Energy and Wave Phenomena Quiz

What type of energy transfer occurs when the sun heats the Earth's surface?

• Conduction

• Convection

• Radiation

• Reflection

Answer explanation

The sun heats the Earth's surface through radiation, which is the transfer of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. Unlike conduction and convection, radiation does not require a medium to transfer heat.

Which of the following best describes energy conservation?

• Energy is created when an object moves.

• Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed.

• Energy is destroyed when an object stops moving.

• Energy disappears after use.

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed. This principle, known as the law of conservation of energy, emphasizes that energy changes forms but is always conserved.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

When you touch a metal spoon left in a hot pot, what type of energy transfer is occurring?

• Radiation

• Conduction

• Convection

• Refraction

Answer explanation

When you touch the metal spoon, heat is transferred directly from the hot spoon to your hand through direct contact. This process is known as conduction, where thermal energy moves through materials.

Wireless signals used in cell phones are transmitted using:

• Sound waves

• Microwaves

• X-rays

• Infrared waves

Answer explanation

Wireless signals in cell phones are transmitted using microwaves, which are a type of electromagnetic radiation. They allow for efficient communication over long distances, unlike sound waves, X-rays, or infrared waves.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-5

A microwave oven heats food by emitting:

• Infrared waves

• Ultraviolet radiation

• Microwaves

• Gamma rays

Answer explanation

A microwave oven heats food by emitting microwaves, which are a type of electromagnetic radiation. These waves excite water molecules in the food, generating heat and cooking it. Other options like infrared and gamma rays are not used.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

NGSS.HS-PS4-5

Which of the following is an example of wave reflection?

• Light bending when it enters water

• An echo in a canyon

• A rainbow forming in the sky

• A radio signal losing strength

Answer explanation

An echo in a canyon is a clear example of wave reflection, as sound waves bounce off the canyon walls and return to the listener. The other options involve different phenomena, such as refraction or signal attenuation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

When light enters a glass prism and bends, this is an example of:

• Reflection

• Refraction

• Absorption

• Interference

Answer explanation

When light enters a glass prism, it changes speed and direction, which is known as refraction. This bending of light occurs due to the change in medium from air to glass.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which type of wave interference occurs when two waves combine to make a larger wave?

• Destructive interference

• Constructive interference

• Reflection

• Refraction

Answer explanation

Constructive interference occurs when two waves combine in phase, resulting in a larger wave. This is the opposite of destructive interference, where waves combine out of phase and reduce amplitude.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-5

What property of waves makes fiber optic cables useful for transmitting information over long distances?

• Absorption

• Total internal reflection

• Wave interference

• Conduction

Answer explanation

Fiber optic cables utilize total internal reflection, allowing light to be transmitted over long distances with minimal loss. This property ensures that light signals remain contained within the fiber, making them efficient for communication.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-5

The phenomenon that makes sunglasses reduce glare is:

• Diffraction

• Polarization

• Reflection

• Absorption

Answer explanation

Sunglasses reduce glare primarily through polarization, which filters out horizontal light waves that cause glare, allowing only vertical waves to pass through. This enhances visual comfort and clarity.