Trivia Questions On Waves! Quiz
A wave can be described as a disturbance that travels through a medium from one location to another. A wave is the propagation of disturbances from place to place in a regular and organized way. The most familiar are surface waves that travel on water. If you want to become an expert about waves, complete this quiz.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The energy of a wave is directly related to its
- A.
Amplitude.
- B.
Wavelength.
- C.
Frequency.
- D.
Speed.
Correct Answer
A. Amplitude.Explanation
The energy of a wave is directly related to its amplitude. Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of particles in a wave from their equilibrium position. The greater the amplitude of a wave, the more energy it carries. This is because a larger amplitude means that the particles in the wave are displaced further from their resting position, requiring more energy to move them. Therefore, the energy of a wave is directly proportional to its amplitude.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The substance through which a wave travels is called a
- A.
Source.
- B.
Trough.
- C.
Disturbance.
- D.
Medium.
Correct Answer
D. Medium.Explanation
The correct answer is "medium." A wave requires a substance to propagate through, and this substance is called the medium. The medium can be a solid, liquid, or gas, and it is responsible for transmitting the energy of the wave. Without a medium, the wave cannot travel, so it is essential for wave propagation.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The seismic waves that travel the fastest are
- A.
Surface waves.
- B.
S waves.
- C.
P waves.
- D.
Tsunamis.
Correct Answer
C. P waves.Explanation
P waves, also known as primary waves, are seismic waves that travel the fastest through the Earth. They are the first waves to be detected after an earthquake and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. P waves compress and expand the material they pass through, causing particles to move in the same direction as the wave. This ability to travel through different mediums and their faster speed make P waves the correct answer. Surface waves, S waves, and tsunamis are all slower than P waves and have different characteristics.Rate this question:
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- 4.
All waves with a frequency of 100 hertz.
- A.
Travel 100 meters in one second.
- B.
Measure 100 meters from crest to crest.
- C.
Complete 100 vibrations in one second.
- D.
Measure 100 meters from crest to trough.
Correct Answer
C. Complete 100 vibrations in one second.Explanation
The correct answer is "complete 100 vibrations in one second." This is because the frequency of a wave is defined as the number of complete cycles or vibrations it completes in one second. Therefore, a wave with a frequency of 100 hertz would complete 100 vibrations in one second.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A wave that moves a medium at right angles to the direction in which the wave travels is a
- A.
Longitudinal wave.
- B.
Mechanical wave.
- C.
Transverse wave.
- D.
Seismic wave.
Correct Answer
C. Transverse wave.Explanation
A wave that moves a medium at right angles to the direction in which the wave travels is called a transverse wave. In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave propagation. This can be observed in waves such as light waves or electromagnetic waves, where the oscillations occur perpendicular to the direction of the wave. In contrast, longitudinal waves involve vibrations in the same direction as the wave travels, like sound waves. Mechanical waves refer to waves that require a medium to propagate, and seismic waves specifically refer to waves generated by earthquakes.Rate this question:
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- 6.
To increase the amplitude of vibrations, you can adjust the frequency to
- A.
Match the natural resonant frequency.
- B.
Be greater than the natural resonant frequency.
- C.
Be less than the natural resonant frequency.
- D.
Cancel the natural resonant frequency.
Correct Answer
A. Match the natural resonant frequency.Explanation
When the frequency of vibrations matches the natural resonant frequency, it results in constructive interference, causing the amplitude of vibrations to increase. This is because the system is being driven at its optimal frequency, leading to maximum energy transfer and amplification of vibrations. Adjusting the frequency to be greater or less than the natural resonant frequency would result in destructive interference and a decrease in amplitude. Cancelling the natural resonant frequency would also result in a decrease in amplitude as it would disrupt the system's ability to resonate.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following accurately describes surface waves?
- A.
Surface waves are a combination of a longitudinal wave and transverse wave.
- B.
Surface waves move more slowly than P waves and S waves.
- C.
Surface waves can cause the most severe ground movements.
- D.
All the above.
Correct Answer
D. All the above.Explanation
The given answer, "all the above," accurately describes surface waves. Surface waves are a combination of both longitudinal and transverse waves. They also move more slowly than P waves and S waves. Additionally, surface waves can cause the most severe ground movements. Therefore, all of the statements provided are true for surface waves.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The bending of waves around the edge of a barrier is called
- A.
Diffraction.
- B.
Refraction.
- C.
Interference.
- D.
Reflection.
Correct Answer
A. Diffraction.Explanation
Diffraction refers to the bending of waves around the edge of a barrier. This phenomenon occurs when waves encounter an obstacle or aperture that is comparable in size to their wavelength. As the waves pass through or around the barrier, they spread out and change direction, resulting in the bending or spreading of the wavefront. Refraction, interference, and reflection are different processes that do not involve the bending of waves around barriers.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The maximum distance the particles of a medium move from their rest position is called the
- A.
Wavelength.
- B.
Amplitude.
- C.
Frequency.
- D.
Speed.
Correct Answer
B. Amplitude.Explanation
The maximum distance the particles of a medium move from their rest position is called the amplitude. This refers to the extent of the displacement of the particles from their equilibrium position during a wave's motion. Wavelength, on the other hand, is the distance between two consecutive points of a wave that are in phase, frequency is the number of waves that pass a certain point in a given time, and speed is the rate at which a wave travels through a medium. Therefore, amplitude is the correct answer as it specifically relates to the maximum displacement of particles in a medium.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Tsunamis are produced by
- A.
Distant typhoon winds.
- B.
Undersea earthquakes.
- C.
Earthquakes that occur only on land.
- D.
Erratic tides.
Correct Answer
B. Undersea earthquakes.Explanation
Tsunamis are large ocean waves that are primarily caused by undersea earthquakes. When an earthquake occurs beneath the ocean floor, it can generate a series of powerful waves that travel across the ocean. These waves can travel great distances and when they reach shallow water near the coastline, they can rise up into massive tsunamis. While other factors such as distant typhoon winds and erratic tides can contribute to the formation of tsunamis, undersea earthquakes are the main cause of these destructive natural disasters.Rate this question:
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- 11.
One way in which P waves differ from S waves is that
- A.
S waves travel through Earth's core while P waves do not.
- B.
P waves travel through Earth's core while S waves do not.
- C.
S waves can travel through liquids while P waves cannot.
- D.
P waves are transverse waves while S waves are longitudinal.
Correct Answer
B. P waves travel through Earth's core while S waves do not.Explanation
P waves, also known as primary waves, are a type of seismic wave that can travel through both solids and liquids. They are longitudinal waves, meaning that the motion of particles is in the same direction as the wave propagation. On the other hand, S waves, also known as secondary waves, are transverse waves that cannot travel through liquids. They can only travel through solids. The given answer correctly states that P waves can travel through Earth's core, while S waves cannot.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The combining of two waves to make a wave with a smaller amplitude is called
- A.
A standing wave.
- B.
Resonance.
- C.
Destructive interference.
- D.
Constructive interference.
Correct Answer
C. Destructive interference.Explanation
Destructive interference occurs when two waves combine in such a way that their amplitudes cancel each other out, resulting in a wave with a smaller amplitude. This can happen when the peaks of one wave align with the troughs of another wave. In contrast, constructive interference occurs when the peaks of two waves align, resulting in a wave with a larger amplitude. Resonance refers to the phenomenon of a system vibrating at its natural frequency. A standing wave is a wave pattern that appears to be stationary, resulting from the interference of two waves of the same frequency traveling in opposite directions.Rate this question:
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- 13.
A wave that moves particles of a medium parallel to the direction in which the wave travels is a
- A.
Longitudinal wave.
- B.
Mechanical wave.
- C.
Seismic wave.
- D.
Transverse wave.
Correct Answer
A. Longitudinal wave.Explanation
A wave that moves particles of a medium parallel to the direction in which the wave travels is called a longitudinal wave. In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium vibrate back and forth in the same direction as the wave propagates. This type of wave can be observed in sound waves, where the compression and rarefaction of air molecules occur parallel to the direction of the sound wave. Unlike transverse waves, where particles move perpendicular to the wave's direction, longitudinal waves exhibit a parallel motion.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following accurately describes surface waves?
- A.
Surface waves are a combination of a longitudinal wave and transverse wave.
- B.
Surface waves move more slowly than P waves and S waves.
- C.
Surface waves can cause the most severe ground movements.
- D.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.Explanation
The correct answer is "all of the above." This means that all of the statements provided accurately describe surface waves. Surface waves are a combination of a longitudinal wave and a transverse wave, they move more slowly than P waves and S waves, and they can cause the most severe ground movements.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The speed of waves
- A.
Is the same in every medium.
- B.
Is constant in a given medium under uniform conditions.
- C.
Always varies from point to point in a given medium.
- D.
Changes if the frequency or wavelength changes.
Correct Answer
B. Is constant in a given medium under uniform conditions.Explanation
The correct answer is "is constant in a given medium under uniform conditions." This means that the speed of waves remains the same when they travel through a specific medium, as long as the conditions within that medium are uniform. It implies that factors such as frequency or wavelength do not affect the speed of waves in a given medium, as long as the conditions remain constant.Rate this question:
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- 16.
A wave that appears to be still in one place, even though it is really two waves interfering as they pass through each other is called a(n)
- A.
Longitudinal wave.
- B.
P wave.
- C.
Standing wave.
- D.
S wave.
Correct Answer
C. Standing wave.Explanation
A standing wave is formed when two waves of the same frequency and amplitude pass through each other in opposite directions, causing interference. This interference creates "nodes" and "antinodes" where the wave appears to be still in one place. The wave pattern does not move forward or backward, hence it is called a standing wave. This is different from a longitudinal wave, which involves the displacement of particles in the same direction as the wave propagation. P waves and S waves are types of seismic waves that travel through the Earth's interior.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The energy of a wave is directly related to its
- A.
Amplitude.
- B.
Wavelength.
- C.
Frequency.
- D.
Speed.
Correct Answer
A. Amplitude.Explanation
The energy of a wave is directly related to its amplitude. Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position. The greater the amplitude, the more energy the wave carries. This is because a larger amplitude implies a larger disturbance in the medium through which the wave is propagating, resulting in a greater transfer of energy. In contrast, wavelength, frequency, and speed are not directly related to the energy of a wave.Rate this question:
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- 18.
To look for resources deep underground, geologists produce a small explosion at the surface so that they can
- A.
Detect seismic waves reflected off underground structures.
- B.
Uncover hidden structures.
- C.
Detect seismic waves reflected off the surface of the ground.
- D.
Shake up the ground and make cracks for oil to seep upward.
Correct Answer
B. Uncover hidden structures.Explanation
Geologists produce a small explosion at the surface to uncover hidden structures. By creating an explosion, seismic waves are generated and travel through the ground. These waves bounce off underground structures and return to the surface, where they can be detected and analyzed. This allows geologists to map and identify hidden structures such as rock formations, fault lines, or underground reservoirs. By understanding the subsurface geology, geologists can locate valuable resources such as minerals, oil, or natural gas.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The interaction between waves that meet is called
- A.
Diffraction.
- B.
Refraction.
- C.
Interference.
- D.
Reflection.
Correct Answer
C. Interference.Explanation
When waves meet, they can interact with each other in different ways. Diffraction refers to the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings. Refraction occurs when waves change direction as they pass from one medium to another. Reflection is the bouncing back of waves when they encounter a surface. Interference, on the other hand, is the interaction between waves that results in their reinforcement or cancellation. Therefore, the correct answer is interference.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Waves that require a medium through which to travel are called
- A.
Longitudinal waves.
- B.
Mechanical waves.
- C.
Transverse waves.
- D.
Seismic waves.
Correct Answer
B. Mechanical waves.Explanation
Mechanical waves are waves that require a medium, such as air, water, or solids, in order to travel. These waves transfer energy through the vibration or oscillation of particles in the medium. Longitudinal waves are a type of mechanical wave where the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Transverse waves are another type of mechanical wave where the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Seismic waves, on the other hand, are a specific type of mechanical wave that are generated by earthquakes and travel through the Earth's interior. Therefore, the correct answer is mechanical waves.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The seismic waves that travel the fastest are
- A.
Surface waves.
- B.
S waves.
- C.
P waves.
- D.
Tsunamis.
Correct Answer
C. P waves.Explanation
P waves, also known as primary waves, are a type of seismic wave that travels through the Earth's interior. They are the fastest seismic waves and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. P waves are compression waves that cause particles to move back and forth in the same direction as the wave is traveling. This ability to travel through different mediums and their faster speed make P waves the correct answer. Surface waves, S waves, and tsunamis are all slower than P waves and have different characteristics.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Seismic waves that travel through Earth's core are
- A.
Surface waves.
- B.
P waves.
- C.
S waves.
- D.
Tsunamis.
Correct Answer
B. P waves.Explanation
Seismic waves that travel through Earth's core are p waves. P waves, also known as primary waves, are the fastest seismic waves and can travel through solid and liquid materials. They are compressional waves that move in a push-pull motion, causing particles to vibrate in the same direction as the wave. Surface waves, on the other hand, travel along the Earth's surface and are slower than p waves. S waves cannot pass through the Earth's core, and tsunamis are not seismic waves but rather long ocean waves caused by underwater disturbances.Rate this question:
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- 23.
A wave moving from one medium to another at an angle results in
- A.
Diffraction.
- B.
Refraction.
- C.
Interference.
- D.
Reflection.
Correct Answer
B. Refraction.Explanation
When a wave moves from one medium to another at an angle, it changes its direction due to the change in speed. This phenomenon is known as refraction. Refraction occurs because the wave travels at different speeds in different mediums, causing it to bend as it enters the new medium. This change in direction is a characteristic of refraction and is observed when waves pass through mediums of different densities, such as when light passes from air to water.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Transverse waves have
- A.
Crests and troughs.
- B.
Compressions and rarefactions.
- C.
Crest and rarefactions.
- D.
Compressions and troughs.
Correct Answer
A. Crests and troughs.Explanation
Transverse waves are characterized by the motion of particles perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. In these waves, the crests represent the highest points of the wave, while the troughs represent the lowest points. Therefore, the correct answer is "crests and troughs" as they accurately describe the features of transverse waves.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Longitudinal waves have
- A.
Crest and troughs.
- B.
Compressions and rarefactions.
- C.
Compressions and troughs.
- D.
Rarefaction and crests.
Correct Answer
B. Compressions and rarefactions.Explanation
Longitudinal waves are characterized by compressions and rarefactions. In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium move parallel to the direction of the wave propagation. Compressions are regions where the particles are close together, resulting in high pressure, while rarefactions are regions where the particles are spread apart, resulting in low pressure. This alternating pattern of compressions and rarefactions is what allows the wave to propagate through the medium. Therefore, the correct answer is compressions and rarefactions.Rate this question:
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- 26.
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from
- A.
High to low.
- B.
Place to place.
- C.
Crest to crest.
- D.
Trough to trough.
Correct Answer
B. Place to place.Explanation
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another. It does not transfer energy from high to low, crest to crest, or trough to trough. Instead, a wave carries energy as it travels through different locations or "places". This can be observed in various types of waves, such as sound waves, water waves, and electromagnetic waves.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Waves are created when a source of energy cause a medium to
- A.
Roll.
- B.
Compress.
- C.
Vibrate.
- D.
Compress.
Correct Answer
C. Vibrate.Explanation
Waves are created when a source of energy causes a medium to vibrate. When a source of energy, such as a disturbance or movement, is applied to a medium, it causes the particles of the medium to vibrate or oscillate. This vibration then propagates through the medium, creating a wave. The particles of the medium do not roll or compress in order to create a wave, but rather vibrate back and forth in a wave-like motion. Therefore, the correct answer is vibrate.Rate this question:
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- 28.
The basic properties of waves are
- A.
Amplitude, wavelength, speed, frequency.
- B.
Amplitude, time, speed, frequency.
- C.
Time, wavelength, speed, frequency.
- D.
Amplitude, wavelength, speed, time.
Correct Answer
A. Amplitude, wavelength, speed, frequency.Explanation
The basic properties of waves are amplitude, wavelength, speed, and frequency. Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of a wave from its equilibrium position. Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points in a wave that are in phase. Speed is the rate at which a wave travels through a medium. Frequency is the number of complete cycles or oscillations of a wave that occur in one second. These properties are fundamental in understanding and describing the behavior of waves.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Three types of waves are
- A.
Transverse waves, longitudinal waves, and surface waves.
- B.
Transverse waves, rarefaction waves, and surface waves.
- C.
Rarefaction waves, longitudinal waves, and surface waves.
- D.
Transverse waves, longitudinal waves, and rarefaction waves.
Correct Answer
A. Transverse waves, longitudinal waves, and surface waves.Explanation
The correct answer is transverse waves, longitudinal waves, and surface waves. This answer is correct because it includes all three types of waves mentioned in the question: transverse waves, longitudinal waves, and surface waves. Transverse waves are characterized by the particles of the medium oscillating perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Longitudinal waves are characterized by the particles of the medium oscillating parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Surface waves are a combination of transverse and longitudinal waves and occur at the interface between two different mediums.Rate this question:
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- 30.
What law states that the angle of reflection of the waves is equal to the angle of incidence?
- A.
Law of angles.
- B.
Law of reflection.
- C.
Law of rarefaction.
- D.
Law of waves.
Correct Answer
B. Law of reflection.Explanation
The law of reflection states that the angle of reflection of waves is equal to the angle of incidence. This means that when a wave, such as light or sound, hits a surface and reflects off it, the angle at which it reflects is the same as the angle at which it initially hit the surface. This law is fundamental in understanding how waves behave when they encounter boundaries or surfaces, and it is applicable to various types of waves in different contexts.Rate this question:
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- 31.
A seismograph records the ground movements caused by seismic waves as the move through.
- A.
The earth.
- B.
The ocean.
- C.
A crest.
- D.
A trough.
Correct Answer
A. The earth.Explanation
A seismograph is a device used to measure and record ground movements caused by seismic waves. These waves are generated by earthquakes and other seismic activities that occur within the earth's crust. The seismograph detects the vibrations and converts them into a graphical representation called a seismogram. Therefore, the correct answer is "the earth" as the seismograph records ground movements caused by seismic waves as they move through the earth.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Surface waves include
- A.
Primary waves, secondary waves, and surface waves.
- B.
Medium waves, secondary waves, and surface waves.
- C.
Primary waves, medium waves, and surface waves.
- D.
Primary waves, secondary waves, and medium waves.
Correct Answer
A. Primary waves, secondary waves, and surface waves.Explanation
The correct answer is primary waves, secondary waves, and surface waves. This is because surface waves are a type of seismic wave that travel along the Earth's surface and cause the most damage during an earthquake. Primary waves (P-waves) are the fastest seismic waves and can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. Secondary waves (S-waves) are slower than P-waves and can only travel through solids. Therefore, all three types of waves are included in surface waves.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jan 13, 2013Quiz Created by
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