Physics Quiz

Which describes a difference between electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves?

• Electromagnetic waves can travel without a medium, but mechanical waves can only travel through a medium.

• Mechanical waves can travel without a medium, but electromagnetic waves can only travel through a medium.

• The energy of an electromagnetic wave is constant, but the energy of a mechanical wave decreases as it interacts with different mediums.

• The energy of a mechanical wave is constant, but the energy of an electromagnetic wave decreases as it interacts with different mediums.

Which claim is supported by the fossil record?

• The local forest was once part of the deep ocean floor.

• The local forest was once an aquatic environment.

• The local forest currently contains an aquatic environment.

• The local forest will change into an ocean in the next 100 years.

Based on the data, which statement best explains the change in the waves' velocities?

• S- and P-waves travel at a faster velocity in the asthenosphere than the crust because the asthenosphere has a different density than the crust.

• S- and P-waves travel at a slower velocity in the asthenosphere than the crust because the asthenosphere has a different density than the crust.

• S- and P-waves travel at a faster velocity in the asthenosphere than the crust because the asthenosphere has a different depth than the crust.

• S- and P-waves travel at a slower velocity in the asthenosphere than the crust because the asthenosphere has a different depth than the crust.

If the Moon's mass was double the size, which would change on Earth?

• Earth would have a faster orbital velocity around the Sun.

• There would be more phases of the Moon as seen from Earth.

• There would be a greater change between high and low tides throughout the day.

• The Moon would move farther away from Earth.

What are astronomers studying when they look at the lines on a star's spectrum?

• The age of the star

• The presence of different elements in the star

• The size of the star

• The distance of the star from Earth

What can be determined by analyzing a star's spectrum?

• The temperature of the star

• The color of the star

• The elements that make up the star

• The brightness of the star

If the lines in a star's spectrum move toward the red end of the spectrum, what does it indicate about the star's movement?

• The star is moving toward Earth

• The star is moving away from Earth

• The star is not moving

• The star is rotating

What does the chart with the spectrums for four elements and the table with colors of light associated with each wavelength in the spectrum represent?

• A guide to identify elements in a star's spectrum

• A temperature scale for different elements

• A measurement of the brightness of the elements

• A map of the star's surface

Based on the spectrum provided for Star 1, which element is not present in this star?

• Helium

• Hydrogen

• Magnesium

• Sodium

Which three stars contain sodium?

• Star 1

• Star 2

• Star 3

• Star 4

• Star 5