DOK 8.1-8.4

During a science experiment, Daniel observed that a wave is a repeated disturbance that transfers __________ from one place to another.

• energy

• matter

• color

• shape

Answer explanation

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy, not matter, color, or shape. It propagates through a medium, allowing energy to move from one location to another while the medium itself remains relatively stationary.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Nora is tuning her guitar and wants to know the unit used to measure the frequency of the sound waves produced. What unit is frequency measured in?

• Meters

• Seconds

• Hertz

• Joules

Answer explanation

Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz), which represents the number of cycles per second. Meters, seconds, and joules are units for distance, time, and energy, respectively, and are not used for measuring frequency.

Ava is measuring the speed of a wave in a physics experiment. She uses the formula for wave speed, which is v = ______ × λ.

• f

• m

• t

• a

Answer explanation

The formula for wave speed is v = f × λ, where v is wave speed, f is frequency, and λ is wavelength. Thus, the correct answer is f.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

David is studying the properties of waves in his physics class. He wants to know what symbol is used to represent wavelength. Can you help him?

• Ω

• λ

• δ

• π

Answer explanation

The symbol used to represent wavelength is λ (lambda). It is commonly used in physics and engineering to denote the distance between successive peaks of a wave.

Michael is observing waves at the beach. He notices that the __________ of a wave is the distance from the rest position to the crest or trough.

• amplitude

• wavelength

• frequency

• period

Answer explanation

The amplitude of a wave is defined as the maximum distance from the rest position to the crest or trough. It measures the wave's height and is crucial in determining its energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Isla is observing waves at the beach. What is the highest point of a transverse wave she sees called?

• Trough

• Crest

• Compression

• Peak

Answer explanation

The highest point of a transverse wave is called the crest. It represents the maximum displacement of the wave from its rest position, while the trough is the lowest point. Compression refers to longitudinal waves, not transverse.

During a science experiment, Noah observes a wave in a water tank. What is the lowest point of this transverse wave called?

• Crest

• Valley

• Trough

• Dip

Answer explanation

The lowest point of a transverse wave is called a trough. It is the opposite of the crest, which is the highest point. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Trough'.

Lily is observing waves at the beach. She notices that the time it takes for one full wave to pass by her is called the __________.

• period

• frequency

• amplitude

• wavelength

Answer explanation

The time it takes for one full wave to pass is known as the period. It is the inverse of frequency, which measures how many waves pass in a given time. Amplitude and wavelength refer to different wave properties.

Olivia is conducting an experiment to see if mechanical waves can travel through a vacuum. She sets up her equipment in a vacuum chamber. Can mechanical waves travel through the vacuum?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Mechanical waves require a medium (like air, water, or solids) to travel. They cannot propagate through a vacuum, where no particles are present. Therefore, the statement is False.

Michael and Emma are discussing how signals from satellites reach Earth. Michael says that electromagnetic waves can travel through empty space, allowing satellite signals to reach us. Is Michael correct?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Electromagnetic waves, such as light, do not require a medium to travel and can propagate through the vacuum of space. Therefore, the statement is true.