4th Grade Vocabulary Quiz: Patterns of Waves

What is the definition of wave period?

• The distance between two wave crests

• The time it takes for one complete wave cycle to pass a given point

• The speed of a wave

• The height of a wave

How is wave period calculated?

• By dividing the total time it takes for one wave to pass by the number of waves.

• By multiplying the speed of the wave by the frequency

• By adding the amplitude and wavelength

• By subtracting the wavelength from the amplitude

Explain what a circular wave is.

• A wave that travels in a spiral shape

• A wave that only travels in a straight line

• A wave that moves in a zigzag pattern

• A type of wave that travels outward in all directions from a central point.

What are the characteristics of a circular wave?

• Spreads out in all directions from a center point

• Travels only in one direction

• Moves in a straight line

• Stays in a fixed position

Describe what a plane wave is.

• A type of wave with irregular and non-parallel wave fronts

• A type of wave in which the wave fronts are flat and parallel to each other

• A type of wave that only travels in a straight line

• A type of wave that moves in a circular pattern

How does a plane wave differ from other types of waves?

• It has a wavy shape and travels in a zigzag line.

• It has a constant shape and travels in a straight line.

• It has a fixed shape and travels in a spiral pattern.

• It has a constantly changing shape and travels in a circular path.

What is the principle of superposition?

• The resulting wave is the average of the individual waves

• The resulting wave is the product of the individual waves

• The resulting wave is the difference of the individual waves

• The resulting wave is the sum of the individual waves

How does superposition apply to waves?

• When waves change direction

• When waves travel in a straight line

• When waves stop moving

• When two or more waves overlap and combine to form a new wave

Define line wave.

• A type of wave that travels in a spiral shape

• A type of wave that travels in a zigzag pattern

• A type of wave that travels in a straight line

• A type of wave that travels in a circular motion

Give an example of a line wave in nature.

• Magnetic wave

• Water wave or seismic wave

• Light wave

• Sound wave