15 Waves

WAVE MOTION (Compression) l

Wave motion is a type of motion in which the disturbance travels C C C C
from one point of the medium to another but the particles of the
medium do not travel from one point to another.
R R R
For the propagation of wave, medium must have inertia and (Rarefaction)
elasticity. These two properties of medium decide the speed of
wave. l
Logitudinal waves propagate through medium with the help of
There are two types of waves compressions and rarefactions.
1. Mechanical waves: These waves require material medium Equation of a Harmonic Wave
for their propagation. For example : sound waves, waves in Harmonic waves are generated by sources that execute simple
stretched string etc. harmonic motion.
2. Non-mechanical waves or electromagnetic waves : These A harmonic wave travelling along the positive direction of x-axis
waves do not require any material medium for their is represented by
propagation. For example : light waves, x-rays etc. y = A sin(wt - kx )
There are two types of mechanical waves ì æ t x öü
= A sin í 2 p ç - ÷ ý
(i) Transverse waves : In the transverse wave, the î è T l øþ
particles of medium oscillate in a direction
perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. ì 2p ü
= A sin í ( vt - x ) ý
Waves in stretched string, waves on the water surface îl þ
are transverse in nature. where,
Transverse wave can travel only in solids and surface of liquids. y = displacement of the particle of the medium at a location
x at time t
Transverse waves propagate in the form of crests and troughs.
A = amplitude of the wave
l = wavelength
Wave motion
Crest T = time period
v = ul, wave velocity in the medium
2p
w= , angular frequency
T
l
2p
Trough k = , angular wave number or propagation constant.
Wavelength l
All electromagnetic waves are transverse in nature. If the wave is travelling along the negative direction of
x-axis then
(ii) Longitudinal waves : In longitudinal waves particles
of medium oscillate about their mean position along y = A sin(wt + Kx)
the direction of wave propagation.
ì æ t xöü
Sound waves in air are longitudinal. These waves can travel in = A sin í 2 p ç + ÷ ý .
î è T løþ
solids, liquids and gases.
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Differential equation of wave motion : (ii) The speed of transverse waves on stretched string is given
by
d2y 1 d2 y
= T
dx2 v 2 dt 2 v=
m
Relation between wave velocity and particle velocity :
where T is the tension in the string and m is the mass per
The equation of a plane progressive wave is unit length of the string.
y = A sin(wt - kx ) ... (i) Speed of Longitudinal Waves :
The particle velocity The speed of longitudinal waves in a medium of elasticity E and
dy density r is given by
vp = = Aw cos(w t - kx) ... (ii)
dt E
v=
Slope of displacement curve or strain r
dy For solids, E is replaced by Young's modulus (Y)
= - Ak cos( w t - kx ) ... (iii)
dx Y
vsolid =
Dividing eqn. (ii) by (iii), we get r
dy dt w For liquids and gases, E is replaced by bulk modulus of
= elasticity (B)
-dy dx k
B
vp æ w ö vliquid/gas =
Þ =v çè since = v, wave velocity÷ r
-dy dx k ø
The density of a solid is much larger than that of a gas but the
elasticity is larger by a greater factor.
dy
Þ v p = - v. vsolid > vliquid > vgas
dx
Speed of Sound in a Gas :
i.e., Particle velocity = – wave velocity × strain. Newton's formula.
Particle velocity changes with the time but the wave velocity is
constant in a medium. P
v=
Relation between phase difference, path difference and time r
difference : where P is the atmospheric pressure and r is the density of air at
• Phase difference of 2p radian is equivalent to a path STP.
difference l and a time difference of period T. Laplace's correction
2p gP
• Phase difference = × path difference v=
l r
2p l where g is the ratio of two specific heats Cp and Cv
f= ´x Þ x = ´f
l 2p Power and Intensity of Wave Motion :
If a wave is travelling in a stretched string, energy is transmitted
2p
• Phase difference = × time difference along the string.
T
Power of the wave is given by
2p T
1 2 2
f= ´t Þ t = ´f
P= mw A v where m is mass per unit length.
T 2p
2
T Intensity is flow of energy per unit area of cross section of the
• Time difference = × path difference string per unit time.
l
T l 1 2 2
t= ´ x Þ x = ´t Intensity I = rw A v
l T 2
Principle of Superposition of Waves :
Speed of Transverse Waves :
If two or more waves arrive at a point simultaneously then the
(i) The speed of transverse waves in solid is given by
net displacement at that point is the algebraic sum of the
h displacement due to individual waves.
v=
r y = y1 + y2 + ............... + yn.
where y1, y2 .......... yn are the displacement due to individual
where h is the modulus of rigidity of the solid and r is the
waves and y is the resultant displacement.
density of material.
 Waves 375

INTERFERENCE OF WAVES When sound wave is reflected from a rigid boundary or denser
When two waves of equal frequency and nearly equal amplitude medium, the wave suffers a phase reversal of p but the nature
travelling in same direction having same state of polarisation does not change i.e., on reflection the compression is reflected
in medium superimpose, then intensity is different at different back as compression and rarefaction as rarefaction.
points. At some points intensity is large, whereas at other points When sound wave is reflected from an open boundary or rarer
it is nearly zero. medium, there is no phase change but the nature of wave is
Consider two waves changed i.e., on reflection, the compression is reflected back as
y1 = A1sin (wt – kx) and rarefaction and rarefaction as compression.
y2 = A2 sin (wt – kx + f)
By principle of superposition Keep in Memory
y = y1 + y2 = A sin (wt – kx + d) (i) For a wave, v = f l
where, A2 = A12 + A22 + 2A1A2 cos f, (ii) The wave velocity of sound in air
A2 sin f E Yr gRT
and tan d = v= = =
A1 + A2 cos f r r M
As intensity I µ A2 dx
(iii) Particle velocity is given by v p = . It changes with time.
So, resultant intensity I = I1 + I2 + 2 I1 I 2 cos f dt
The wave velocity is the velocity with which disturbances
For constructive interference (maximum intensity) :
w
Phase difference, f = 2np travel in the medium and is given by v w = .
k
and path difference = nl
(iv) When a wave reflects from denser medium the phase change
where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
is p and when the wave reflects from rarer medium, the
Þ Amax = A1 + A2 and Imax = I1 + I2 + 2 I1I2 phase change is zero.
(v) In a tuning fork, the waves produced in the prongs is
= ( I1 + I 2 ) 2 transverse whereas in the stem is longitudinal.
For destructive interference (minimum intensity) : (vi) A medium in which the speed of wave is independent of the
Phase difference, f = (2n + 1)p, frequency of the waves is called non-dispersive. For
example air is a non-dispersive medium for the sound waves.
l
and path difference = ( 2n - 1) ; where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ... (vii) Transverse waves can propagate in medium with shear
2 modulus of elasticity e.g., solid whereas longitudinal waves
Þ Amin = A1 – A2 and Imin = I1 + I2 – 2 I1I 2 need bulk modulus of elasticity hence can propagate in all
media solid, liquid and gas.
= ( I1 – I 2 ) 2 Energy Transported by a Hormonic Wave Along a String :
Results : Kinetic energy of a small element of length dx is
(1) The ratio of maximum and minimum intensities in any 2
interference wave form. 1 æ ¶y ö
dk = (m dx )ç ÷ where m = mass per unit length
2 2
2 è ¶t ø
I max æ I1 + I 2 ö æ A1 + A2 ö
=ç ÷ =ç 1é
I min è I1 - I 2 ø è A1 - A2 ÷ø dk = m w2 A2 cos 2 (kx - wt ) ù dx
2ë û
(2) Average intensity of interference in wave form : and potential energy stored
I max + I min 1 æ ¶y ö 1
2
Iav =
2 dU = (T dx) ç ÷ = m w2 A2 cos 2 (kx - wt )dx
2 è ¶x ø 2
Put the value of Imax and Imin Example 1.
or Iav = I1 + I2 The displacement y (in cm) produced by a simple harmonic
If A = A1 = A2 and I1 = I2 = I wave is given by y = (10/p) sin (2000 pt – px /17). What will
then Imax = 4I, Imin = 0 and Iav = 2I be the periodic time and maximum velocity of the particles
(3) Condition of maximum contrast in interference wave form in the medium?
A1 = A2 and I1 = I2 Solution :
then Imax = 4I and Imin = 0
10 æ px ö 10 æ x ö
For perfect destructive interference we have a maximum y= sin ç 2000pt - ÷ or y = sin 2 pç1000 t - ÷
contrast in interference wave form. p è 17 ø p è 34 ø
The standard equation of S.H.M. is,
Reflection of Waves :
A mechanical wave is reflected and refracted at a boundary é t xù
y = a sin 2 p ê - ú ;
separating two media according to the usual laws of reflection ëT l û
and refraction.
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376 PHYSICS

\ By comparison of the standard equation to above given Solution :

equation, The velocity of sound in air is given by
1 gP
we get T = = 10 -3 sec . E g RT
1000 v= = =
r r M
Particle velocity
(a) In terms of density and pressure
dy 10 æ px ö vH PH rair rair
= = ´ 2000 p cos ç 2000 p t - ÷
dt p 17 ø ´
è vair = rH Pair = rH [as Pair = PH]

æ dy ö rair
Þç ÷ = 20,000 cm / s = 200 m / s (as vmax = Aw) or vH = vair ´ = 332 ´
16
= 1328 m/s
è dt ø max rH 1
Example 2. (b) In terms of temperature and molecular weight
A progressive wave of frequency 500 Hz is travelling with v Ne g Ne M W
a velocity of 360 m/s. How far apart are two points 60o out = ´ [as TN = TW]
vW M Ne g W
of phase?
Now as neon is monatomic (g = 5/3) while water vapours
Solution :
polyatomic (g = 4/3) so
We known that for a wave v = f l
v 360 v Ne ( 5 / 3) ´ 1.8 ´ 10-2 5 1.8
so l = = ´
f 500
= 0.72 m vW = ( 4 / 3) ´ 2.02 ´ 10-2
=
4 2.02
= 1.05

Now as in a wave path difference is related to phase BEATS

difference by the relation. When two wave trains slightly differing in frequencies travel
Phase difference Df = 60o = (p/180) x 60 = (p/3) rad along the same straight line in the same direction, then the
l 0.72 p resultant amplitude is alternately maximum and minimum at a
Path difference Dx = (Df) = = 0.12 m point in the medium. This phenomenon of waxing and waning
2p 2p 3
of sound is called beats.
Example 3.
Determine the change in volume of 6 litres of alcohol if
the pressure is decreased from 200 cm of Hg to 75 cm.
[velocity of sound in alcohol is 1280 m/s, density of
alcohol = 0.81 gm/cc, density of Hg = 13.6 gm/cc and
g = 9.81 m/s2].
Solution :
For propagation of sound in liquid
v= ( B / r) , i.e., B = v2r

DP
But by definition B= –V
DV

DP V( -DP)
so –V = v2r, i.e., DV =
DV rv 2
Here DP = H2rg – H1rg = (75 – 200) ´ 13.6 ´ 981
= –1.667 ´ 106 dyne/cm2

s o DV =
(6 ´ 10 )(1.667 ´ 10 ) = 0.75 cc
3 6 Let two sound waves of frequencies n 1 and n2 are propagating
simultaneously and in same direction. Then at x=0
0.81 ´ (1.280 ´ 10 ) 5 2
y1 = A sin 2p n1t, and y2 = A sin 2p n2t,
For simplicity we take amplitude of both waves to be same.
Example 4. By principle of superposition, the resultant displacement at any
(a) Speed of sound in air is 332 m/s at NTP. What will be instant is
the speed of sound in hydrogen at NTP if the density y = y1 + y2 = 2A cos 2p nAt sin 2p navt
of hydrogen at NTP is (1/16) that of air? n1 - n 2
n + n2
(b) Calculate the ratio of the speed of sound in neon to that where n av = 1 , nA =
2 2
in water vapour at any temperature. [Molecular weight of
Þ y = Abeat sin 2p navt ..................(i)
neon = 2.02 ´ 10–2 kg/mol and for water vapours = 1.8 ´
10–2 kg/mol] It is clear from the above expression (i) that
 Waves 377

(i) Abeat = 2A cos 2p nAt, amplitude of resultant wave varies Example 6.

periodically as frequency Two tuning forks A and B sounded together give 6 beats
æ n - n2 ö per second. With an air resonance tube closed at one end,
nA = ç 1 ÷ the two forks give resonance when the two air columns are
è 2 ø
24 cm and 25 cm respectively. Calculate the frequencies of
A is maximum when | cos q |max = 1 | A beat | max = 2A forks.
A is minimum when | cos q |min = 0 | A beat | min = 0 Solution :
(ii) Since lntensity is proportional to amplitude i.e., IaA 2beat Let the frequency of the first fork be f1 and that of second
be f2.
For Imax cos 2p nAt = ± 1 For Imin
We then have,
i.e., 2p nAt = 0,p, 2p 2p nAt = p/2, 3p/2
v v
i.e., t = 0, 1/2nA, 2/2nA t = 1/4nA, 3/4nA....... f1 = and f2 =
4 ´ 24 4 ´ 25
So time interval between two consecutive beat is We also see that
æ 1 ö f1 > f2
Dt = t n - t n -1 = çç ÷
÷
è 2n A ø \ f1 – f2= 6 …(i)
Number of beats per sec is given by f1 24
and = …(ii)
1 2( n1 - n2 ) f 2 25
nbeat = = 2n A - = n1 - n2
Dt 2 Solving eqns. (i) and (ii), we get
So beat frequency is equal to the difference of frequency of two f1 = 150 Hz and f2 = 144 Hz
interferring waves. DOPPLER EFFECT
To hear beats, the number of beats per second should not be When a source of sound and an observer or both are in motion
more than 10. (due to hearing capabilities of human beings) relative to each other there is an apparent change in frequency
Filing/Loading a Tuning Fork of sound as heard by the observer. This phenomenon is called
On filing the prongs of tuning fork, raises its frequency and on the Doppler's effect .
loading it decreases the frequency. Apparent change in frequency :
(i) When a tuning fork of frequency n produces Dn beats per (a) When source is in motion and observer at rest
second with a standard tuning fork of frequency n0, then (i) when source moving towards observer
n = n 0 ± Dn æ V ö
n1 = n 0 ç ÷
If the beat frequency decreases or reduces to zero or remains è V - VS ø
the same on filling the unknown fork, then (ii) when source moving away from observer
n = n 0 - Dn æ V ö
n1¢ = n0 ç ÷
(ii) If the beat frequency decreases or reduces to zero or remains
è V + VS ø
the same on loading the unknown fork with a little wax, Here V = velocity of sound
then n = n 0 + Dn VS = velocity of source
If the beat frequency increases on loading, then
n0 = source frequency.
n = n 0 - Dn
(b) When source is at rest and observer in motion
Example 5.
Tuning fork A has frequency 1% greater than that of (i) when observer moving towards source
standard fork B, while tuning fork C has frequency 2%
æ V + V0 ö
smaller than that of B. When A an C are sounded together, n2 = ç ÷ n0
the number of beats heard per second is 5. What is the è V ø
frequency of each fork? (ii) when observer moving away from source and
Solution : V0 = velocity of observer.
Let the frequencies of forks be n 1, n2 and n3 respectively.
æ V - V0 ö
Then n ¢2 = ç ÷ n0
n1 = n2 (1 + 0.01) = 1.01 n2 and n3 = n2 (1 - 0.02) = 0.98 n2 è V ø
Further, n 1 – n3 = 5 (c) When source and observer both are in motion
Substituting the values, we get (1.01 n2 – 0.98 n2) = 5 (i) If source and observer both move away from each
\ n2 = 166.7 Hz other.
Now n1 = 1.01 × 166.7 = 168.3 Hz æ V - V0 ö
and n3 = 0.98 × 166.7 = 163.3 Hz. n3 = ç ÷ n0
è V - Vs ø
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(ii) If source and observer both move towards each other. Solution :
In this case, we can assume that both the source and
æ V + V0 ö observer are moving towards each other with velocity v. If
n3¢ = ç ÷ n0 ;
è V - Vs ø c be the velocity of signal, then
æc+vö æ (c + v) (c - v) ö
When the wind blows in the direction of sound, then in all above n¢ = ç ÷n or n¢ = ç ÷n
formulae V is replaced by (V + W) where W is the velocity of wind. èc-vø ç (c - v) 2 ÷
è ø
If the wind blows in the opposite direction to sound then V is replaced
by (V – W). (c2 - v2 ) c2
or n ¢ = Þ n¢ = n; (as c >> v)
Keep in Memory c 2 + v2 - 2c v c 2 - 2cv
æ c ö
1. The motion of the listener causes change in number of \ n ¢ = çç ÷÷ n
waves received by the listener and this produces an apparent è c- 2v ø
change in frequency. STATIONARY OR STANDING WAVES
2. The motion of the source of sound causes change in When two progressive waves having the same amplitude, velocity
wavelength of the sound waves, which produces apparent and time period but travelling in opposite directions
change in frequency. superimpose, then stationary wave is produced.
3. If a star goes away from the earth with velocity v, then the Let two waves of same amplitude and frequency travel in opposite
frequency of the light emitted from it changes from n to n'. direction at same speed, then
n' = n (1–v/c), where c is the velocity of light and y1 = A sin (wt –kx) and
y2 = A sin (wt + kx)
Dn v Dl v By principle of superposition
= or = where Dl is called Doppler’s shift.
n c l c y = y1 + y2 = (2A cos kx) sin wt ...(i)
If wavelength of the observed waves decreases then the y = A s sin ωt
object from which the waves are coming is moving towards
It is clear that amplitude of stationary wave As vary with position
the listener and vice versa. (a) As = 0, when cos kx = 0 i.e., kx = p/2, 3p/2............
Example 7. i.e., x = l/4, 3l/4...................[as k = 2p/l]
Two engines cross each other travelling in opposite These points are called nodes and spacing between two
direction at 72 km/hour. One engine sounds a whistle of nodes is l/2.
frequency 1088 cps. What are the frequencies as heard by (b) As is maximum, when cos kx is max
an observer on the other engine before and after crossing. i.e., kx = 0, p , 2p, 3p i.e., x = 0, ll/2, 2l/2....
Take the speed of sound as 340 m/s. It is clear that antinode (where As is maximum) are also
Solution : equally spaced with spacing l/2.
The apparent frequency before crossing, (c) The distance between node and antinode is l/4 (see figure)
Antinode Node Antinode
æ v + v0 ö
n ¢ = n çç ÷ 2A
÷
è v - vs ø
segment 1 segment 2 segment 3
Here Vo = 72 km/hour = 20 m/s x
o
vs = 72 km/hour = 20 m/s
l /2
æ 340 + 20 ö l /4
360
\ n ¢ = 1088 ´ ç ÷ = 1088 ´ = 1224 Hz
è 340 - 20 ø 320 Keep in Memory
The apparent frequency after crossing 1. When a string vibrates in one segment, the sound produced
is called fundamental note. The string is said to vibrate in
æ v - v0 ö æ 340 - 20 ö
n '' = n ç ÷ = 1088 ´ ç ÷ fundamental mode.
è v + v s ø è 340 + 20 ø 2. The fundamental note is called first harmonic, and is given

32 v
= 1088 ´ = 967.11 Hz by n 0 = , where v = speed of wave.
36 2l
Example 8. 3. If the fundamental frequency be n 0 then 2 n 0 , 3 n 0 , 4 n 0
A rocket is going towards moon with a speed v. The ... are respectively called second third, fourth ... harmonics
astronaut in the rocket sends signals of frequency n respectively.
towards the moon and receives them back on reflection 4. If an instrument produces notes of frequencies
from the moon. What will be the frequency of the signal
n1 , n 2 , n 3 , n 4 .... where ν1 < ν 2 < ν3 < ν 4 ....., then n 2 is
received by the astronaut? (Take v << c)
 Waves 379

called first overtone, n3 is called second overtone, n 4 is Similarly the frequency of third harmonic or first overtone (IInd
called third overtone ... so on. harmonic absent) is (see fig. b)
5. Harmonics are the integral multiples of the fundamental
3v
frequency. If n0 be the fundamental frequency, then nn 0 is n c2 =
4l
the frequency of nth harmonic.
6. Overtones are the notes of frequency higher than the 5v 7v
Similarly n c3 = , n c4 = ........
fundamental frequency actually produced by the instrument. 4l 4l
7. In the strings all harmonics are produced. End Correction
Stationary Waves in an Organ Pipe : It is observed that the antinode actually occurs a little above the
In the open organ pipe all the harmonics are produced. open end. A correction is applied for this which is known as end
In an open organ pipe, the fundamental frequency or first correction and is denoted by e.
v (i) For closed organ pipe : l is replaced by l+ e where
harmonic is n0 = , where v is velocity of sound and l is the
2l e = 0.3D, D is the diameter of the tube.
length of air column [see fig. (a)] (ii) For open organ pipe: l is replaced by l + 2e where
(a) (b) e = 0.3D
In resonance tube, the velocity of sound in air given by
l l v = 2ν ( l2 - l1 )

where n = frequency of tuning fork, ll = 1st resonating

length, l2 = 2nd resonating length.
l 2l 2l 2l
l= , l= l= , l= Resonance Tube :
2 1 2 2
(c) It is used to determine velocity of sound in air with the help of a
tuning fork of known frequency.
l

n n
3l 3L e e
l= ,l= A
2 3
Similarly the frequency of second harmonic or first overtone is l1

2v
[see fig (b)], n01 =
2l l2
Similarly the frequency of third harmonic and second overtone
3v
is, [(see fig. (c)] n02 =
2l
4v 5v
Similarly n03 = , n04 = ..................
2l 2l
In the closed organ pipe only the odd harmonics are produced. In
a closed organ pipe, the fundamental frequency (or first Let l1 and l2 are lengths of first and second resonances then
harmonic) is (see fig. a)
l 3l
v l1 + e = and l 2 + e =
nc = 4 4
4l

(a) (b) (c) l

Þ l 2 - l1 = Þ l = 2(l 2 - l1)
2
l l l Speed of sound in air is
v = ul where u is the frequency
v = 2 u(l 2 - l1 )
l 3l 5l
l= l= l=
4 4 4
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For vibrating strings/ open organ pipe.

Mode of Harmonic Tone Frequency Wavelength Shape for string
vibration

v
First or First Fundamental n= 2l A
2l N N
Fundamental tone

Second Second First 2n N A A N

2l N
overtone 2

Second 3n 2l
Third Third overtone 3

For closed organ pipe.

Mode of Harmonic Tone Frequency Wavelength Shape for string

vibration

First or v
First Fundamental n= 4l
Fundamental 4l
tone

Second Third First 3n 4l

overtone 3

Second 5n 4l
Third fifth overtone 5

Comparision of Progressive (or travelling) and Stationary (or standing) Wave:

SI. Progressive Wave Stationary Wave

1. The wave advances with a constant speed The wave does not advance but remains confined
in a particular region.
2. The amplitude is the same for all the particles in The amplitude varies according to position, being
the path of the wave zero at the nodes and maximum at the antinodes.
3. All particles within one wavelength have different Phase of all particles between two adjacent nodes is
phases. the same. Particles in adjacent segments of length
p/2 have opposite phase.
4. Energy is transmitted in the direction of propagation Energy is associated with the wave, but there is no
of the wave transfer of energy across any section of the medium.
 Waves 381

Comparative Study of Interference, Beats and Stationary Wave:

Interference
Superposition of two waves
of nearly same amplitude or
same amplitude having a
constant phase difference (or
no phase difference)
travelling in the same
direction and with the same
wavelength show the
phenomenon of interference.
Maxima and minima are
fixed at their locations.
Beats
Superposition of two waves
of same amplitude having
zero phase difference
moving in the same direction
having small difference in
frequency (less than 10 Hz)
show the phenomenon of
beats.
Maxima and minima vary
periodically with time at
every location.
Stationary wave
Superposition of two waves
of same amplitude having a
constant phase difference (or
no phase difference) moving
in opposite direction having
same frequency give rise to
stationary waves.
Maxima and minima are
fixed at their locations.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SOUND
1. A musical sound consists of quick, regular and periodic
succession of compressions and rarefactions without a
sudden change in amplitude.
2. A noise, consists of slow, irregular and a periodic succession
of compressions and rarefactions, that may have sudden
changes in amplitude.
3. (i) Pitch, (ii) loudness and (iii) quality are the characteristics
of musical sound.
4. Pitch depends on frequency, loudness depends on intensity
and, quality depends on the number and intensity of
overtones.
5. The ratio of the frequencies of the two notes is called the
interval between them. For example interval between two
notes of frequencies 512 Hz and 1024 Hz is 1 : 2 (or 1/2).
6. Two notes are said to be in unison if their frequencies are
equal, i.e., if the interval between them is 1 : 1.
Some other common intervals, found useful in producing
musical sound are the following:
Octave (1 : 2), majortone (8 : 9), minortone (9 : 10) and
semitone (15 : 16)
7. Major diatonic scale : It consists of eight notes. The
consecutive notes have either of the following three
intervals. They are 8 : 9 ; 9 : 10 and 15 : 16.
Acoustics : The branch of physics that deals with the process of
generation, reception and propagation of sound is called
acoustics.
Acoustics may be studied under the following three subtitles.
(a) Electro acoustics. This branch deals with electrical sound
production with music.
(b) Musical acoustics. This branch deals with the relationship
of sound with music.
(c) Architectural acoustics. This branch deals with the design
and construction of buildings.
REVERBERATION
Multiple reflections which are responsible for a series of waves
falling on listener’s ears, giving the impression of a persistence
or prolongation of the sound are called reverberations.
The time gap between the initial direct note and the reflected note
upto the minimum audibility level is called reverberation time.
Sabine Reverberation Formula for Time
Sabine established that the standard period of reverberation viz.,
the time that the sound takes to fall in intensity by 60 decibels or
to one millionth of its original intensity after it was stopped, is
0.05V
given by T =
å a i Si
where V = volume of room, å a i Si = a1 S1 + a2 S2 + ....
S1, S2 .... are different kinds of surfaces of room and
a1 , a2 .... are their respective absorption coefficient.
The above formula was derived by Prof C. Sabine.
Shock waves : The waves produced by a body moving with a
speed greater than the speed of sound are called shock waves.
These waves carry huge amount of energy. It is due to the shock
wave that we have a sudden violent sound called sonic boom
when a supersonic plane passes by.
The rate of speed of the source to that of the speed of sound is
called mach number.
Intensity of sound : The sound intensities that we can hear range
from 10–12 Wm–2 to 103 Wm–2. The intensity level b, measured
I
in terms of decibel (dB) is defined as b = 10 log
I0
where I = measured intensity, I0 = 10–12 Wm–1
At the threshold b = 0
1
At the max b = 10 log = 120 dB
10 -12
Lissajous Figures: when two simple harmonic waves having
vibrations in mutually perpendicular directions superimpose
on each other, then the resultant motion of the particle is along
a closed path, called the Lissajous figures. These figures can be
of many shapes depending on
(i) ratio of frequencies or time periods of two waves
(ii) ratio of amplitude of two waves
(iii) phase difference between two waves.
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Example 9. Example 11.

The equation of stationary wave in stretched string is The fundamental frequency of an open organ pipe is 300
px Hz. The first overtone of this pipe has same frequency as
given by y = 5 sin cos 40 p t where x and y are in cm first overtone of a closed organ pipe. If speed of sound is
3
330 m/s, then find the length of closed organ pipe.
and t in second. Find the separation between two adjacent
nodes. Solution :
Solution : v
For open pipe, n =
Given that y = 5 sin p x cos 40 p t 2l
3
v 330 11
2p 2p \ l= = =
We know that y = a sin x cos vt 2 n 2 ´ 300 20
l l
As frequency of first overtone of open pipe = frequency of
2p p 1st overtone of closed pipe
\ = or l = 6
l 3
v v
Now distance between two adjacent nodes \ 2 =3
2l 4 l¢
l 6
= = = 3 cm 3l 3 11
2 2 l¢ = = ´ = 41.25 cm
Example 10. 4 4 20
For a certain organ pipe, three successive resonance Example 12.
frequencies are observed at 425, 595 and 765 Hz, String wires of same material of length l and 2 l vibrate
respectively. Taking the speed of sound in the air to be 340 with frequencies 100 and 150 respectively. Determine the
metre per second, (i) explain whether the pipe is closed at ratio of their tensions.
one end or open at both the ends and (ii) determine the Solution :
fundamental frequency and the length of the pipe.
Solution : 1 T
(i) Given ratio of successive frequencies As n =
2l m
= 425 : 595 : 765 = 5 : 7 : 9.
So, the harmonics are odd harmonics. Hence the pipe
1 T1 1 T2
is closed at one end. \ 100 = and 150 =
2l m 4l m
(ii) Fundamental frequency n is given by, n = 425 = 85
5 T1
100 4 l 2 T
Divide = or =2 1
v v 150 2 l T2 3 T2
We known that n = or l = for closed organ
4l 4n
pipe at one end. T1 1 T1 1
\ = or = =1:9
T2 3 T2 9
340
\ Length of the pipe l = = 1 metre
4 ´ 85
Waves 383
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1. Frequencies of sound produced from an organ pipe open 12. What is the effect of increase in temperature on the
at both ends are frequency of sound produced by an organ pipe?
(a) only fundamental note (b) only even harmonics (a) increases (b) decreases
(c) only odd harmonics (d) even and odd harmonics (c) no effect (d) erratic change
2. The fundamental frequency of an organ pipe is 512 Hz. If its 13. Shock waves are produced by objects
length is increased, then frequency will (a) carrying electric charge and vibrating
(a) decrease (b) increase (b) vibrating with frequency greater than 20000 Hz
(c) remains same (d) cannot be predicted
(c) vibrating with very large amplitude
3. The property of a medium necessary for wave propagation is
(a) inertia (b) elasticity (d) moving with a speed greater than that of sound in the
(c) low resistance (d) All of the above medium
4. Doppler’s effect is not applicable for 14. The speed of sound in a medium depends on
(a) audio waves (b) electromagnetic waves (a) the elastic property but not on the inertia property
(c) shock waves (d) None of these (b) the inertia property but not on the elastic property
5. Two sound waves of equal intensity I produce beats. The (c) the elastic property as well as the inertia property
maximum intensity of sound produced in beats will be
(d) neither the elastic property nor the inertia property
(a) I (b) 2I (c) 3I (d) 4I
15. Consider the three waves z 1, z2 and z3 as
6. Two sinusoidal plane waves of same frequency having z1 = A sin (kx – wt)
intensities I0 and 4 I0 are travelling in the same direction. z2 = A sin (kx + wt)
The resultant intensity at a point at which waves meet with z3 = A sin (ky – wt)
a phase difference of zero radian is Which of the following represents a standing wave?
(a) I0 (b) 5 I0 (a) z1 + z2 (b) z2 + z3
(c) 9 I0 (d) 3 I0 (c) z3 + z1 (d) z1 + z2 + z3
16. Each of the properties of sound listed in column A primarily
7. If the intensities of two interfering waves be I1 and I2, the
depends on one of the quantitites in column B. Choose the
contrast between maximum and minimum intensity is
matching pairs from two columns
maximum, when Column A Column B
(a) I1 > > I2 (b) I1 << I2 Pitch Waveform
(c) I1 = I2 (d) either I1 or I2 is zero Quality Frequency
8. Sound waves of length l travelling with velocity v in a Loudness Intensity
medium enter into another medium in which their velocity (a) Pitch-wave form; Quality-frequency; Loudness-
is 4 v. The wavelength in 2nd medium is intensity
(a) 4λ (b) l (b) Pitch-frequency; Quality-wave form; Loudness-
(c) l/4 (d) 16 l intensity
(c) Pitch-intensity; Quality-wave form; Loudness-
9. Two periodic waves of intensities I1 and I2 pass through a
frequency
region at the same time in the same direction. The sum of (d) Pitch-wave form; Quality-intensity; Loudness-
the maximum and minimum intensities is frequency
(a) 2 (I1 + I2) (b) I1 + I2 17. Three transverse waves are represented by
(c) ( I1 + I 2 ) 2 (d) ( I1 - I 2 ) 2 y1 = A cos ( kx - w t )
y 2 = A cos ( kx + w t )
10. An open and closed organ pipe have the same length. The
y 3 = A cos (ky - wt )
ratio of pth mode of frequency of vibration of two pipes is
(a) 1 (b) p The combination of waves which can produce stationary
waves is
2p (a) y1 and y2 (b) y2 and y3
(c) p (2p + 1) (d)
( 2 p - 1) (c) y1 and y3 (d) y1, y2 and y3
11. Sound waves are not transmitted to long distances 18. Which of the following changes at an antinode in a
because, stationary wave?
(a) they are absorbed by the atmosphere (a) Density only
(b) they have constant frequency (b) Pressure only
(c) the height of antenna required, should be very high (c) Both pressure and density
(d) velocity of sound waves is very less (d) Neither pressure nor density
 Waves 385

19. Sound waves are travelling in a medium whose adiabatic 2p

elasticity is E and isothermal elasticity E'. The velocity of 23. The equation y = a sin (vt - x ) is expression for
l
sound waves is proportional to
(a) stationary wave of single frequency along x-axis
(a) E' (b) E (b) a simple harmonic motion
(c) a progressive wave of single frequency along x-axis
E
(c) E' (d) (d) the resultant of two SHMs of slightly different
E' frequencies
20. The equation of a cylindrical progressive wave is 24. A whistle S of frequency f revolves in a circle of radius R at
a constant speed v. What is the ratio of largest and smallest
(a) y = a sin wt (b) y = a sin (wt - kr )
frequency detected by a detector D at rest at a distance 2R
a from the centre of circle as shown in figure ?
a
(c) y= sin (wt - kr) (d) y = sin (w t - kr ) (take c as speed of sound)
r r
21. A wave y = a sin (wt – kx) on a string meets with another
wave producing a node at x = 0. Then the equation of the D S
R
unknown wave is
(a) y = a sin (wt + kx) (b) y = –a sin (wt + kx)
(c) y = a sin (wt – kx) (d) y = –a sin (wt – kx) 2R
22. A sound wave of frequency f travels horizontally to the æ c + vö æ c + vö
(a) çè ÷ 2ç (b)
right. It is reflected from a large vertical plane surface moving c - vø è c - v ÷ø
to left with a speed v. The speed of sound in medium is c. (c + v)
Then (c) 2 (d)
c 2
(a) the number of wave striking the surface per second is 25. When a string is divided into three segments of length l1,
l2, and l3 the fundamental frequencies of these three
(c + v) segments are v1 , v 2 and v3 respectively. The original
f
c fundamental frequency (v) of the string is
c(c + v)
(b) the wavelength of reflected wave is (a) v = v1 + v2 + v3
f (c + v)
(c - v) (b) v = v1 + v2 + v3
(c) the frequency of the reflected wave is f
(c - v) 1 1 1 1
(c) = + +
v v1 v2 v3
(d) the number of beats heard by a stationary listener to
vf 1 1 1 1
the left of the reflecting surface is (d) = + +
c-v v v1 v2 v3

1. The equation of a plane progressive wave is 2. If two waves of same frequency and same amplitude, on
é xù superposition, produce a resultant disturbance of the same
y = 0 .9 sin 4 p ê t - ú . When it is reflected at a rigid
ë 2û amplitude, the wave differ in phase by
2 (a) p (b) 2 p/3
support, its amplitude becomes of its previous value.
3 (c) Zero (d) p/3
The equation of the reflected wave is
3. Two tones of frequencies n 1 and n 2 are sounded together.
é xù
(a) y = 0 .6 sin 4 p ê t + ú The beats can be heard distinctly when
ë 2û
(a) 10 < (n1 – n 2) < 20 (b) 5 < (n1 – n 2) > 20
é xù (c) 5 < (n1 – n 2) < 20 (d) 0 < (n1 – n 2) < 10
(b) y = - 0.6 sin 4 p ê t + ú
ë 2û 4. The equation of a spherical progressive wave is
é xù (a) y = a sin wt (b) y = a sin (wt - kr )
(c) y = - 0.9 sin 8p ê t - ú
ë 2û
a a
(c) y= sin (wt - kr ) (d) y = sin (w t - kr )
é xù 2 r
(d) y = - 0.6 sin 4 p ê t + ú
ë 2û
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5. The velocity of sound in air is 330 m/s. The r.m.s. velocity (a) 117.7 cm (b) 92.9 cm
of air molecules (g = 1.4) is approximately equal to (c) 115.5 cm (d) 113.5 cm
(a) 400 m/s (b) 471.4 m/s 17. A fork of frequency 256 Hz resonates with a closed organ
(c) 231 m/s (d) 462 m/s pipe of length 25.4 cm. If the length of pipe be increased by
6. The velocity of sound in hydrogen is 1224 m/s. Its velocity 2 mm, the number of beats/sec. will be
in a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen containing 4 parts by (a) 4 (b) 1
volume of hydrogen and 1 part oxygen is (c) 2 (d) 3
(a) 1224 m/s (b) 612 m/s 18. A distant star which is moving away with a velocity of 106
(c) 2448 m/s (d) 306 m/s m/sec is emitting a red line of frequency 4.5 × 1014 Hz. The
7. A person standing symmetrically between two cliffs claps observed frequency of this spectral line is
his hands and starts hearing a series of echoes at intervals (a) 4.5 × 108 Hz (b) 4.485 × 1014 Hz
of 1 sec. If speed of sound in air is 340 m/s, the distance 14
(c) 4.515 × 10 Hz (d) 4.5 × 1014 Hz
between the parallel cliffs must be 19. The speed of sound in air under ordinary conditions is
(a) 340 m (b) 680 m around 330 m s–1. The speed of sound in hydrogen under
(c) 1020 m (d) 170 m similar conditions will be (in m s–1) nearest to
8. An echo repeats two syllables. If the velocity of sound is (a) 330 (b) 1200
330 m/s, then the distance of the reflecting surface is (c) 600 (d) 900
(a) 66.0 m (b) 33.0 m 20. A wave disturbance in a medium is described by
(c) 99.0 m (d) 16.5 m
9. At room temperaturre, velocity of sound in air at 10 æ pö
y( x , t ) = 0.02 cos ç 50pt + ÷ cos(10px ) where x and y are
atmospheric pressure and at 1 atmospheric pressure will be è 2ø
in the ratio
in metre and t is in second. Which of the following is correct?
(a) 10 : 1 (b) 1 : 10
(a) A node occurs at x = 0.15 m
(c) 1 : 1 (d) cannot say
10. A series of ocean waves, each 5.0 m from crest to crest, (b) An antinode occurs at x = 0.3 m
moving past the observer at a rate of 2 waves per second, (c) The speed wave is 5 ms–1
what is the velocity of ocean waves? (d) The wavelength is 0.3 m
(a) 2.5 m/s (b) 5.0 m/s 21. Two waves represented by y1 = a sin wt and
(c) 8.0 m/s (d) 10.0 m/s
11. If the ratio of maximum to minimum intensity in beats is 49, p
y 2 = a sin(wt + f) with f = are superposed at any point
then the ratio of amplitudes of two progressive wave trains 2
is at a particular instant. The resultant amplitude is
(a) 7 : 1 (b) 4 : 3 (a) a (b) 4a
(c) 49 : 1 (d) 16 : 9
(c) 2a (d) zero
12. There are three sources of sound of equal intensities and
frequencies 400, 401 and 402 vibrations per second. The 22. If the speed of a transverse wave on a stretched string of
number of beats/sec is length 1 m is 60 m/s, what is the fundamental frequency of
(a) 0 (b) 1 vibration?
(c) 3 (d) 2 (a) 10 Hz (b) 30 Hz
13. A fork of unknown frequency gives four beats/sec when (c) 40 Hz (d) 70 Hz
sounded with another of frequency 256. The fork is now 23. The equation of a progressive wave is
loaded with a piece of wax and again four beats/sec are
heard. Then the frequency of the unknown fork is é t x ù
y = 0.02 sin 2pê - ú
(a) 256 Hz (b) 252 Hz ë 0.01 0.30 û
(c) 264 Hz (d) 260 Hz Here x and y are in metre and t is in second. The velocity of
14. If there are six loops for 1 m length in transverse mode of propagation of the wave is
Melde’s experiment., the no. of loops in longitudinal mode (a) 300 m s–1 (b) 30 m s–1
under otherwise identical conditions would be (c) 400 m s–1 (d) 40 m s–1
(a) 3 (b) 6 24. The equation Y = 0.02 sin (500pt) cos (4.5 x) represents
(c) 12 (d) 8 (a) progressive wave of frequency 250 Hz along x-axis
15. The apparent wavelength of the light from a star moving (b) a stationary wave of wavelength 1.4 m
away from the earth is 0.2% more than its actual wavelength. (c) a transverse progressive wave of amplitude 0.02 m
Then the velocity of the star is (d) progressive wave of speed of about 350 m s–1
(a) 6 × 107 m/sec (b) 6 × 106 m/sec 25. The intensity level of sound wave is said to be 4 decibel. If
5
(c) 6 × 10 m/sec (d) 6 × 104 m/sec the intensity of wave is doubled, then the intensity level of
16. In a resonance column, first and second resonance are sound as expressed in decibel would be
obtained at depths 22.7 cm and 70.2 cm. The third resonance (a) 8 (b) 16
will be obtained at a depth (c) 7 (d) 14
 Waves 387

semi circular track. The driver blows a whistle of frequency

26. The equation y = A sin 2 (kx - wt ) represents a wave with
200 Hz. Velocity of sound is 340 m/sec Then the apparent
(a) amplitude A, frequency w / 2 p frequency as observed by a passenger in the middle of the
(b) amplitude A/2, frequency w / p train, when the speed of the train is 30 m/sec is
(a) 181 Hz (b) 200 Hz
(c) amplitude 2A, frequency w / 4p
(c) 188 Hz (d) 210 Hz
(d) it does not represent a wave motion 38. The displacement of a particle varies according to the
27. A toothed wheel is rotating at 240 rpm and a post card is
relation x = 4(cos πt + sin πt). The amplitude of the
held against the teeth. If the pitch of the tone is 256 Hz,
particle is
then the number of teeth on the rotating wheel is
(a) – 4 m (b) 4 m
(a) 256 (b) 128
(c) 64 (d) 32 (c) 4 2 m (d) 8 m
28. When a tuning fork vibrates with 1.0 m or 1.05 m long wire 39. Two waves of wavelengths 99 cm and 100 cm both travelling
of a sonometer, 5 beats per second are produced in each with velocity 396 m/s are made to interfere. The number of
case. What will be the frequency of the tuning fork? beats produced by them per second is
(a) 195 (b) 200 (a) 1 (b) 2
(c) 205 (d) 210 (c) 4 (d) 8
29. The speed of sound in oxygen (O2) at a certain temperature 40. A whistle of frequency 1000 Hz is sounded on a car travelling
is 460 ms–1. The speed of sound in helium (He) at the same towards a cliff with velocity of 18 m s–1 normal to the cliff.
temperature will be (assume both gases to be ideal) If c = 330 m s–1, then the apparent frequency of the echo as
(a) 460 ms–1 (b) 500 ms–1 heard by the car driver is nearly
(c) 650 ms–1 (d) 330 ms–1 (a) 1115 Hz (b) 115 Hz
30. A closed pipe and an open pipe have their first overtones (c) 67 Hz (d) 47.2 Hz
identical in frequency. Their lengths are in the ratio 41. An organ pipe open at one end is vibrating in first overtone
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 2 : 3 and is in resonance with another pipe open at both ends
(c) 3 : 4 (d) 4 : 5 and vibrating in third harmonic. The ratio of length of two
31. The threshold of hearing for the human ear is 10–12 W m–2. pipes is
This is taken as the standard level. The intensity of sound (a) 1 : 2 (b) 4 : 1
is 1 Wm–2. It has intensity (in dB). (c) 8 : 3 (d) 3 : 8
(a) 1012 dB (b) 12 dB 42. An organ pipe, open from both end produces 5 beats per
(c) 240 dB (d) 120 dB second when vibrated with a source of frequency 200 Hz.
32. In expressing sound intensity, we take 10–12 W m–2 as the The second harmonic of the same pipes produces 10 beats
reference level. For ordinary conversation, the intensity per second with a source of frequency 420 Hz. The
level is about 10–6 W m–2. Expressed in decibel, this is fundamental frequency of organ pipe is
(a) 106 (b) 6 (a) 195 Hz (b) 205 Hz
(c) 60 (d) loge (106) (c) 190 Hz (d) 210 Hz
33. If two tuning forks A and B are sounded together, they 43. A progressive sound wave of frequency 500 Hz is travelling
produce 4 beats per sec. A is then slightly loaded with wax through air with a speed of 350 ms–1 . A compression
and same no. of beats/sec. are produced again. If frequency maximum appears at a place at a given instant. The minimum
of A is 256, the frequency of B would be time interval after which the rarefraction maximum occurs at
(a) 250 (b) 262 the same point, is
(c) 252 (d) 260 1
34. A uniform wire of length 20 m and weighing 5 kg hangs (a) 200 s (b) s
250
vertically. If g = 10 m/s2, then the speed of transverse waves
in the middle of the wire is 1 1
(c) s (d) s
(a) 10 m/s (b) 10 2 m/s 500 1000
44. When a sound wave of frequency 300 Hz passes through a
(c) 4 m/s (d) zero
medium, the maximum displacement of a particle of the
35. The fundamental frequency of an open organ pipe is 300
medium is 0.1 cm. The maximum velocity of the particle is
Hz. The first overtone of this pipe has same frequency as
equal to
first overtone of a closed organ pipe. If speed of sound is
(a) 60p cms–1 (b) 30p cms–1
330 m/s, then the length of closed organ pipe is
(a) 41 cm (b) 37 cm (c) 30 cms–1 30 cm s -1 (d) 60 cms–1
(c) 31 cm (d) 80 cm v
36. A pipe closed at one end produces a fundamental note of 45. An engine running at speed sounds a whistle of
10
412 Hz. It is cut into two pieces of equal length. the frequency 600 Hz. A passenger in a train coming from the
fundamental frequencies produced by the two pieces are
v
(a) 206 Hz, 412 Hz (b) 824 Hz, 1648 Hz opposite side at speed experiences this whistle to be of
(c) 412 Hz, 824 Hz (d) 206 Hz, 824 Hz 15
37. A train has just completed U-curve in a track which is a semi- frequency f. If v is speed of sound in air and there is no
circle. The engine is at the forward end of the semi-circular wind, f is near to
part of the track while the last carriage is at the rear end of the (a) 710 Hz (b) 630 Hz
(c) 580 Hz (d) 510 Hz
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46. A source of sound produces waves of wavelength 60 cm (a) 7.5 units (b) 1.5 units
when it is stationary. If the speed of sound in air is 320 m s– (c) 22.5 units (d) 30 units
1 and source moves with speed 20 m s–1, the wavelength of 54. A wave travelling along the x-axis is described by the
sound in the forward direction will be nearest to equation y(x, t) = 0.005 cos (a x – bt). If the wavelength and
(a) 56 cm (b) 60 cm the time period of the wave are 0.08 m and 2.0s, respectively,
(c) 64 cm (d) 68 cm then a and b in appropriate units are
47. A person carrying a whistle emitting continuously a note 0.08 2.0
of 272 Hz is running towards a reflecting surface with a (a) a = 25.00 p , b = p (b) a = ,b =
speed of 18 km h–1. The speed of sound in air is 345 m s–1. p p
The number of beats heard by him is 0.04 1.0 p
(c) a = ,b = (d) a = 12.50p, b =
(a) 4 (b) 6 p p 2.0
(c) 8 (d) zero 55. Where should the two bridges be set in a 110cm long wire
48. In the sonometer experiment, a tuning fork of frequency so that it is divided into three parts and the ratio of the
256 Hz is in resonance with 0.4 m length of the wire when frequencies are 3 : 2 : 1 ?
the iron load attached to free end of wire is 2 kg. If the load (a) 20cm from one end and 60cm from other end
is immersed in water, the length of the wire in resonance (b) 30cm from one end and 70cm from other end
would be (specific gravity of iron = 8) (c) 10cm from one end and 50cm from other end
(a) 0.37 m (b) 0.43 m (d) 50cm from one end and 40cm from other end
(c) 0.31 m (d) 0.2 m 56. A source X of unknown frequency produces 8 beats per
49. A longitudinal wave is represented by second with a source of 250 Hz and 12 beats per second
æ xö with a source of 270 Hz. The frequency of the source X is
x = x 0 sin 2pç nt - ÷ (a) 242 Hz (b) 258 Hz
è lø
(c) 282 Hz (d) 262 Hz
The maximum particle velocity will be four times the wave 57. An isotropic point source S of sound emits constant power.
velocity if Two points A and B separated by a distance r are situated
px 0
(a) l = (b) l = 2px 0 near the source as shown in figure. The difference of the
4 intensity level of sound at the points A and B is about
px
(c) l = 0 (d) l = 4px 0 r r
2
50. Two strings A and B, made of same material, are stretched
S A B
by same tension. The radius of string A is double of radius
of B. A transverse wave travels on A with speed vA and on (a) 3 dB (b) 2 dB
B with speed vB. The ratio vA / vB is (c) 6 dB (d) 12 dB
(a) 1/2 (b) 2 58. A thick uniform rope of length L is hanging from a rigid
(c) 1/4 (d) 4 support. A transverse wave of wavelength l0 is set up at
51. A sonometer wire of length l vibrates in fundamental mode the middle of rope as shown in figure. The wavelength of
when excited by a tuning fork of frequency 416 Hz. If the the wave as it reaches to the topmost point is
length is doubled keeping other things same, the string will /////////////////
(a) vibrate with a frequency of 416 Hz
L
(b) vibrate with a frequency of 208 Hz
(c) vibrate with a frequency of 832 Hz
(d) stop vibrating
l0
100 (a) 2l0 (b) 2l 0 (c) (d) l0
52. A source of sound is travelling at m s–1 along a road, 2
3 59. Wave pulse on a string shown in figure is moving to the
towards a point A. When the source is 3 m away from A, a
person standing at a point O on a road perpendicular to the right without changing shape. Consider two particles at
track hears a sound of frequency n'. The distance of O from positions x1 = 1.5m and x2 = 2.5m. Their transverse velocities
A at that time is 4 m. If the original frequency is 640 Hz, then at the moment shown in figure are along directions
y
the value of n' is (given : velocity of sound = 340 m s–1)
100 ms –1
(a) 620 Hz A 3m 3 S
q
(b) 680 Hz v
4m
(c) 720 Hz
x(m)
(d) 840 Hz 1 2 3 4 5 6
O
53. The equation of a stationary wave is : (a) positive y-axis and positive y-axis respectively
æ px ö (b) negative y-axis and positive y-axis respectively
y = 4 sinç ÷ cos (96pt ) . The distance between a node
è 15 ø (c) positive y-axis and negative y-axis respectively
and its next antinode is (d) negative y-axis and negative y-axis respectively
 Waves 389

60. The transverse wave represented by the equation (a) decreases by a factor 10
(b) increases by a factor 20
æpö
y = 4 sin ç ÷ sin (3x - 15 t ) has (c) increases by a factor 10
è6ø (d) decreases by a factor 20
(a) amplitude = 4 69. Two identical piano wires kept under the same tension T
have a fundamental frequency of 600 Hz. The fractional
p
(b) wavelength = 4 increase in the tension of one of the wires which will lead to
3 occurrence of 6 beats/s when both the wires oscillate
(c) speed of propagation = 5 together would be
p (a) 0.02 (b) 0.03 (c) 0.04 (d) 0.01
(d) period = 70. Velocity of sound waves in air is 330 m/s. For a particular
15
sound wave in air, a path difference of 40 cm is equivalent
61. An organ pipe P1 closed at one end vibrating in its first to phase difference of 1.6p. The frequency of this wave is
overtone and another pipe P2 open at both ends vibrating
(a) 165 Hz (b) 150 Hz
in third overtone are in resonance with a given tuning fork.
(c) 660 Hz (d) 330 Hz
The ratio of the length of P1 to that of P2 is
71. Two sources of sound placed close to each other are
(a) 8/3 (b) 3/8
emitting progressive waves given by y1 = 4 sin 600 pt and
(c) 1/2 (d) 1/3
y2 = 5 sin 608 pt. An observer located near these two sources
62. A car is moving towards a high cliff. The car driver sounds of sound will hear
a horn of frequency f. The reflected sound heard by the (a) 4 beats per second with intensity ratio 25 : 16 between
driver has as frequency 2f. If v be the velocity of sound, waxing and waning.
then the velocity of the car, in the same velocity units, will
(b) 8 beats per second with intensity ratio 25 : 16 between
be
waxing and waning
(a) v /2 (b) v /Ö2
(c) 8 beats per second with intensity ratio 81 : 1 between
(c) v /3 (d) v /4
waxing and waning
63. The phase difference between two waves, represented by
(d) 4 beats per second with intensity ratio 81 : 1 between
y1 = 10–6 sin{100 t + (x/50) + 0.5} m waxing and waning
y2 = 10–6 cos{100 t + (x/50)} m Directions for Qs. (72 to 75) : Each question contains
where x is expressed in metres and t is expressed in STATEMENT-1 and STATEMENT-2. Choose the correct answer
seconds, is approximately (ONLY ONE option is correct ) from the following-
(a) 1.5 radians (b) 1.07 radians (a) Statement -1 is false, Statement-2 is true
(c) 2.07 radians (d) 0.5 radians (b) Statement -1 is true, Statement-2 is true; Statement -2 is a
64. Two vibrating tuning forks produce progressive waves correct explanation for Statement-1
given by Y1 = 4 sin 500 pt and Y2 = 2 sin 506 pt. Number of (c) Statement -1 is true, Statement-2 is true; Statement -2 is not
beats produced per minute is a correct explanation for Statement-1
(a) 360 (b) 180 (d) Statement -1 is true, Statement-2 is false
(c) 60 (d) 3 72. Statement 1 : All points on a wavefront vibrate in same
65. A transverse wave is represented by y = A sin ( w t – kx). phase with same frequency.
For what value of the wavelength is the wave velocity equal Statement 2 : Two sources are said to be coherent if they
to the maximum particle velocity? produce waves of same frequency with a constant phase
pA difference.
(a) (b) p A (c) 2pA (d) A 73. Statement 1 : A transverse waves are produced in a very
2
66. A tuning fork of freqqency 512 Hz makes 4 beats per second long string fixed at one end. Only progressive wave is
with the vibrating string of a piano. The beat frequency observed near the free end.
decreases to 2 beats per sec when the tension in the piano Statement 2 : Energy of reflected wave does not reach the
string is slightly increased. The frequency of the piano free end.
string before increasing the tension was 74. Statement 1 : Two waves moving in a uniform string having
(a) 510 Hz (b) 514 Hz (c) 516 Hz (d) 508 Hz uniform tension cannot have different velocities.
67. Two waves are represen ted by the equations Statement 2 : Elastic and inertial properties of string are
y1 = a sin (wt + kx + 0.57) m and y2 = a cos (wt + kx) m, where same for all waves in same string. Moreover speed of wave
x is in meter and t in sec. The phase difference between in a string depends on its elastic and inertial properties only.
them is
(a) 1.0 radian (b) 1.25 radian 75. Statement 1 : Doppler formula for sound wave is symmetric
(c) 1.57 radian (d) 0.57 radian with respect to the speed of source and speed of observer.
68. Sound waves travel at 350 m/s through a warm air and at Statement 2 : Motion of source with respect to stationary
3500 m/s through brass. The wavelength of a 700 Hz observer is not equivalent to the motion of an observer
acoustic wave as it enters brass from warm air with respect to stationary source.
 EBD_7751
390 PHYSICS

Exemplar Questions æ xö
1. Water waves produced by a motorboat sailing in water are (c) y = 0.4sin 2p ç t + ÷
è 2ø
(a) neither longitudinal nor transverse
æ xö
(b) both longitudinal and transverse (d) y = -0.4 sin 2p ç t - ÷
(c) only longitudinal è 2ø
(d) only transverse 9. A string of mass 2.5 kg is under tension of 200 N. The
2. Sound waves of wavelength l travelling in a medium with a length of the stretched string is 20.0 m. If the transverse
speed of v m/ s enter into another medium where its speed jerk is struck at one end of the string, the disturbance will
in 2v m/s. Wavelength of sound waves in the second reach the other end in 200 N = T
medium is
l (a) 1 s
(a) l (b) (b) 0.5 s
2
(c) 2l (d) 4 l (c) 2 s 20 m
3. Speed of sound wave in air (d) data given is insufficient
(a) is independent of temperature 10. A train whistling at constant frequency is moving towards
(b) increases with pressure a station at a constant speed v. The train goes past a
(c) increases with increase in humidity stationary observer on the station. The frequency n' of the
(d) decreases with increase in humidity sound as heard by the observer is plotted as a function of
4. Change in temperature of the medium changes time t (figure). Identify the expected curve.
(a) frequency of sound waves n n
(b) amplitude of sound waves
(c) wavelength of sound waves
(d) loudness of sound waves
5. With propagation of longitudinal waves through a medium, (a) t (b) t
the quantity transmitted is
n n
(a) matter
(b) energy
(c) energy and matter
(d) energy, matter and momentum
(c) t (d) t
6. Which of the following statements are true for wave motion?
(a) Mechanical transverse waves can propagate through Past Years (2013-2017) NEET/AIPMT Questions
all mediums
11. If we study the vibration of a pipe open at both ends, then
(b) Longitudinal waves can propagate through solids only
which of the following statements is not true ? [2013]
(c) Mechanical transverse waves can propagate through
solids only (a) Odd harmonics of the fundamental frequency will be
(d) Longitudinal waves can propagate through vacuum generated
7. A sound wave is passing through air column in the form of (b) All harmonics of the fundamental frequency will be
compression and rarefaction. In consecutive compressions generated
and rarefactions, (c) Pressure change will be maximum at both ends
(a) density remains constant (d) Antinode will be at open end
(b) Boyle's law is obeyed 12. A source of unknown frequency gives 4 beats/s, when
(c) bulk modulus of air oscillates sounded with a source of known frequency 250 Hz. The
(d) there is no transfer of heat second harmonic of the source of unknown frequency gives
8. Equation of a plane progressive wave is given by five beats per second, when sounded with a source of
æ xö frequency 513 Hz. The unknown frequency is [2013]
y = 0.6sin 2p ç t - ÷ . On reflection from a denser medium
è 2ø (a) 246 Hz (b) 240 Hz
2 (c) 260 Hz (d) 254 Hz
its amplitude becomes of the amplitude of the incident
3 13. A wave travelling in the +ve x-direction having displacement
wave. The equation of the reflected wave is along y-direction as 1m, wavelength 2p m and frequency
æ xö 1
(a) y = 0.6sin 2p ç t + ÷ Hz is represented by [2013]
è 2ø p
æ xö (a) y = sin (2px – 2pt) (b) y = sin (10px – 20pt)
(b) y = -0.4sin 2p ç t + ÷ (c) y = sin (2px + 2pt) (d) y = sin (x – 2t)
è 2ø
 Waves 391

14. The length of the wire between two ends of a sonometer is (a) 103 Hz
100 cm. What should be the positions of two bridges below
the wire so that the three segments of the wire have their (b) 106 Hz
fundamental frequencies in the ratio of 1 : 3 : 5?
1500 2000 (c) 97 Hz
(a) cm, cm [NEET Kar. 2013] 60°
23 23 O
(d) 100 Hz S
1500 500
(b) cm, cm 21. A string is stretched between two fixed points separated
23 23 by 75.0 cm. It is observed to have resonant frequencies of
1500 300 420 Hz and 315 Hz. There are no other resonant frequencies
(c) cm, cm
23 23 between these two. The lowest resonant frequency for this
string is : [2015 RS]
300 1500
(d) cm, cm (a) 205 Hz (b) 10.5 Hz
23 23
15. Two sources P and Q produce notes of frequency 660 Hz (c) 105 Hz (d) 155 Hz
each. A listener moves from P to Q with a speed of 1 ms–1. 22. A siren emitting a sound of frequency 800 Hz moves away
If the speed of sound is 330 m/s, then the number of beats from an observer towards a cliff at a speed of 15ms–1. Then,
heard by the listener per second will be [NEET Kar. 2013] the frequency of sound that the observer hears in the echo
(a) zero (b) 4 reflected from the cliff is : [2016]
(c) 8 (d) 2 (Take velocity of sound in air = 330 ms–1)
16. If n1, n2 and n3 are the fundamental frequencies of three
(a) 765 Hz (b) 800 Hz
segments into which a string is divided, then the original
fundamental frequency n of the string is given by : [2014] (c) 838 Hz (b) 885 Hz
23. A uniform rope of length L and mass m 1 hangs vertically
1 1 1 1 from a rigid support. A block of mass m2 is attached to the
(a) = + +
n n1 n 2 n 3 free end of the rope. A transverse pulse of wavelength l1 is
1 1 1 1 produced at the lower end of the rope. The wavelength of
(b) = + + the pulse when it reaches the top of the rope is l2 the ratio
n n1 n2 n3
l2/l1 is [2016]
(c) n = n1 + n 2 + n 3
m1 m1 + m 2
(d) n = n1 + n2 + n3 (a) m2 (b) m2
17. The number of possible natural oscillation of air column in
a pipe closed at one end of length 85 cm whose frequencies
lie below 1250 Hz are : (velocity of sound = 340 ms–1) m2 m1 + m 2
(c) m1 (d) m1
(a) 4 (b) 5 [2014]
(c) 7 (d) 6 24. An air column, closed at one end and open at the other,
18. A speeding motorcyclist sees trafic jam ahead of him. He resonates with a tuning fork when the smallest length of
slows down to 36 km/hour. He finds that traffic has eased
the column is 50 cm. The next larger length of the column
and a car moving ahead of him at 18 km/hour is honking at
resonating with the same tuning fork is : [2016]
a frequency of 1392 Hz. If the speeds of sound is 343 m/s,
the frequency of the honk as heard by him will be : (a) 66.7 cm (b) 100 cm
(a) 1332 Hz (b) 1372 Hz [2014] (c) 150 cm (d) 200 cm
(c) 1412 Hz (d) 1464 Hz 25. The two nearest harmonics of a tube closed at one end and
19. The fundamental frequency of a closed organ pipe of length open at other end are 220 Hz and 260 Hz. What is the
20 cm is equal to the second overtone of an organ pipe fundamental frequency of the system? [2017]
open at both the ends. The length of organ pipe open at (a) 20 Hz (b) 30 Hz
both the ends is [2015] (c) 40 Hz (d) 10 Hz
(a) 100 cm (b) 120 cm 26. Two cars moving in opposite directions approach each other
(c) 140 cm (d) 80 cm with speed of 22 m/s and 16.5 m/s respectively. The driver
20. A source of sound S emitting waves of frequency 100 Hz of the first car blows a horn having a frequency 400 Hz. The
and an observor O are located at some distance from each frequency heard by the driver of the second car is [velocity
other. The source is moving with a speed of 19.4 ms–1 at an of sound 340 m/s] :- [2017]
angle of 60° with the source observer line as shown in the
(a) 361 Hz (b) 411 Hz
figure. The observor is at rest. The apparent frequency
observed by the observer is (velocity of sound in air (c) 448 Hz (d) 350 Hz
330 ms–1) [2015 RS]
 EBD_7751
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Hints & Solutions

EXERCISE - 1 I = P/S, where S is surface area.
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (c) 5. (d)
6. (c) Let I1 = I0 and I2 = 4 I0
Resultant intensity, I = I 1 + I 2 + 2 I1I 2 cos f r l

= I 0 + 4 I 0 + 2 I 0 4 I 0 cos0º = 9 I 0
When f = p, I = I0
When f = p/2, I = 5 I0 (i) For spherical wave front Þ S = 4pr2(surface)
7. (c) The contrast will be maximum, when I1 = I2 i.e. æ P öæ 1 ö 1
a = b. In that event, Imin = (a – b)2 = 0, where a and b are So I = ç ÷ ç ÷ Þ I µ
2
è 4π ø è r ø r2
the amplitudes of interfering waves.
8. (a) From v = n l, we find l µ v because freq. n is constant. 1
Therefore, new wavelength = 4 l. Since I a (Amplitude A)2 Þ A µ
r
9. (a) Here, I max = I1 + I 2 + 2 I1 I 2 cos 0º

I min = I1 + I 2 + 2 I1 I 2 cos 180º P r

\ I max + I min = 2 (I1 + I 2 )

v (ii) For cylindrical wave front S = 2prl

10. (d) For open pipe, n = p
2l
æ P öæ 1 ö 1 1
So I = ç ÷ç ÷ Þ I µ So A µ
v n 2p è 2πl øè r ø r r
For closed pipe n ¢ = ( 2p - 1) \ ¢=
4l n 2 p -1 21. (b) Equation of a wave
11. (a) Because they are absorbed by the atmosphere. y1 = a sin (wt – kx) ....(i)
12. (a) Let equations of another wave may be,
uµ T
y2 = a sin (wt + kx) ....(ii)
13. (d)
14. (c) Speed of sound is determined by elasticity and inertia. y3 = –a sin (wt + kx) ....(iii)
15. (a) Standing waves are produced when two waves If Eq. (i) propagate with Eq. (ii), we get
propagate in opposite direction y = 2a cos kx sin wt
As z 1 & z 2 are propagating in +ve x-axis & If Eq. (i), propagate with Eq. (iii), we get
–ve x-axis y = –2a sin kx cos wt
so, z1 + z2 will represent a standing wave. At x = 0, y = 0, wave produce node
16. (b)
So, Eq.(iii) is the equation of unknown wave
17. (a) For producing stationary waves, the two transverse
waves must be travelling in opposite directions. 22. (a) Frequency of reflected wave is,
Therefore, y1 and y2 is the only combination. æc+vö
18. (d) f' =ç ÷f
è c ø
gP E This is the number of wave striking the surface per
19. (b) v= =
r r second.
20. (c) The surface area of cylindrical surface is 2prl, where r 23. (c) The equation of progressive wave propagating in the
is radius of base, l is length of cylinder. positive direction of X-axis is
We know that with increasing distance from source, 2p
the total energy or power transmitted remains same, y = a sin ( nt - x ) or
l
but intensity decreases. For any source of power P,
intensity I at distance r from it will be y = a sin (wt – kx)
 Waves 393

c 7. (a) Let x be distance of person from each cliff

S
v \ x + x = v × t = 340 × 1 = 340
24. (a) D x = 170 m
D
Distance between two cliffs = 2 x 170 = 340 m
c S v 2
8. (a) Time taken for two syllables t = sec.
Largest frequency (f1) Lowest frequency (f2) 5
2
Largest frequency will be detected when the source x + x = v ´ t = 330 ´ \ x = 66 m
5
approaches detector along the line joining and the 9. (c) At a given temperature, velocity of sound is not
smallest frequency will be detected when the source affected by pressure.
recedes the detector along the line joining them
10. (d) Here, l = 5.0 m, n = 2
æ c ö \ v = n l = 2 × 5.0 = 10.0 m/s
f
f1 çè c - v ÷ø c+v
= =
f2 æ c ö c- v I max (a + b) 2 a+b
çè ÷f 11. (b) = = 49 \ =7
c + vø I min (a - b) 2 a-b
25. (c) Fundamental frequency is given by
a 8 4
1 T 1 1 7a – 7b = a + b or 6a = 8b or = =
v= Þ vµ Þ P µ b 6 3
2l m l v
12. (b) No. of beats/sec = 402 – 401 = 401 – 400 = 1
Since, P divided into l1 , l2 and l3 segments 13. (d) Freq. of unknown fork = 256 ± 4 = 260 or 252
Here l = l1 + l2 + l3 As frequency decreases on loading, therefore, orginal
1 1 1 1 freq. of unknown fork = 260 Hz
So = + +
v v1 v2 v3 6
14. (a) No. of loops in longitudinal mode = =3
EXERCISE - 2 2

2 Dl 0.2
1. (b) Amplitude of reflected wave = ´ 0 .9 = 0 .6 15. (c) v= ´c = ´ 3 ´ 10 8 = 6 × 105 m/s
3 l 100
It would travel along negative direction of x-axis, and
l
on reflection at a rigid support, there occurs a phase 16. (a) l1 + x = = 22.7 equation (1)
change of p. 4

2. (b) As R 2 = a 2 + b 2 + 2 a b cos f 3l
l2 + x = = 70.2 equation (2)
4
1 2p
\ a 2 = a 2 + a 2 + 2 a 2 cos f , cos f = - ,f= 5λ
2 3 l3 + x = equation (3)
4
3. (d) As number of beats/sec = diff. in frequencies has to
be less than 10, therefore 0 < (n 1 –n2) < 10 From equation (1) and (2)
4. (d) In the spherical source, the amplitude A of wave is
l 2 - 3 l 1 70 .2 - 68 .1 2 .1
x= = = = 1 .05 cm
1 2 2 2
inversely proportional to the distance r i.e., A µ
r
Where r is distance of source from the point of l3 + x
From equation (2) and (3) l + x = 5
consideration. 1

3 3 l 3 = 5 l 1 + 4x = 5 × 22.7 + 4 × 1.05 =117.7 cm

5. (b) c r.m.s. = v = 330 ´ » 471.4 m/s
g 1.4 v v
17. (c) n 1 = 256 = =
4 ´ 1 + 1 ´ 16 4 l 1 4 ´ 25 . 4
6. (b) If rH = 1, then r mix = ( 4 + 1)
=4
\ v = 256 × 101.6 cm/s
v mix rH 1 1 v 256 ´ 101.6
= = = n2 = = = 254 Hz
vH r mix 4 2 4l2 4 ´ 25.6
v H 1224 No. of beats/sec = n 1 – n2 = 256 – 254 = 2
v mix = = = 612 m / s
2 2
 EBD_7751
394 PHYSICS

30. (c)
v 4.5 ´ 1014 ´ 10 6
18. (b) D n = n ´ = = 1.5 × 1012 Hz
c 3 ´ 108 æ I ö
31. (d) 10 logçç I ÷÷ = 10 ´ 12 log10 10 = 120 dB
\ n¢ = n - Dn = 4.5 × 1014 – 1.5 × 1012 è 0ø
= 4.485 × 1014 Hz
I 10-6
v1 r2 32. (c) 10log = 10log = 10log106 = 60dB
19. (b) = I0 10-12
v2 r1
20. (c) Comparing it with y (x, t) = A cos (wt + p/2) cos kx. 33. (c) Two possible frequencies of B are 256 ± 4 = 260 or
If kx = p/2, a node occurs ; \ 10 px = p/2 Þ x = 0.05 m 252. When A is loaded its frequency reduces from 256
If kx = p, an antinode occurs Þ 10px = p to 248 say which would produce 4 beats/sec only if
Þ x = 0.1 m freq. of B is 252
50p 1
Also speed of wave w / k = = 5m / s and 5
10p 34. (a) Here, m = kg/m = kg/m
20 4
l = 2p / k = 2p / 10p = 0.2 m Tension in the middle of wire
5 5
21. (c) Resultant amplitude is a 2 + a 2 i.e. 2a T = weight of half the wire = ×g= × 10 N
2 2
v 60 = 25 N
22. (b) n= = = 30 Hz
2l 2 ´ 1 25
As v = T / m \ v = = 10 m / s
2p 2p 1/ 4
23. (b) w= and k =
0.01 0.30 v
35. (a) For open pipe, n = , where n0 is the fundamental
w 2p 0.30 2l
v= = ´ = 30 m s -1
k 0.01 2p frequency of open pipe.
24. (b) Equation is of stationary wave. Comparing with the v 330 11
standard equation \ l = 2 n = 2 ´ 300 = 20
æ 2p ö æ 2p ö
y = 2A sin çè ÷ø t cos çè ÷ø x As freq. of 1st overtone of open pipe = freq. of 1st
T l
overtone of closed pipe
2p 2p
= 4.5 or l = = 1.4m v v 3l 3 11
l 4.5 \ 2 =3 Þ l' = = ´ = 41 .25 cm
2l 4 l¢ 4 4 20
25. (c) Intensity doubles, dB level increases by 3 dB.
v
26. (b) y = A sin 2 (kx - wt ) 36. (b) = 412 , when cut into two equal pieces, frequency
4l
A of closed pipe of half the length
Þy= [1 - cos 2(kx - wt )]
2
v 2v
w = = = 2 ´ 412 = 824 Hz
w' = 2w, 2pn ' = 2w, n ' = 4 (l / 2) 4 l
p
frequency of open pipe of half the length
240
27. (c) 256 = n ´ = 4n Þ n = 64 v
60 = 2 (l / 2) = 4 ´ 412 = 1648 Hz
28. (c)
37. (b) As passenger is a part of moving train, there is no relative
gRT motion between source and listener. Therefore, n' = n =
29. (N) The speed of sound in a gas is given by v =
M 200 Hz
vO2 g O2 M He 1.4 4 p
\ = ´ = ´ = 0.3237 38. (c) x = 4(cos pt + sin pt) = 4[sin( - pt )] + sin pt ]
v He M O2 g He 32 1.67 2

vO2 é æ p ö æ p öù
\ v He =
460
= = 1421 m / s ê ç pt - - pt ÷ ç pt - + pt ÷ ú
= 4 ê 2 ´ sin ç 2 ÷ cos ç 2 ÷ú
0.3237 0.3237
ê ç 2 ÷ ç 2 ÷ú
None of the option is correct. ç ÷ ç ÷
êë è ø è ø úû
 Waves 395

Case II : frequency of 2nd harmonic of organ pipe = 2f

é p æ p öù (as is clear from the second figure)
= 8 êsin . cos ç - + pt ÷ ú
ë 4 è 4 øû
2f = 420 ± 10 or f = 210 ± 5 or f = 205 or 215
[since cos (–q) =cosq].
Hence fundamental frequency of organ pipe = 205 Hz
8 é pù é pù
= . cos ê p t - ú = 4 2 cos ê p t - ú 1 T 1
2 ë 4û ë 4û 43. (d) T= s; t = = s
500 2 1000
Comparing it with standard equation
x = A cos ( wt – kx) Þ A = 4 2
44. (a) aw = 0.1´ 2p´ 300 = 60p cm s-1

39. (c) Velocity of wave v = nl é v + v0 ù é v + v /15 ù

45. (a) n' = nê ú = 600 ê ú
where n = frequency of wave Þ n =
v ë v - vs û ë v - v /10 û
l
v 396 é16 10 ù 400 ´16
n2 = 2 = = 396 Hz = 600 ê ´ ú = » 711
l 2 100 ´ 10-2 ë15 9 û 9
no. of beats = n 1 –n2 = 4 46. (a) Doppler effect.
40. (a) By the concept of accoustic, the observer and source 47. (c) Velocity of source = 18 km h–1 = 5 m s–1
are moving towards each other, each with a velocity (i) S moves towards listener (vS)
of 18 m s–1. (ii) listener moves towards source (vL)
330 + 18
\n ' = ´1000 » 1115 Hz v + vL
330 - 18 n' = n = 280 Hz , Beats = n' – n = 8.
v - vS
41. (a) For 3rd harmonic/2nd over tone of organ pipe open at
ends
48. (a) T / l = constant; Tension decreases by a factor
2 (8 – 1) / 8, length decreases by square root of this i.e.
0.77.
49. (c) Particle velocity

l/ 4 l l/ 4 d é æ x öù
v = dt ê x 0 sin 2pç nt - l ÷ú
3ν ë è øû
Þ n2 =
2 2
For 1st overtone of organ pipe open at one end æ xö
= 2 pnx 0 cos 2pç nt - ÷
1 è lø

\ Maximum particle velocity = 2pnx 0

l
l/ 2 l/ 4 Wave velocity = = nl
T
3ν
Þ n1 =
4 1 2pnx 0 px 0
Given, 2pnx 0 = 4nl Þ l = =
4n 2
3n 3n 1
Given n1 = n 2 Þ = or 1 =
2 2 4 1 2 2 vA D B 1
50. (a) = =
42. (b) Let the fundamental frequency of organ pipe be f v B DA 2
Case I : f = 200 ± 5 = 205 Hz or 195 Hz 51. (a) Since Tension and mass per unit length remains
unchanged, the frequency will be obtained in different
mode.
52. (b) Effective value of velocity of source,

100 100 3
vs = cos q = ´ = 20 m s -1
3 3 5
 EBD_7751
396 PHYSICS

P
100 m s–1 57. (c) Intensity at A, IA = ;
3 3 4pr 2
q P
intensity at B, IB =
4p (2r) 2
4
5 IA
Sound level at A, SA = 10log ;
I0

IB
Sound level at B, SB = 10 log
I0
v
n' = n Difference of sound level at A and B is
v - vs
I I æI ö
340 SA - SB = 10log A - 10 log B = 10log ç A ÷
Þ n' = ´ 640 Hz = 680 Hz I0 I0 è IB ø
340 - 20
= 10 log 4 = 20 log 2 » 6 dB
p 2p p 58. (b) Speed of pulse at a distance x /////////////////
53. (a) k = Þ = Þ l = 30 units v
15 l 15 from bottom, v = gx .
Distance between node and next antinode
While traveling from mid point x
l 30 to the top, frequency remains
= = = 7.5 units
4 4 unchanged.
54. (a) y(x, t) = 0.005 cos (ax - bt) (Given) v1 v2 g (L / 2) gL
= = Þ l 2 = 2l 0
Comparing it with the standard equation of wave l1 l 2 Þ l0 l2
y(x, t) = a cos (kx - wt) we get
59. (b) y
k=a and w = b
2p 2p
But k = and w =
l T
2p 2p
Þ =a and =b
l T
x(m)
Given that l = 0.08 m and T = 2.0s
2p 2p Dotted shape shows pulse position after a short time
\ a= = 25p and b = =p interval. Direction of the velocities are decided
0.08 2
according to direction of displacements of the
l1 l2 l3
55. (a) particles.
60. (c) Compare the given eqn. with the standard form
110 cm
n1 : n2 : n3 = 3 : 2 : 1 é 2 px 2 pt ù
y = a 0 sin ê -
1 ë l T úû
nµ
l 2p
2p
1 1 1 = 3 , l = 2p / 3 and T = 15
l1 : l 2 : l 3 = : : = 2 : 3 : 6 l
3 2 1
l1 + l 2 + l 3 = 110 T = 2 p/15
Þ 2x + 3x + 6x = 110 Þ x = 10 l 2p/3
Speed of propagation, v = = =5
\ The two bridges should be set at 2x i.e, 20 cm from T 2 p / 15
one end and 6x i.e, 60 cm from the other end.
56. (b) nX = 258 Hz or 242 Hz v v l c 3v 2 3
61. (b) 3 ´ = 4´ or = ´ =
nX = 258 Hz or 282 Hz 4l c 2l0 l0 4 4v 8
Þ frequency is 258 Hz 62. (c) Let f ' be the frequency of sound heard by cliff.
The total momentum will be zero and hence velocity
will be zero just after collision. The pull of earth will νf
\f¢= ......(1)
make it fall down. v - vc
 Waves 397

Now for the reflected wave cliff. acts as a source 68. (c) We have, v = nl
f ¢ (v + v c ) Þ v µ l (as n remains constant)
\2 f ¢ = ......(2)
v Thus, as v increases 10 times, l also increases 10 times.
69. (a) For fundamental mode,
(v + v c ) f v
2f = Þ 2v – 2 vc = v + vc or = v c
v - vc 1 T
3 f=
–6 2 m
63. (b) y1 = 10 sin (100 t + x/50 + 0.5)m
= 10–6 cos (100 t + x/50 – p/2 + 0.5)m Taking logarithm on both sides, we get
y2 = 10–6 cos (100 t + x/50)m æ 1ö æ Tö
log f = log ç ÷ + log ç ÷
\ f = p/2 – 0.5 = 1.07 rad è2 ø è mø
64. (b) Equation of progressive wave is given by
Y = A sin2pf t æ1 ö 1 æTö
= log çè ÷ø + log ç ÷
Given Y1 = 4sin500 pt and Y2 = 2sin506pt. 2 2 èmø
Comparing the given equations with equation of
progressive wave, we get æ1ö 1
or log f = log ç ÷ + [log T - log m]
è2 ø 2
2f1 = 500, Þ f1 = 250
2f2 = 506 Þ f2 = 253 Differentiating both sides, we get
Beats = f2– f1 = 253 – 250 = 3 beats/sec df 1 dT
= (as and m are constants)
= 3 × 60 = 180 beats/minute. f 2 T
65. (c) y = A sin ( w t–kx) dT df
Particle velocity, Þ = 2´
T f
dy Here df = 6
vp = = A w cos ( w t – kx)
dt f = 600 Hz
\ vp max = A w dT 2 ´ 6
\ = = 0.02
w T 600
wave velocity =
k D x 2 p (0.4)
l
w 70. (c) From Dx = Df , l = 2 p = = 0. 5 m
\ Aw = 2p Df 1 .6 p
k
1 2p v 330
i. e., A = But k = n= = = 660 Hz
k l l 0 .5
\ l=2pA 71. (d) 2p f1 = 600 p
66. (d) The frequency of the piano string = 512 + 4 = 516 or f1 = 300 ... (1)
508. When the tension is increased, beat frequency 2p f2 = 608 p
decreases to 2, it means that frequency of the string is f2 = 304 ...(2)
508 as frequency of string increases with tension. |f1 – f2| = 4 beats
67. (a) Here, y1 = a sin (wt + kx + 0.57)
and y2 = a cos (wt + kx) I max ( A1 + A2 )2 (5 + 4)2 81
= = =
I m.n ( A1 + A2 )2 (5 - 4)2 1
ép ù
= a sin ê + (wt + kx) ú
ë2 û where A1, A2 are amplitudes of given two sound wave.
Phase difference, Df = f2– f1 72. (c) 73. (b)
74. (d) Two waves moving in uniform string with uniform
p tension shall have same speed and may be moving in
= - 0.57
2 opposite directions. Hence both waves may have
velocities in opposite direction. Hence statement-1 is
3.14 false.
= - 0.57
2
75. (d) Statement-2 is true, Statement-1 is false. In doppler for
= 1.57 – 0.57 sound wave effect due to observer and source motion
= 1 radian are different.
 EBD_7751
398 PHYSICS

EXERCISE - 3 5. (b) Only energy is transmitted from one point to another

and during propagation of any longitudinal waves in
Exemplar Questions a medium transmission of energy through the medium
1. (b) As the water waves are produced by a motor boat on without matter being transmitted.
surfaces of water as well as inside the water are both 6. (c) Mechanical transverse wave can propagates through
longitudinal and transverse, because the waves, a solid medium, the constituent of the medium oscillate
produce transverse as well as lateral vibrations in the perpendicular to wave motion causing change in
particles of the medium. shape. Thus each, element of the medium is subjected
2. (c) Let the frequency in the first medium is v and in the to shearing stress. Solids and strings have shear
second medium is v'. modulus, so sustain shearing stress.
As we know that, Fluids have no shape of their own, they yield to
When waves passes from one medium to another its shearing stress. Hence, transverse waves are possible
frequency does not change but its velocity and
in solids and strings but not in fluids.
wavelength changes.
7. (d)
v v' (a) The density of medium changes due to compression
Hence, v = v ' Þ =
l l' and rarefraction. At compressed regions density is
(frequency are same for both medium) maximum and at rarefactions density is minimum.
æv'ö (b) As density is changing very rapidly so temperature of
l ' = ç ÷l medium increases. Hence Boyle's law is not obeyed.
èvø
(c) Bulk modulus of air remains same or constant.
l and l', are wavelengths and v and v' speeds in first
and second medium respectively. (d) The time of compressions and rarefraction is very small
i.e., we can assume adiabatic process, i.e. no transfer
æ 2v ö
So, l ' = ç ÷ l = 2l of heat from surroundings.
è v ø 8. (b) As given that
3. (c) The speed of sound (longitudinal) wave in air is
Amplitude of reflected wave
pp
v= . 2 æ2 ö
r Ar = ´ Ai = ç ´ 0.6 ÷ = 0.4 units
The density of water vapours is small (rises up) than 3 è 3 ø
the air, so on increasing humidity the density of Given incident wave
medium increase the speed of sound in air.
For air l and p are constants, æ xö
yi = 0.6sin 2p ç t - ÷
1 è 2ø
vµ , where r is density of air..
r As we know that the reflected wave equation at denser
v2 r2 medium where phase difference is p
=
v1 r1 æ x ö
yr = Ar sin 2p ç t + + p ÷
where r1 is density of dry air and r2 is density of è 2 ø
moist air. The positive sign is due to reversal of direction of
v2 propagation
As r2 < r1 = > 1 Þ v2 > v1
v1
æ xö
Hence, speed of sound wave in air increases with So, yr = -0.4sin 2p ç t + ÷ [Q sin(p + q) = - sin q]
è 2ø
increase in humidity.
4. (c) As we know that, 9. (b) As given that, Mass M = 2.5 kg
vt = v0 (1 + 0.61t) (Mass per unit length)
Speed of sound wave in a medium v µ T M 2.5 kg 125
m= = = = 0.125 kg/m
(where T is temperature of the medium) l 20 10
Clearly, when temperature increase then the speed also
increase as frequency does not change during T 200
Speed v = =
propogation of wave by formula. m 0.125
As, v = nl [speed of transverse waves in any string]
where n is frequency and l is wavelength. Distance l = v ´ t
Frequency (n) remains fixed,
v µ l or l µ v 200
Þ 20 = ´t
So velocity v and wavelength (l) both increases. 0.125
 Waves 399

125 25 ´ 5 2p 2p
t = 20 ´ = 20 ´ k= = =1 [Q l = 2 p]
2 ´ 105 2 ´105 l 2p
\ Y = 1 sin (2t – x + f) [Q A = 1 m]
1
= 20 ´ 25 ´ 1 T
0.4 ´ 105 14. (a) From formula, f =
x m
1 20 ´ 5 1
= 20 ´ 5 = Þ µl
4 ´ 10 4 2 ´102 f
1 1 1 1
t= = 0.5 sec. \ l1 : l2 : l3 = : :
2 f1 f 2 f3
10. (c) When observer is at rest and source of sound is moving = f2 f3 : f1 f3 : f1 f2 [Given: f1 : f2 : f3 = 1 : 3 : 5]
towards observer then observed frequency n'. = 15 : 5 : 3
Let the original frequency of the source is n0. Therefore the positions of two bridges below the wire are
Let the speed of sound wave in the medium is v. 15 ´ 100 15 ´100 + 5 ´100
cm and cm
As observer is stationary 15 + 5 + 3 15 + 5 + 3

i.e., 1500 cm, 2000 cm

v 23 23
v0
Df n
15. (b) =
f C
Observer (Beats) 2 n
Þ =
f C
æ v ö
Apparent frequency ( n ') = ç ÷ n0 2 fv
è v - vs ø Þ Beats = = 4.
C
(when train is approaching) 16. (a) Total length of string l = l1 + l2 + l3
(As string is divided into three segments)
æ v ö
=ç ÷ n0 ( n ' > n0 )
è v - vs ø 1 æ 1 Tö
But frequency µ çQ f = ÷
ç
length è 2l m ÷ø
When the train is moving away from the observer.

æ v ö 1 1 1 1
Apparent frequency n '' = ç ÷ n0 (n '' < n0 ) so = + +
è v + vs ø n n1 n 2 n 3
Hence, frequencies in both cases are same and n' > n''. 17. (d) In case of closed organ pipe frequency,
so graph (c) verifies. v
fn = (2n + 1)
Past Years (2017-2013) NEET/AIPMT Questions 4l
for n = 0, f0 = 100 Hz
11. (c) Pressure change will be minimum at both ends. In fact, n = 1, f1 = 300 Hz
pressure variation is maximum at l/2 because the dis-
n = 2, f2 = 500 Hz
placement node is pressure antinode.
n = 3, f3 = 700 Hz
12. (d) When sounded with a source of known frequency
n = 4, f4 = 900 Hz
fundamental frequency
n = 5, f5 = 1100 Hz
= 250 ± 4 Hz = 254 Hz or 246 Hz
n = 6, f6 = 1300 Hz
2nd harmonic if unknown frequency (suppose) 254
Hz = 2 × 254 = 508 Hz Hence possible natural oscillation whose frequencies
< 1250 Hz = 6(n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
As it gives 5 beats
18. (c) According to Doppler's effect
\ 508 + 5 = 513 Hz
Apparent frequency
Hence, unknown frequency is 254 Hz
13. (d) As Y = A sin (wt – kx + f) æ v + v0 ö æ 343 + 10 ö
n¢ = n ç ÷ = 1392 ç ÷.
2p 1 è v + v s ø è 343 + 5 ø
w = 2pf = =2 [Q f = ]
p p = 1412 Hz
 EBD_7751
400 PHYSICS

19. (b) Fundamental frequency of closed organ pipe 22. (c) According to Doppler's effect in sound
V
Vc =
4lc Observer source 15 m/s
Fundamental frequency of open organ pipe
V Apparent frequency,
V0 = 2l
0 v
n' = n0
v - vs
3V
Second overtone frequency of open organ pipe = 2l
0
=
330
(800 ) = 330 ´ 800 = 838 Hz
From question, 330 - 15 315
The frequency of sound observer hears in the echo
V 3V
= reflected from the cliff is 838 Hz.
4lc 2l0 23. (b) From figure, tension T1 = m2g
Þ l0 = 6lc = 6 × 20 = 120 cm T2 = (m1 + m2)g
Rigid support
20. (a) Here, original frequency of sound, f0 = 100 Hz As we know
Speed of source Vs = 19.4 cos 60° = 9.7 Velocity µ T So, T2
19.4 lµ T m1
L
l1 T
Þ = 1 T1
l2 T2
m2
l2 m1 + m2
Þ =
60° l1 m2
S O
19.4 cos 60° = 9.7 24. (c) For a closed organ pipe first minimum resonating
length
From Doppler's formula
l
L1 = = 50 cm
æ V - V0 ö 4
f1 = f0 ç ÷ \ Next or second resonating length, L2
è V - Vs ø
3l
= = 150 cm
æ V-0 ö 4
f1 = 100 ç ÷
è V - ( +9.7) ø
25. (a) Difference in two successive frequencies of closed
V 100 pipe
f1 = 100 =
æ 9.7 ö æ 9.7 ö 2v
V ç1 - ÷ ç1 - ÷ = 260 – 220 = 40 Hz
è V ø è 330 ø 4l
= 103Hz 2v
Apparent frequency f1 = 103 Hz or = 40 Hz
4l
21. (c) In a stretched string all multiples of frequencies can
be obtained i.e., if fundamental frequency is n then v
higher frequencies will be 2n, 3n, 4n ... Þ = 20Hz
4l
75 cm Which is the fundamental frequency of system of
closed organ pipe.
26. (c) As we known from Doppler's Effect

So, the difference between any two successive é v + v0 ù é 340 + 16.5 ù

fapprent = f0 ê v - v ú = 400 ê ú
frequencies will be 'n' ë sû ë 340 - 22 û
According to question, n = 420 – 315 fapprent = 448 Hz
= 105 Hz
vs = 22 m/s v0= 16.5 m/s
So the lowest frequency of the string is105 Hz. A B
f0= 400 Hz