Chapter 15 - Characteristics Of Waves
If you ask a room full of people to picture a wave, they might all think of something different – be it at the ocean, a soundwave, maybe even a person waving. Today we’ll be taking a look at the characteristics of waves, asking you a number of questions regarding how they work.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
All of the following are types of waves EXCEPT:
- A.
Transverse Waves
- B.
Sound Waves
- C.
Longitudinal Waves
- D.
Antinode Waves
Correct Answer
D. Antinode WavesExplanation
Antinode waves are not a recognized type of wave. Transverse waves, sound waves, and longitudinal waves are all well-known types of waves. Transverse waves are characterized by the particles of the medium oscillating perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium to travel and are characterized by the compression and rarefaction of the medium. Longitudinal waves are waves in which the particles of the medium oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation. However, antinode waves are not a recognized category of waves in physics.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The amplitude of a transverse wave is found by measuring the distance
- A.
Between two crests
- B.
Between two troughs
- C.
From rest position to a crest
- D.
From a crest to a trough
Correct Answer
C. From rest position to a crestExplanation
The amplitude of a transverse wave is found by measuring the distance from the rest position to a crest. The amplitude represents the maximum displacement of the particles in the medium from their equilibrium position. In a transverse wave, the particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. The crest is the highest point of the wave, and measuring the distance from the rest position to a crest gives us the magnitude of the amplitude.Rate this question:
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- 3.
A longitudnal wave has a large amplitude if
- A.
The compressions are dense (close together)
- B.
The troughs are very low
- C.
There are no rarefactions
- D.
The crests are far apart
Correct Answer
A. The compressions are dense (close together)Explanation
A longitudinal wave has a large amplitude when the compressions are dense (close together). This is because the amplitude of a wave is determined by the distance between the highest point (crest) and the lowest point (trough). When the compressions are close together, it means that the particles in the medium are tightly packed, causing a larger displacement from their equilibrium position. This results in a larger amplitude, indicating a stronger wave.Rate this question:
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- 4.
An example of a reflected wave is
- A.
An echo
- B.
A transverse wave
- C.
A tsunami
- D.
A surface wave
Correct Answer
A. An echoExplanation
An echo is an example of a reflected wave because it occurs when sound waves bounce off a surface and return to the source. When a sound wave encounters a reflective surface, such as a wall or a mountain, it bounces back and creates a distinct repetition of the original sound. This phenomenon is known as an echo. The reflected sound wave travels back to the source, allowing us to hear the sound again, but with a delay. Therefore, an echo is a clear illustration of a reflected wave.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Constructive interference occurs when two waves
- A.
Are traveling in the same direction
- B.
Combine to make a wave with a larger amplitude
- C.
Change their speed and bend
- D.
Combine to make a wave with a smaller amplitude
Correct Answer
B. Combine to make a wave with a larger amplitudeExplanation
Constructive interference occurs when two waves combine to make a wave with a larger amplitude. This happens when the peaks of one wave align with the peaks of the other wave, resulting in an additive effect. As a result, the amplitude of the combined wave is greater than that of the individual waves. This phenomenon is commonly observed in various wave phenomena, such as sound waves and light waves.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Waves that require a medium to travel through are called _________________________ waves.
Correct Answer
mechanicalExplanation
Waves that require a medium to travel through are called mechanical waves. Mechanical waves are characterized by the transfer of energy through a medium, such as sound waves or water waves. These waves cannot travel through a vacuum as they rely on the particles of the medium to transmit the energy.Rate this question:
- 7.
The highest part of a wave is called the ________________________.
Correct Answer
crestExplanation
The highest part of a wave is called the crest. The crest refers to the peak or highest point of a wave, where the amplitude is at its maximum. It is the point where the wave reaches its highest level above the equilibrium position. The crest is an important characteristic of a wave and helps in defining its shape and amplitude.Rate this question:
- 8.
The bending of waves around the edge of a barrier is known as _____________________.
Correct Answer
diffractionExplanation
Diffraction is the phenomenon where waves, such as light or sound waves, spread out and bend around obstacles or edges. When waves encounter an edge or barrier, they diffract and change direction, causing the waves to spread out and create a pattern of interference. This bending of waves around the edge of a barrier is known as diffraction.Rate this question:
- 9.
In standing waves, the ____________________ are points with no amplitude. (the point where the rope does not appear to move)
Correct Answer
node
nodesExplanation
In standing waves, the nodes are points where the amplitude is zero. These are the points where the rope or any other medium involved in the wave does not appear to move. Nodes occur at regular intervals along the wave and are crucial in defining the pattern and shape of the standing wave.Rate this question:
- 10.
Answer these questions - make sure you label which is which!a. What does the person transfer to the rope by pulling it up and down at point A?b. What does the direction of arrow B indicate?c. In what direction does the medium move relative to the direction of the wave? Explain.d. What kind of wave is being generated?e. What does point C represent?f. What is the medium through which the wave is moving?
- 11.
A. What does arrow M indicate?b. What does arrow N indicate?c. What does the dotted line AB represent?d. Which numbered angle represents the angle of incidence?e. Which numbered angle represents the angle of reflection?f. What does the line CAD represent?
- 12.
BONUS: Describe the difference between constructinve and destructive interference.
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 17, 2009Quiz Created by
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