Wave Basics Quiz

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.

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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.

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1

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.

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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.

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0

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.

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6

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Wave Basics Quiz

The material that a wave travels through is called the

Quiz Preview

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

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

The superposition of two waves creates

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

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

What property of waves is shown in the animation?

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

All waves except ______ waves must travel through a medium.

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

Sound waves are all

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