Trivia Questions On Waves! Quiz

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1. The substance through which a wave travels is called a

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.

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About This Quiz
Trivia Questions On Waves! Quiz - 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... see moreplace 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. see less

2. Waves are created when a source of energy cause a medium to

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.

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3. Three types of waves are

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.

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4. Tsunamis are produced by

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.

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5. The interaction between waves that meet is called

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.

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6. Which of the following accurately describes surface waves?

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.

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7. The basic properties of waves are

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.

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8. A seismograph records the ground movements caused by seismic waves as the move through.

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.

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9. Which of the following accurately describes surface waves?

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.

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10. A wave that moves particles of a medium parallel to the direction in which the wave travels is a

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.

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11. Transverse waves have

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.

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12. What law states that the angle of reflection of the waves is equal to the angle of incidence?

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.

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13. All waves with a frequency of 100 hertz.

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.

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14. 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)

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.

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15. The energy of a wave is directly related to its

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.

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16. Waves that require a medium through which to travel are called

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.

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17. A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from

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.

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18. The seismic waves that travel the fastest are

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.

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19. A wave that moves a medium at right angles to the direction in which the wave travels is a

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.

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20. The seismic waves that travel the fastest are

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.

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21. Longitudinal waves have

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.

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22. The energy of a wave is directly related to its

Explanation

For electromagnetic waves, such as light, the energy (E) is directly proportional to the frequency (f) of the wave, given by the equation E=hf, where h is Planck's constant. While amplitude is related to the energy of mechanical waves (such as sound waves), for electromagnetic waves, frequency is the key factor.

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23. The maximum distance the particles of a medium move from their rest position is called the

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.

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24. The combining of two waves to make a wave with a smaller amplitude is called

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.

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25. Seismic waves that travel through Earth's core are

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.

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26. A wave moving from one medium to another at an angle results in

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.

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27. One way in which P waves differ from S waves is that

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.

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28. Surface waves include

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.

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29. The bending of waves around the edge of a barrier is called

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.

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30. To increase the amplitude of vibrations, you can adjust the frequency to

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.

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31. The speed of waves

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.

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32. To look for resources deep underground, geologists produce a small explosion at the surface so that they can

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.

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The substance through which a wave travels is called a
Waves are created when a source of energy cause a medium to
Three types of waves are
Tsunamis are produced by
The interaction between waves that meet is called
Which of the following accurately describes surface waves?
The basic properties of waves are
A seismograph records the ground movements caused by seismic waves as...
Which of the following accurately describes surface waves?
A wave that moves particles of a medium parallel to the direction in...
Transverse waves have
What law states that the angle of reflection of the waves is equal to...
All waves with a frequency of 100 hertz.
A wave that appears to be still in one place, even though it is really...
The energy of a wave is directly related to its
Waves that require a medium through which to travel are called
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from
The seismic waves that travel the fastest are
A wave that moves a medium at right angles to the direction in which...
The seismic waves that travel the fastest are
Longitudinal waves have
The energy of a wave is directly related to its
The maximum distance the particles of a medium move from their rest...
The combining of two waves to make a wave with a smaller amplitude is...
Seismic waves that travel through Earth's core are
A wave moving from one medium to another at an angle results in
One way in which P waves differ from S waves is that
Surface waves include
The bending of waves around the edge of a barrier is called
To increase the amplitude of vibrations, you can adjust the frequency...
The speed of waves
To look for resources deep underground, geologists produce a small...
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