BZT1 SCIE 2310
Physics Waves & Optics
FA REVIEW
©WGU 2024/2025
,1. Multiple Choice: What is the phase difference between two
points in a standing wave that are one-half wavelength apart?
a) 0°
b) 90°
c) 180°
d) 360°
Correct Answer: c) 180°
Rationale: In a standing wave, points that are one-half wavelength
apart are at opposite ends of a loop and thus are in antiphase,
meaning they have a phase difference of 180°.
2. Fill-in-the-Blank: The _________ principle states that when two
or more waves overlap, the resultant displacement is the algebraic
sum of their individual displacements.
Correct Answer: Superposition
Rationale: The superposition principle is fundamental to
understanding wave interference patterns, where waves add
together to form a new wave pattern.
3. True/False: The Doppler effect describes the change in
frequency of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving
relative to the wave source.
Correct Answer: True
©WGU 2024/2025
, Rationale: The Doppler effect is observed when there is relative
motion between the source of waves and the observer, leading to a
perceived change in frequency.
4. Multiple Response: Which of the following are properties of a
plane polarized wave?
a) It oscillates in one plane only.
b) It can undergo reflection and refraction.
c) It does not exhibit polarization.
d) It can be produced by passing light through a polaroid filter.
Correct Answers: a), b), d)
Rationale: Plane polarized waves oscillate in a single plane, can
undergo reflection and refraction, and can be produced by
polaroid filters. They do exhibit polarization, which is a defining
property.
5. Multiple Choice: In Young's double-slit experiment, what is the
path difference for two waves arriving in phase at the first-order
maximum?
a) Zero wavelength
b) Half a wavelength
c) One wavelength
d) Two wavelengths
©WGU 2024/2025
Physics Waves & Optics
FA REVIEW
©WGU 2024/2025
,1. Multiple Choice: What is the phase difference between two
points in a standing wave that are one-half wavelength apart?
a) 0°
b) 90°
c) 180°
d) 360°
Correct Answer: c) 180°
Rationale: In a standing wave, points that are one-half wavelength
apart are at opposite ends of a loop and thus are in antiphase,
meaning they have a phase difference of 180°.
2. Fill-in-the-Blank: The _________ principle states that when two
or more waves overlap, the resultant displacement is the algebraic
sum of their individual displacements.
Correct Answer: Superposition
Rationale: The superposition principle is fundamental to
understanding wave interference patterns, where waves add
together to form a new wave pattern.
3. True/False: The Doppler effect describes the change in
frequency of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving
relative to the wave source.
Correct Answer: True
©WGU 2024/2025
, Rationale: The Doppler effect is observed when there is relative
motion between the source of waves and the observer, leading to a
perceived change in frequency.
4. Multiple Response: Which of the following are properties of a
plane polarized wave?
a) It oscillates in one plane only.
b) It can undergo reflection and refraction.
c) It does not exhibit polarization.
d) It can be produced by passing light through a polaroid filter.
Correct Answers: a), b), d)
Rationale: Plane polarized waves oscillate in a single plane, can
undergo reflection and refraction, and can be produced by
polaroid filters. They do exhibit polarization, which is a defining
property.
5. Multiple Choice: In Young's double-slit experiment, what is the
path difference for two waves arriving in phase at the first-order
maximum?
a) Zero wavelength
b) Half a wavelength
c) One wavelength
d) Two wavelengths
©WGU 2024/2025
