When a source of sound moves faster than the speed of sound itself in that medium, it creates a conical wave front known as a: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

When a source of sound moves faster than the speed of sound itself in that medium, it creates a conical wave front known as a:
A. Shock wave
B. Standing wave
C. Transverse wave
D. Beat frequency
Answer: Option A
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
When an object (like a jet plane) exceeds the speed of sound (Mach 1), it overtakes the sound waves it produces. These sound waves pile up behind the object, superimposing constructively to form an intense, cone-shaped pressure wave called a shock wave. When this high-pressure cone sweeps over an observer on the ground, they hear a loud 'sonic boom'.

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Practice More Physics Questions

Question #1
According to Brewster's Law, when unpolarized light is incident on a transparent medium at the polarizing angle (Brewster's angle), the reflected and refracted rays are:
A. At exactly 90 degrees to each other
B. Parallel to each other
C. Totally internally reflected
D. At 45 degrees to each other

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Brewster's Law states that when light hits a dielectric boundary at a specific angle of incidence (Brewster's angle, theta_p), the reflected light is completely plane-polarized. At this exact geometric condition, the angle between the reflected ray and the refracted (transmitted) ray is strictly 90 degrees.

This question belongs to: Science Physics
Question #2
The internal energy of an ideal gas depends only on:
A. Both pressure and volume
B. Volume
C. Pressure
D. Temperature

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
For an ideal gas, internal energy U depends solely on temperature (U = f/2 nRT, where f is degrees of freedom). This follows from kinetic theory: no intermolecular forces, so energy is purely kinetic, proportional to T. Pressure and volume can change at constant T (isothermal process) without changing U. Memory tip: 'Ideal gas: U = U(T) only; real gases have volume dependence'. This thermodynamics concept is frequently tested in competitive exams. Always distinguish ideal vs real gas behavior; competitive exams typically assume ideal gas unless specified.

This question belongs to: Science Physics
Question #3
The unit of magnetic flux is
A. Tesla
B. Henry
C. Weber
D. Farad

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Weber (Wb) = T m².

This question belongs to: Science Physics