Waves Properties & Behaviors Review

In which material would sound vibrations travel the slowest?

• Metal

• Air

• Water

• Wood

• Ice

Answer explanation

Sound travels slowest in air compared to other materials like metal, water, wood, and ice. This is due to the lower density and molecular structure of air, which impedes the speed of sound vibrations.

A louder sound wave will have a greater:

• Frequency

• Amplitude

• Wavelength

• Speed

• Trough

Answer explanation

A louder sound wave has a greater amplitude, which corresponds to the height of the wave. Amplitude determines the loudness of the sound, while frequency, wavelength, speed, and trough do not directly relate to loudness.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Which wave property most directly affects whether a sound is high-pitched or low-pitched?

• Amplitude

• Speed

• Frequency

• Wavelength

• Crest

Answer explanation

Frequency is the wave property that determines the pitch of a sound. Higher frequencies correspond to higher pitches, while lower frequencies result in lower pitches. Thus, frequency directly affects whether a sound is high-pitched or low-pitched.

What do we call the distance from one crest to the next crest in a wave?

• Wavelength

• Frequency

• Compression

• Amplitude

• Period

Answer explanation

The distance from one crest to the next crest in a wave is called the wavelength. It is a key characteristic of waves, distinguishing it from other properties like frequency, amplitude, and period.

What happens when sound hits a soft surface like foam padding?

• It is absorbed

• It reflects

• It bends

• It echoes

• It gets louder

Answer explanation

When sound hits a soft surface like foam padding, it is absorbed rather than reflected or echoed. This absorption reduces sound intensity, preventing it from bouncing back.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What is the term for the bending of a wave as it enters a new medium and changes speed?

• Transmission

• Diffraction

• Refraction

• Reflection

• Absorption

Answer explanation

Refraction is the term used to describe the bending of a wave as it enters a new medium and changes speed. This phenomenon occurs due to the change in wave velocity in different materials.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which of the following describes a longitudinal wave?

• Water wave

• Sound wave

• Light wave

• Seismic S-wave

• Radio wave

Answer explanation

A longitudinal wave is characterized by particle displacement parallel to wave direction. Sound waves fit this description, as they compress and rarefy air particles. In contrast, water, light, and radio waves are transverse, while S-waves are shear waves.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Which type of wave can move through outer space without a medium?

• Sound wave

• Light wave

• Seismic wave

• Water wave

• Mechanical wave

Answer explanation

Light waves are electromagnetic waves that can travel through the vacuum of outer space without needing a medium, unlike sound, seismic, water, and mechanical waves, which require a medium to propagate.

A wave spreads out after passing through a small opening. This is an example of:

• Diffraction

• Refraction

• Absorption

• Echo

• Resonance

Answer explanation

A wave spreading out after passing through a small opening is called diffraction. This phenomenon occurs when waves encounter an obstacle or opening, causing them to bend and spread.

When sound passes through a wall and can still be heard on the other side, this is an example of:

• Reflection

• Absorption

• Transmission

• Diffraction

• Refraction

Answer explanation

When sound passes through a wall and is heard on the other side, it demonstrates transmission. This process allows sound waves to move through materials, unlike reflection, absorption, diffraction, or refraction.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2