Types of Waves Quiz

What is a mechanical wave?

• An oscillation that transfers energy through a medium.

• A wave produced only by living organisms

• A wave that travels only through a vacuum

• A wave without movement of matter

Answer explanation

A mechanical wave is an oscillation of matter that transfers energy through a medium.

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Who is correct if Abigail thinks radio waves are a mechanical wave, Ava thinks it's electromagnetic waves, and Oliver thinks it's sound waves?

• Abigail (Radio waves)

• Ava (Electromagnetic waves)

• Oliver (Sound waves)

• None of them

Answer explanation

The correct answer is Oliver. Sound waves are not an example of radio waves or electromagnetic waves.

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What is a transverse wave?

• A wave with particles moving parallel to the wave's energy transfer.

• A wave that travels in a straight line.

• A wave not requiring a medium to travel.

• A wave with particles moving perpendicular to the wave's energy transfer.

Answer explanation

A transverse wave is a wave in which the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's energy transfer.

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What type of wave is created when pushing and pulling a slinky?

• A wave where the slinky particles move in a circular motion.

• A wave where the slinky particles do not move.

• A wave where the slinky particles move back and forth in the same direction as the wave's motion.

• A wave where the slinky particles move up and down, perpendicular to the wave's motion.

Answer explanation

The slinky creates a wave in which its particles move back and forth in the same direction as the wave's motion.

Tags

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How does a longitudinal wave differ from a transverse wave?

• Particles in longitudinal waves vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave, while particles in transverse waves vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

• Longitudinal waves have a higher frequency than transverse waves.

• Longitudinal waves can only travel through solids, while transverse waves can only travel through liquids and gases.

• Particles in longitudinal waves vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave, while particles in transverse waves vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave.

Answer explanation

Particles in longitudinal waves vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave, while particles in transverse waves vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

How does sound travel through a medium?

• By generating electromagnetic waves

• By causing the medium to expand and contract

• By creating a vacuum in the medium

• By causing the particles of the medium to vibrate and transmit the sound energy

Answer explanation

Sound travels through a medium by causing the particles to vibrate and transmit the sound energy, like a dance party.

How will Sophia, Olivia, and Avery communicate with Earth during their mission to Mars?

• Transverse waves that can travel through a vacuum

• Sound waves that can travel through empty space

• Electromagnetic waves that require a medium to travel through

• Longitudinal waves that require a medium to travel through

Answer explanation

The sound waves used for communication with Earth during the mission to Mars are longitudinal waves that require a medium to travel through.

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If Lily, Benjamin, and William could transform into electromagnetic waves, what would they become?

• A type of liquid

• A type of gas

• A type of solid material

• A form of energy that takes many forms, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Answer explanation

Lily, Benjamin, and William would become electromagnetic waves, which are a form of energy that includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Who is correct if Lily says the energy of a wave is directly proportional to its frequency, Mason thinks it's inversely proportional, and Elijah believes it's unrelated?

• Mason: Energy is inversely proportional to frequency

• Elijah: Energy is unrelated to frequency

• Lily: Energy is directly proportional to frequency

• None of them are correct

Answer explanation

Lily is correct. Energy of the wave is directly proportional to its frequency.

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