Wave Basics Quiz

Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Dlurie5
D
Dlurie5
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 27,412
| Attempts: 22,546
SettingsSettings
Please wait...
  • 1/12 Questions

    The material that a wave travels through is called the

    • Amplitude
    • Medium
    • Rarefaction
    • Compression
Please wait...
About This Quiz

Explore the fundamentals of waves with this interactive quiz. Covering wave characteristics, medium, sound waves, superposition, and frequency effects, this quiz is perfect for students looking to test their understanding of basic wave concepts.

Wave Basics Quiz - Quiz

Quiz Preview

  • 2. 

    In the animation shown, at the point where the two waves cross, which property changes?

    • Speed

    • Frequency

    • Index of refraction

    • Amplitude

    Correct Answer
    A. Amplitude
    Explanation
    In the animation, when the two waves cross, the property that changes is the amplitude. Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement or distance that a wave moves from its equilibrium position. At the point of intersection, the amplitude of the waves may add up or cancel out, resulting in a change in the overall amplitude.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a transverse wave?

    • The particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. 

    • They can travel through a vacuum. 

    • They have crests and troughs. 

    • They can be polarized.

    Correct Answer
    A. They can travel through a vacuum. 
    Explanation
    Transverse waves are characterized by particle vibrations perpendicular to wave propagation, having crests and troughs, and being polarizable. However, they cannot travel through a vacuum, as they require a medium to propagate. This distinguishes them from electromagnetic waves, such as light, which can travel through a vacuum.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    The superposition of two waves creates

    • Higher frequencies

    • Interference

    • Compressions

    • Light

    Correct Answer
    A. Interference
    Explanation
    When two waves superpose, they combine to form a resultant wave. This phenomenon is called interference. Interference can result in constructive interference, where the waves reinforce each other and create regions of higher amplitude, or destructive interference, where the waves cancel each other out and create regions of lower amplitude. Therefore, the correct answer is interference.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    As the frequency of a spring wave is increased, the _____________

    • Velocity decreases

    • Velocity increases

    • Wavelength decreases

    • Wavelength increases

    Correct Answer
    A. Wavelength decreases
    Explanation
    As the frequency of a spring wave is increased, the wavelength decreases. This is because frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional to each other. When the frequency of a wave increases, it means that more waves are passing through a given point in a given time period. As a result, the distance between two consecutive wave crests (wavelength) decreases.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    Which of the following is not a type of electromagnetic wave?

    • Sound

    • Red light

    • Gamma radiation

    • Radio waves

    Correct Answer
    A. Sound
    Explanation
    The correct answer is sound. Sound is not a type of electromagnetic wave, but rather a mechanical wave that requires a medium to travel through, such as air or water. Electromagnetic waves, on the other hand, can travel through a vacuum and include types such as red light, gamma radiation, and radio waves.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    What property of waves is shown in the animation?

    • Rarefaction

    • Refraction

    • Displacement

    • Diffraction

    Correct Answer
    A. Refraction
    Explanation
    The correct answer is refraction. Refraction is the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another. In the animation, the wave appears to change direction and bend as it passes from one medium to another, indicating the property of refraction.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    By counting the number of crests that pass in a given amount of time, a person can calculate the

    • Wavelength

    • Amplitude

    • Velocity

    • Frequency

    Correct Answer
    A. Frequency
    Explanation
    Frequency is the number of crests (or any other complete wave cycles) that pass a point in a given amount of time. By counting the number of crests that pass in a specific time period, one can determine the frequency of the wave. Wavelength refers to the distance between two consecutive crests, amplitude is the height or intensity of the wave, and velocity is the speed at which the wave travels. However, in this case, the question specifically asks for the calculation of frequency, making it the correct answer.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    All waves except ______ waves must travel through a medium.

    • Sound

    • Light

    • Water

    • Compressional

    Correct Answer
    A. Light
    Explanation
    Light waves are the only type of waves that do not require a medium to travel through. Sound waves, water waves, and compressional waves all require a medium such as air, water, or a solid material to propagate. Light waves, on the other hand, can travel through empty space and do not rely on a medium for their transmission.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    As you produce a wave on a spring, which of the following quantities are you NOT able to change?

    • Amplitude

    • Frequency

    • Velocity

    • Wavelength

    Correct Answer
    A. Velocity
    Explanation
    When producing a wave on a spring, the amplitude, frequency, and wavelength can all be changed by adjusting the properties of the wave. However, the velocity of the wave on the spring is determined by the medium through which it is traveling and cannot be changed by altering the properties of the wave itself.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    Sound waves are all

    • High frequency

    • Compressional

    • Transverse

    • Electromagnetic

    Correct Answer
    A. Compressional
    Explanation
    Sound waves are compressional waves because they propagate by compressing and expanding the medium through which they travel. In other words, the particles of the medium vibrate back and forth in the same direction as the wave is moving. This compression and rarefaction of the medium creates areas of high and low pressure, resulting in the characteristic pattern of compressions and rarefactions that we perceive as sound. Unlike transverse waves, such as electromagnetic waves, which oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation, sound waves propagate by compressing the medium in the same direction as the wave travels.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 

    What type of wave is most likely shown in the animation?

    • Light

    • Sound

    • Earthquake

    • Compression

    Correct Answer
    A. Earthquake
    Explanation
    The animation most likely shows an earthquake wave because earthquakes generate seismic waves that travel through the Earth's crust. These waves cause the ground to shake and can be very destructive. Light waves and sound waves are different types of waves that do not typically cause the ground to shake like an earthquake. Compression is a type of wave, but it is a general term that can apply to various types of waves and is not specific to earthquakes.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Jan 29, 2025 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Jan 29, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jul 27, 2007
    Quiz Created by
    Dlurie5
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.