โ Chapter 12: Waves โ Multiple Choice Questions
Prepared by Muhammad Tayyab, Subject Specialist Physics, Govt Christian High School Daska. Based on PECTAA 2026 syllabus (National Curriculum 2023).
๐ What's Inside: This section covers multiple choice questions from the official PECTAA 2026 curriculum: longitudinal & transverse waves, wavefront, amplitude (energy), refraction, diffraction, tsunami wave behavior, and more. Each question includes four options and a detailed explanation for the correct answer.
๐ Related Resources โ Chapter 12: Waves
๐ Short Questions
๐ Exercise Short Qs
โ๏ธ Constructed Response
๐ Long Questions
๐ Numerical Problems
Practice MCQs to test your understanding of wave phenomena for board exams.
๐ Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (PECTAA 2026)
12.1 The direction of vibration in a longitudinal wave is:
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: In a longitudinal wave, particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel (e.g., sound waves). The oscillations are along the propagation axis.
Explanation: In a longitudinal wave, particles vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel (e.g., sound waves). The oscillations are along the propagation axis.
12.2 Which part of a transverse wave carries the lowest point?
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: In a transverse wave, the trough is the lowest point (minimum displacement), while the crest is the highest point.
Explanation: In a transverse wave, the trough is the lowest point (minimum displacement), while the crest is the highest point.
12.3 Which of the following wave types requires a medium to travel?
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Sound waves are mechanical waves and require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate. X-rays, light, and radiowaves are electromagnetic waves that can travel through vacuum.
Explanation: Sound waves are mechanical waves and require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to propagate. X-rays, light, and radiowaves are electromagnetic waves that can travel through vacuum.
12.4 The property of a wave which indicates how much energy it carries is:
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Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Amplitude is a measure of the energy carried by a wave. Larger amplitude means more energy. For example, loud sound has high amplitude, bright light has large electric field amplitude.
Explanation: Amplitude is a measure of the energy carried by a wave. Larger amplitude means more energy. For example, loud sound has high amplitude, bright light has large electric field amplitude.
12.5 A wave front is:
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A wave front connects points on adjacent waves that are at the same stage of vibration (in phase). Examples: crests or troughs form wavefronts.
Explanation: A wave front connects points on adjacent waves that are at the same stage of vibration (in phase). Examples: crests or troughs form wavefronts.
12.6 The wave phenomenon which occurs when waves change direction due to a change in speed is:
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Refraction is the change in direction of a wave as it changes speed when moving from one medium to another. Example: bending of light in water.
Explanation: Refraction is the change in direction of a wave as it changes speed when moving from one medium to another. Example: bending of light in water.
12.7 What happens to wave speed and wavelength when a tsunami approaches shallow water?
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Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In shallow water, a tsunami's speed decreases due to friction with the seabed, causing its wavelength to shorten (frequency remains constant, as per v = fฮป).
Explanation: In shallow water, a tsunami's speed decreases due to friction with the seabed, causing its wavelength to shorten (frequency remains constant, as per v = fฮป).
12.8 Which wave behaviour explains how sound is heard around a corner?
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or edges, allowing sound to be heard around a corner. It occurs when wave encounters an obstacle whose size is comparable to wavelength.
Explanation: Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or edges, allowing sound to be heard around a corner. It occurs when wave encounters an obstacle whose size is comparable to wavelength.
๐ Key Wave Concepts Covered
Wave Speed: \( v = f \lambda \)
Energy โ (Amplitude)ยฒ
๐ก Exam Tip:
For MCQs on waves: Remember longitudinal vs transverse particle motion. Amplitude determines energy. Refraction involves speed change and bending. Diffraction explains bending around edges. For tsunamis in shallow water: speed โ, wavelength โ, frequency constant.
Unit 10โจ Thermal Physics
Unit 11Transfer of Thermal Energy
Unit 12๐ Waves (Current)
Unit 13Sound
Unit 14Light
Unit 15Electrostatics
Unit 16Electricity
Unit 17Electromagnetism
Unit 18Electromagnetic Induction & EM Waves
Unit 19Electronics
Unit 20Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Unit 21Space and Environment
๐ Complete syllabus coverage for Class 10 Physics (PECTAA 2026) โ Units 10 to 21
Created by Hira Science Academy | Aligned with PECTAA 2026 Syllabus