Lesson 3.3.1.3

3.3.1.3 Superposition and stationary waves Quiz: AQA Physics, Unit 3

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 3.3.1.3, Superposition and stationary waves: 20 multiple choice questions for the AQA Physics (7408), Unit 3: Waves, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. Superposition states that resultant displacement equals what combination of individual displacements?

    • Vector sum
    • Difference
    • Ratio
    • Product

  2. What is the amplitude at a node in a stationary wave?

    • Variable
    • Maximum
    • Zero
    • Half maximum

  3. What is the amplitude at an antinode in a stationary wave?

    • Minimum
    • Zero
    • Maximum
    • Constant zero

  4. Stationary waves form when two identical waves travel in which relative directions?

    • Random directions
    • Perpendicular directions
    • Same direction
    • Opposite directions

  5. What is the distance between adjacent nodes of a stationary wave?

    • a quarter of a wavelength
    • one wavelength
    • half a wavelength
    • twice the wavelength

  6. What is the formula for the fundamental frequency of a stretched string?

    • f = (1/l) (T/mu)
    • f = (1/2l) sqrt(mu/T)
    • f = 2l sqrt(T/mu)
    • f = (1/2l) sqrt(T/mu)

  7. A string of length 0.80 m is fixed at both ends and vibrates in its first harmonic. What is the wavelength?

    • 1.6 m
    • 3.2 m
    • 0.80 m
    • 0.40 m

  8. A string of length 0.5 m under tension 20 N has mass per unit length 0.002 kg/m. What is its first harmonic frequency?

    • 50 Hz
    • 100 Hz
    • 10 Hz
    • 200 Hz

  9. For the string in the previous case, what is the frequency of the second harmonic?

    • 100 Hz
    • 400 Hz
    • 200 Hz
    • 50 Hz

  10. If the tension on a string is quadrupled, what happens to the first harmonic frequency?

    • It halves
    • It doubles
    • It is unchanged
    • It quadruples

  11. If the length of a string is halved with the same tension, what happens to the first harmonic frequency?

    • It halves
    • It doubles
    • It quadruples
    • It is unchanged

  12. How many antinodes does the third harmonic of a string have?

    • 6
    • 3
    • 4
    • 2

  13. Points on either side of a node are in what phase relation?

    • in phase
    • a quarter cycle apart
    • half a wavelength apart
    • antiphase

  14. Two waves of amplitude 2 cm and 3 cm are in phase. What is the resultant amplitude at a point where they meet?

    • 5 cm
    • 1 cm
    • 6 cm
    • 2.5 cm

  15. Two waves of amplitude 3 cm and 2 cm meet in antiphase. What is the resultant amplitude?

    • 5 cm
    • 1 cm
    • 6 cm
    • 0 cm

  16. A string has first harmonic frequency 40 Hz. What is the frequency of its fifth harmonic?

    • 200 Hz
    • 80 Hz
    • 40 Hz
    • 400 Hz

  17. A string of length 1.2 m vibrates in its third harmonic. What is the wavelength?

    • 0.80 m
    • 2.4 m
    • 1.2 m
    • 0.40 m

  18. To double the frequency of the first harmonic of a string, by what factor must the tension be increased?

    • 2
    • 4
    • 8
    • 1.4

  19. What causes a node to have zero amplitude on a stationary wave?

    • Refraction
    • Constructive interference
    • Destructive interference
    • Diffraction

  20. Which harmonic of a stretched string has the longest wavelength?

    • the second harmonic
    • the third harmonic
    • the fifth harmonic
    • the first harmonic

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