Free AP Physics B Practice Questions with Solutions
Sample 1 - Waves

AP Physics B multiple choice questions, with answers, similar to the questions in the AP physics exam are presented. The questions are on waves, wavelength, frequency, velocity, microwaves and other concepts.

1. 
   Which of the following waves can propagate in a vacuum?
   I) light waves
   II) sound waves
   III) microwaves
   
   A) I) only
   B) II) only
   C) I) and III) only
   D) III) only
   E) all
   

2. 
   Which of the following is not an example of electromagnetic wave?
   I) x-rays
   II) water waves
   III) radio waves
   
   A) II) only
   B) I) only
   C) III) only
   D) I) and III) only
   E) I) and II) only
   

3. 
   Which of the following represents the relationship between the frequency $f$, velocity $v$ and wavelength $\lambda$ of a wave?
   A) \( \lambda = \dfrac{f}{v} \)
   B) \( f = \dfrac{v}{\lambda} \)
   C) \( f = \dfrac{\lambda}{v} \)
   D) \( \lambda = f + v \)
   E) \( v \cdot \lambda = f \)
   

4. 
   If a wave propagate into different media, which of the following change?
   I) speed
   II) frequency
   III) wavelength
   
   A) I) only
   B) II) only
   C) III) only
   D) I) and III) only
   E) II) and III) only
   

5. 
   If the distance between two successive crest of a traveling wave is equal to 50 cm and its frequency is equal to 500 Hz, then its speed is
   A) 250 m/s
   B) 1000 m/s
   C) 0.1 m/s
   D) 10 m/s
   E) 25,000 m/s
   

6. 
   As a wave propagate from medium (A) to medium (B) its speed doubles. Which of the following is true about the wave?
   A) the period doubles
   B) the frequency halves
   C) the wavelength doubles
   D) the amplitude doubles
   E) no property of the wave changes
   

7. 
   How many complete cycles would a pendulum make in 40 seconds if its frequency 0.5 Hz?
   A) 80
   B) 120
   C) 100
   D) 40
   E) 20

1. C
2. A
3. B
4. D
5. A
   
6. C
7. E