Wave Basics Quiz

The material that a wave travels through is called the medium. The medium can be a solid, liquid, or gas, and it is necessary for the wave to propagate. Without a medium, such as in a vacuum, sound waves cannot travel. The properties of the medium, such as its density and elasticity, determine the speed and behavior of the wave.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.