Wave Basics Quiz
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
In the animation, what type of wave is shown?
- A.
Transverse
- B.
Refracted
- C.
Longitudinal
- D.
Rarefied
Correct Answer
C. LongitudinalExplanation
The animation shows a wave that moves in the same direction as the particles of the medium. This type of wave is called a longitudinal wave. In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium vibrate back and forth parallel to the direction of wave propagation. This is different from a transverse wave, where the particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Refracted and rarefied are not types of waves, but rather terms used to describe the behavior of waves.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The material that a wave travels through is called the
- A.
Amplitude
- B.
Medium
- C.
Rarefaction
- D.
Compression
Correct Answer
B. MediumExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Sound waves are all
- A.
High frequency
- B.
Compressional
- C.
Transverse
- D.
Electromagnetic
Correct Answer
B. CompressionalExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The superposition of two waves creates
- A.
Higher frequencies
- B.
Interference
- C.
Compressions
- D.
Light
Correct Answer
B. InterferenceExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In the animation shown, at the point where the two waves cross, which property changes?
- A.
Speed
- B.
Frequency
- C.
Index of refraction
- D.
Amplitude
Correct Answer
D. AmplitudeExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 6.
As the frequency of a spring wave is increased, the _____________
- A.
Velocity decreases
- B.
Velocity increases
- C.
Wavelength decreases
- D.
Wavelength increases
Correct Answer
C. Wavelength decreasesExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 7.
As you produce a wave on a spring, which of the following quantities are you NOT able to change?
- A.
Amplitude
- B.
Frequency
- C.
Velocity
- D.
Wavelength
Correct Answer
C. VelocityExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What property of waves is shown in the animation?
- A.
Rarefaction
- B.
Refraction
- C.
Displacement
- D.
Diffraction
Correct Answer
B. RefractionExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following is not a type of electromagnetic wave?
- A.
Sound
- B.
Red light
- C.
Gamma radiation
- D.
Radio waves
Correct Answer
A. SoundExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 10.
All waves except ______ waves must travel through a medium.
- A.
Sound
- B.
Light
- C.
Water
- D.
Compressional
Correct Answer
B. LightExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 11.
By counting the number of crests that pass in a given amount of time, a person can calculate the
- A.
Wavelength
- B.
Amplitude
- C.
Velocity
- D.
Frequency
Correct Answer
D. FrequencyExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What type of wave is most likely shown in the animation?
- A.
Light
- B.
Sound
- C.
Earthquake
- D.
Compression
Correct Answer
C. EarthquakeExplanation
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.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 22, 2022Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jul 27, 2007Quiz Created by
Dlurie5
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