Waves, sound & optics worksheet with answers

Free printable Waves, sound & optics worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

New worksheetPractise online with hints

For teachers: free to print, copy and use in class. Every new worksheet has new values and its own answer key. A link to ExamProblems on your course page is appreciated.

Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy
λ = ?v = 1.5 m/sf = 0.8 Hz

A water wave has a frequency of 0.8 Hz and travels at 1.5 m/s. Find its wavelength λ.

f = 0.8 Hzv = 1.5 m/s
λ = m
2.Easy
50°θ₂ = ?water, n1​ = 1.33crown glass, n2​ = 1.50

A light ray in water (n = 1.33) strikes a flat boundary with crown glass (n = 1.50) at 50° to the normal. Find the angle of refraction θ2, measured from the normal.

n1 = 1.33n2 = 1.50θ1 = 50°
θ2 = °
3.Medium
L = 1.5 mn = 4

A string fixed at both ends is 1.5 m long; waves travel on it at 150 m/s. Find the frequency f4 of its harmonic number 4.

v = 150 m/sn = 4L = 1.5 m
f4 = Hz
4.Medium
L = 0.6 mn = 5

A pipe closed at one end is 0.6 m long. The speed of sound is 343 m/s. Find the frequency f5 of its harmonic number 5.

v = 343 m/sn = 5L = 0.6 m
f5 = Hz
5.Hard
λ = 450 nma = 0.12 mm

Light of wavelength 450 nm passes through a single slit 0.12 mm wide. Find the angle θ2 of dark fringe number 2 from the straight-through direction.

λ = 450 nma = 0.12 mmm = 2
θ2 = °
6.Hard
Fdo​ = 5 cmR = 50 cm

An object is 5 cm in front of a concave mirror with a radius of curvature of 50 cm. Find the magnification m (negative for an inverted image).

do = 5 cmR = 50 cm
m =

Answer key

  1. 1. λ = 1.875 m
  2. 2. θ2 = 42.78 °
  3. 3. f4 = 200 Hz
  4. 4. f5 = 714.6 Hz
  5. 5. θ2 = 0.4297 °
  6. 6. m = 1.25

Full step-by-step solutions: practise this topic on examproblems.com.