Mechanical Waves Test

Transverse and longitudinal waves both

• have compressions and rarefactions.

• transfer energy through a medium.

• move at right angles to the vibration of the medium.

• are capable of moving the medium a long distance.

A disturbance sends ripples across water in a tub. These ripples are an example of a

• rarefaction.

• longitudinal wave.

• compression.

• surface wave.

A period is the length of time it takes for

• a disturbance to start a wave.

• two complete wavelengths to pass a fixed point.

• a wave to travel the length of a rope.

• one complete wavelength to pass a fixed point.

A wave has a wavelength of 5 mm and a frequency of 4.0 hertz. What is its speed?

• 20 mm/s

• 20 hertz/s

• 1.25 mm/s

• 0.8 mm/s

To what is amplitude related?

• the amount of energy carried by the wave

• the maximum displacement from the rest position

• neither answers

• both answers

The crest of a transverse wave is most similar to a(an) ________ in a longitudinal wave.

• compression

• pulse

• node

• antinode

A pebble drops straight down into a tub of water, setting off ________ waves that travel between the water and air.

• surface

• sound

• light

• shock

A mechanical wave is not always produced when a source vibrates because:

• the source must be in a medium for the wave to travel.

• all vibrations automatically create mechanical waves.

• mechanical waves can travel through a vacuum.

• vibrations do not require a medium.

How can you change the wavelength of a wave in a rope without changing the amplitude?

• By changing the frequency of the wave

• By changing the amplitude of the wave

• By changing the material of the rope

• By changing the color of the rope

Reflection is the bouncing back of light from a surface, while refraction is:

• the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another

• the spreading of light in all directions

• the absorption of light by a surface

• the disappearance of light