Physics GCA Waves and Basic Interactions

What determines the amplitude of a mechanical wave?

• Amount of energy

• Speed of wave

• Wavelength

• Frequency

This image is representing what wave interaction?

• refraction

• diffraction

• reflection

• interference

True or False: The angle of incidence always equals the angle of reflection

• true

• false

An interaction between 2 waves that causes a smaller amplitude

• Constructive interference

• Destructive interference

• Resonance

• Diffraction

When an object or wave hits a surface through which it cannot pass, it bounces back. What is this called?

• Resonance

• Refraction

• Reflection

• Diffraction

When 2 waves meet and there amplitude increases it is known as what?

• Amplitude Addition

• Constructive Interference

• Destructive Interference

• Positive Interference

Eyeglasses bend light rays so they focus on your retina and you see clearly. This bending of light is called

• refraction.

• diffraction.

• interference.

• reflection.

The energy of an electromagnetic photon depends on its ____.

• speed

• direction

• period

• frequency

These 2 processes combine together to cause rainbows

• Doppler Effect

• Diffraction

• Refraction

• Reflection

Answer explanation

Dispersion also plays a part in rainbow formation, but we did not discuss this in class.

Dispersion is when the different wavelengths of light bend at slighly different angles when they refract. This causes them to separate into their component colors and we see a rainbow!

What is the reason the pencil appears different under water?

• reflection

• refraction

• interference

• diffraction