Wave Properties Quiz

Imagine you're at the beach, observing waves. How can you calculate the speed of these waves?

• Add the wavelength of a wave to the time period between waves.

• Divide the time period between waves by the wavelength of a wave.

• Divide the wavelength of a wave by the time period between waves.

• Multiply the wavelength of a wave by the time period between waves.

Answer explanation

The speed of a mechanical wave can be calculated by dividing the wavelength by the period.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

What is another measure of wavelength in the context of ocean waves?

• distance from Peak A to Trough D

• distance from Peak A to Crest C

• distance from Trough B to Crest C

• distance from Peak A to Peak B

Answer explanation

Another measure of wavelength is the distance from A to D.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Imagine you're on a spaceship far from any planet or star. What is one way that electromagnetic waves differ from mechanical waves in this scenario?

• Electromagnetic waves move slower in space.

• Electromagnetic waves are longitudinal in space.

• Electromagnetic waves can travel through the empty space around the spaceship.

• There is no difference between electromagnetic and mechanical waves, even in space.

Answer explanation

Electromagnetic waves differ from mechanical waves because they can travel through empty space, while mechanical waves require a medium to propagate.

Max is playing his guitar in the park. As he strums a chord, his friend Alex hears the sound from a distance. What does the vibration of the guitar strings have in common with the sound waves reaching Alex?

• Both the vibration of the strings and the sound waves progress through a medium.

• Both the vibration of the strings and the sound waves displace particles permanently.

• Neither the vibration of the strings nor the sound waves were caused by vibrations.

• Neither the vibration of the strings nor the sound waves transfer energy between particles.

Answer explanation

Both kinds of waves progress through a medium, as ocean waves move through water and sound waves move through air.

During a calm sea, what is the name of the lowest point between two waves?

• crest

• trough

• amplitude

• rest position

Answer explanation

The lowest point of a wave is called the trough, so the correct answer is trough.

During a concert, how can you tell that the sound coming from the speakers is a mechanical wave?

• The sound from the speakers causes air to vibrate.

• The sound was produced by electronic equipment.

• The sound leads to the creation of additional air particles.

• The sound vibrates perpendicular to the direction it travels towards the audience.

Answer explanation

The sound wave causes vibration in air, which is a characteristic of mechanical waves.

At a concert, two fans, Alice and Bob, are standing 20 m and 40 m away from the stage where a guitarist, Charlie, is performing. Bob, who is further away, comments that the guitar sounds quiet compared to Alice's experience. What best explains the different experiences of Alice and Bob?

• The energy of the sound wave increased as it moved away from the source.

• The energy of the sound wave decreased as it moved away from the source.

• The energy of the sound wave remained the same as it moved away from the source.

• The energy of the sound wave increased, then decreased as it moved away from the source.

Answer explanation

The energy of the sound wave decreased as it moved away from the source.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

During a concert, which of these waves is responsible for transmitting the sound from the speakers to the audience?

• light

• sound

• gamma ray

• electromagnetic

Answer explanation

Sound is a mechanical wave because it requires a medium to travel through, unlike light, gamma rays, and electromagnetic waves.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

During a chilly winter evening, in which of these materials would the sound of a bell travel most slowly?

• iron gate

• wooden door

• bathtub water

• cold outdoor air

Answer explanation

Sound waves travel most slowly through cold air, as the speed of sound is lower in colder temperatures.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

During an earthquake, which type of wave is unable to travel through the Earth's liquid outer core?

• sound

• transverse

• longitudinal

• electromagnetic

Answer explanation

An S wave is a transverse wave, which means the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2