain location and particular time is 0.9 m. Which of the following statements concerning this observation is true?
a) This was an observation in error, since the superposition of these two waves cannot result in an amplitude larger than 0.6 m.
b) This was an observation in error, since the superposition of two these two waves will always result in an amplitude of 1.1 m.
c) This is an example of the superposition of two waves resulting in exactly in phase interference.
d) This is an example of the superposition of two waves resulting in destructive interference.
e) This is an example of the superposition of two waves resulting in constructive interference.

44. 16.11.1. Complete the following sentence: Phasors are used to combine waves that have differing
a) amplitudes
b) wave number
c) wavelength
d) frequency
e) nodes

45. 16.11.1. Complete the following sentence: Phasors are used to combine waves that have differing
a) amplitudes
b) wave number
c) wavelength
d) frequency
e) nodes

46. What will occur in the superposition of two identical sine waves if they are shifted by (5/2) relative to one another?
a) The waves will interfere with each other destructively.
b) The waves will interfere with each other constructively.
c) The waves will travel in opposite directions.
d) One wave will travel faster than the other, but in the same direction.
e) Since the waves are out of phase, they do not interfere with each other.

47. What will occur in the superposition of two identical sine waves if they are shifted by (5/2) relative to one another?
a) The waves will interfere with each other destructively.
b) The waves will interfere with each other constructively.
c) The waves will travel in opposite directions.
d) One wave will travel faster than the other, but in the same direction.
e) Since the waves are out of phase, they do not interfere with each other.

48. A string has one end attached to a wall and the other end attached to a motor that moves the end up and down in simple harmonic motion. The frequency of the motor is varied until a transverse standing wave is produced on the string that has four nodes. Which of the following statements concerning this situation is false?
a) This standing wave has three antinodes.
b) This standing wave is produced by linear superposition of identical waves traveling in opposite directions.
c) This standing wave represents the third overtone.
d) This standing wave represents the third harmonic.
e) This standing wave occurs at a frequency that is 1.5 times greater than the frequency where a standing wave with three nodes is observed.

49. A string has one end attached to a wall and the other end attached to a motor that moves the end up and down in simple harmonic motion. The frequency of the motor is varied until a transverse standing wave is produced on the string that has four nodes. Which of the following statements concerning this situation is false?
a) This standing wave has three antinodes.
b) This standing wave is produced by linear superposition of identical waves traveling in opposite directions.
c) This standing wave represents the third overtone.
d) This standing wave represents the third harmonic.
e) This standing wave occurs at a frequency that is 1.5 times greater than the frequency where a standing wave with three nodes is observed.

50. 16.12.2. What is the distance between two successive antinodes of a standing wave?
a) one-forth wavelength
b) one-half wavelength
c) one wavelength
d) two wavelengths
e) four wavelengths

51. 16.12.2. What is the distance between two successive antinodes of a standing wave?
a) one-forth wavelength
b) one-half wavelength
c) one wavelength
d) two wavelengths
e) four wavelengths

52. What occurs when a wave traveling along a taut string reaches a fixed end where it has been tied to a wall?
a) The wave reflects back with the same amplitude, but with opposite sign.
b) The wave reflects back with the same amplitude and sign.
c) The wave is absorbed by the wall.
d) The wave reflects back with smaller amplitude and same sign.
e) The wave reflects back with larger amplitude, but with opposite sign.

53. What occurs when a wave traveling along a taut string reaches a fixed end where it has been tied to a wall?
a) The wave reflects back with the same amplitude, but with opposite sign.
b) The wave reflects back with the same amplitude and sign.
c) The wave is absorbed by the wall.
d) The wave reflects back with smaller amplitude and same sign.
e) The wave reflects back with larger amplitude, but with opposite sign.

54. 16. 12. 4. A standing wave is set up on a taut string
A standing wave is set up on a taut string. Which of the following are not observed to move along the string?
a) nodes
b) antinodes
c) nodes and antinodes
d) Both nodes and antinodes can be observed moving along the string.
e) Nodes and antinodes can be observed switching positions at the natural frequency of the string.

55. 16. 12. 4. A standing wave is set up on a taut string
A standing wave is set up on a taut string. Which of the following are not observed to move along the string?
a) nodes
b) antinodes
c) nodes and antinodes
d) Both nodes and antinodes can be observed moving along the string.
e) Nodes and antinodes can be observed switching positions at the natural frequency of the string.

56. Which one of the following quantities is not a factor in determining the natural frequency of a string fixed at its two ends?
a) length
b) mass
c) tension
d) acceleration due to gravity

57. Which one of the following quantities is not a factor in determining the natural frequency of a string fixed at its two ends?
a) length
b) mass
c) tension
d) acceleration due to gravity