Last Updated on June 5, 2025 by XAM CONTENT
Mastering the important concepts in Class 11 Physics Chapter 14 – Waves is essential for scoring high marks in your exams. That’s why we’ve put together chapterwise multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers to help you revise effectively and boost your confidence. It is a part of MCQ Questions for CBSE Class 11 Physics Series.
These multiple-choice questions will help you assess your knowledge, improve accuracy, and boost confidence for your exams. Whether you are preparing for school tests, online tests or competitive exams, these Waves MCQs will strengthen your conceptual clarity.
| Chapter | Waves |
| Book | Physics for Class 11 |
| Type of Questions | MCQ Questions |
| Nature of Questions | Competency Based Questions |
| Board | CBSE |
| Class | 11 |
| Subject | Physics |
| Useful for | Class 11 Studying Students |
| Answers provided | Yes |
| Difficulty level | Mentioned |
| Important Link | Class 11 Physics Chapterwise MCQ Questions |
MCQ Questions on Waves Class 11 Physics (PDF Download)
MCQs
Q1. A wave has a frequency of 500 Hz and wavelength of 0.68 m. What is its speed?
(a) 340 m/s
(b) 680 m/s
(c) 170 m/s
(d) 1.36 m/s
Show Answer
Answer: (a)
Explanation: v = fλ = 500 × 0.68 = 340 m/s.
Q2. In a progressive wave, the phase of the particle at a point changes with:
(a) Space
(b) Time
(c) Both space and time
(d) Amplitude
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: In progressive waves, phase depends on both space and time: (kx – ωt).
Q3. The intensity of a wave is proportional to:
(a) Amplitude
(b) Square of amplitude
(c) Frequency
(d) Wavelength
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Intensity ∝ (Amplitude)².
Q4. If the tension in a string is quadrupled, the speed of a wave on it:
(a) Becomes double
(b) Becomes four times
(c) Remains the same
(d) Halves
Show Answer
Answer: (a)
Explanation: v ∝ √T; so v becomes 2v if tension is quadrupled.
Q5. A standing wave is produced when:
(a) Two waves travel in the same direction
(b) Two waves of unequal amplitudes meet
(c) Two waves of equal frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions
(d) Wave reflects with loss
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Standing waves form from superposition of two identical waves in opposite directions.
Q6. The nodes in a stationary wave are points where:
(a) Displacement is maximum
(b) Velocity is maximum
(c) Displacement is zero
(d) Pressure is maximum
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Nodes are points of zero displacement in stationary waves.
Q7. In a string fixed at both ends, the second harmonic has how many antinodes?
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 3
(d) 4
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Second harmonic has 2 antinodes (1 extra than the fundamental).
Q8. The fundamental frequency of a string is 200 Hz. What is the frequency of its third harmonic?
(a) 200 Hz
(b) 400 Hz
(c) 600 Hz
(d) 800 Hz
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Harmonic frequencies are integer multiples of fundamental: 3 × 200 = 600 Hz.
Q9. Which of the following waves can travel in a vacuum?
(a) Sound waves
(b) Water waves
(c) Electromagnetic waves
(d) Seismic waves
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Only electromagnetic waves can propagate through vacuum.
Q10. A wave is described by y = A sin(kx – ωt). Its velocity is given by:
(a) Aω
(b) ω/k
(c) k/ω
(d) Ak
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: v = ω/k from the standard wave equation.
Q11. Which of these is a property of longitudinal waves?
(a) Particles move perpendicular to wave direction
(b) Can travel in vacuum
(c) Require a medium
(d) Do not involve compression
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Longitudinal waves require a material medium for propagation.
Q12. For a sound wave, if frequency increases and speed remains constant, what happens to wavelength?
(a) Increases
(b) Decreases
(c) Remains same
(d) Becomes zero
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: v = fλ ⇒ λ = v/f, so λ decreases if f increases.
Q13. In resonance, which of the following matches between two systems?
(a) Wavelength
(b) Amplitude
(c) Frequency
(d) Velocity
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Resonance occurs when natural frequency matches external frequency.
Q14. Which factor does NOT affect the speed of a wave in a string?
(a) Tension in the string
(b) Length of string
(c) Mass per unit length
(d) Nature of the medium
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Speed of wave = √(T/μ), independent of total length.
Q15. In a transverse wave, which direction do the particles oscillate?
(a) Along wave direction
(b) At 45° to wave
(c) Perpendicular to wave direction
(d) Randomly
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Transverse waves involve perpendicular oscillations to propagation.
Q16. The phase difference between two adjacent antinodes in a standing wave is:
(a) 0
(b) π/2
(c) π
(d) 2π
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Phase difference between adjacent antinodes is π.
Q17. Which of the following is NOT true for stationary waves?
(a) Energy is not transmitted
(b) Amplitude varies along the wave
(c) All points oscillate with same frequency
(d) All points have same amplitude
Show Answer
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Amplitude varies with position in a stationary wave.
Q18. In a pipe closed at one end, the first overtone is:
(a) 2nd harmonic
(b) 3rd harmonic
(c) Fundamental
(d) 4th harmonic
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: First overtone in closed pipe is 3rd harmonic (3f).
Q19. If a tuning fork of 256 Hz resonates with an air column of length 32.5 cm, what is speed of sound in air?
(a) 167 m/s
(b) 256 m/s
(c) 330 m/s
(d) 345 m/s
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: For closed pipe: L = λ/4 ⇒ λ = 4L = 1.3 m ⇒ v = fλ = 256×1.3 ≈ 332.8 m/s.
Q20. When two waves superpose constructively, the resultant amplitude is:
(a) Sum of amplitudes
(b) Difference of amplitudes
(c) Product of amplitudes
(d) Zero
Show Answer
Answer: (a)
Explanation: In constructive interference, amplitudes add up.
We hope the given mcq questions with Answers for Waves Class 11 helps you in your learning.
Also check
- Waves – Class 11 Physics Chapter 14 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Oscillations – Class 11 Physics Chapter 13 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Kinetic Theory – Class 11 Physics Chapter 12 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Thermodynamics – Class 11 Physics Chapter 11 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Thermal Properties of Matter – Class 11 Physics Chapter 10 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Mechanical Properties of Fluids – Class 11 Physics Chapter 9 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Mechanical Properties of Solids – Class 11 Physics Chapter 8 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Gravitation – Class 11 Physics Chapter 7 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- System of Particles and Rotational Motion – Class 11 Physics Chapter 6 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Work, Energy, and Power – Class 11 Physics Chapter 5 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Laws of Motion – Class 11 Physics Chapter 4 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Motion in a Plane – Class 11 Physics Chapter 3 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Motion in a Straight Line – Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Units and Measurements – Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
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Topics from which mcq questions may be asked
- Wave motion
- Speed and types of waves
- Sound and resonance
Waves transport energy through space and matter—seen and unseen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Waves MCQ Questions
Q1: What is the best way to prepare for Class 11 Physics MCQ questions?
A1: The best way is to study NCERT concepts thoroughly, practice topicwise MCQs regularly, and focus on understanding fundamental principles rather than rote learning. Solving previous year MCQs and mock tests can boost accuracy and speed.
Q2: Are NCERT questions enough for Class 11 Physics MCQ-based exams?
A2: NCERT forms the base for all CBSE Physics MCQs. However, for better preparation, students should solve additional MCQs from reference books and practice HOTS and competency-based questions to develop deeper conceptual clarity.
Q3: Where can I find chapterwise Class 11 Physics MCQ questions with answers?
A3: You can find chapterwise MCQ questions with answers and detailed explanations on trusted educational platforms like xamcontent.com and physicsgurukul.com. These cover both basic and advanced-level questions.
Q4: Do CBSE Class 11 exams include MCQs?
A4: Yes, as per the latest CBSE exam pattern, objective questions, including MCQs, are part of the final exam paper. MCQs test conceptual understanding and application skills.
Q5: How to score high in Class 11 Physics MCQs?
A5: To score high, understand the theory from NCERT, solve a variety of MCQs (basic, conceptual, numerical), and regularly revise formulas and diagrams. Avoid guesswork and focus on time management during tests.
Q6: What are competency-based MCQs in Class 11 Physics?
A6: Competency-based MCQs assess a student’s ability to apply concepts in real-life or unfamiliar scenarios. These questions go beyond textbook definitions and require logical reasoning and application of physics principles.
