Waves Vocabulary

Front

What is the phenomenon called when the ocean moves energy from one place to another?

Back

wave

Answer explanation

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one location to another, such as sound waves or water waves. Matter refers to physical substances, while crest and trough are specific parts of a wave.

Front

Which type of waves can travel through empty space?

Back

electromagnetic waves

Answer explanation

Electromagnetic waves are unique as they can travel through empty space, unlike longitudinal and transverse waves, which require a medium. This makes electromagnetic waves essential for phenomena like light and radio waves.

Front

Which type of waves only travel through a medium?

Back

mechanical waves

Answer explanation

Mechanical waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through, unlike electromagnetic waves, which can propagate through a vacuum. Therefore, the correct answer is mechanical waves.

Front

During a science experiment, Trin and Sam observed waves in a rope. They noticed that the particles of the rope moved up and down (perpendicular) to the direction of the wave. What type of waves were they observing?

Back

transverse waves

Answer explanation

Transverse waves are characterized by the movement of particles in the medium moving up and down, which is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. This distinguishes them from longitudinal waves, where particles move parallel to the wave.

Front

What is the highest point of a wave called?

Back

crest

Answer explanation

The highest point of a wave is called the crest. It represents the maximum displacement of the wave from its rest position, while the trough is the lowest point. Other terms like compression and rarefaction refer to different wave properties.

Front

What is the lowest point of a wave called?

Back

trough

Answer explanation

The lowest point of a wave is called the trough. It is the opposite of the crest, which is the highest point. Other terms like compression and rarefactions refer to different aspects of wave behavior.

Front

At which point on a pond's surface is there no disturbance?

Back

rest position

Answer explanation

The rest position refers to the state of a medium where there is no disturbance, meaning it is at equilibrium. In contrast, compression, rarefaction, trough, and crest represent various states of disturbance in a wave.

Front

What is the vertical distance between the crest or trough of a wave and the resting point called?

Back

amplitude

Answer explanation

The vertical distance between the crest or trough of a wave and its resting point is known as the amplitude. Wavelength refers to the distance between successive crests or troughs, making amplitude the correct choice.

Front

What is the distance from one wave crest to the next called?

Back

wavelength

Answer explanation

The distance from crest to crest or trough to trough defines the wavelength of a wave. Amplitude refers to the height of the wave, not the distance between cycles, making wavelength the correct answer.

Front

Sam and Liz observe a slinky toy. When Sam pushes and pulls one end, the coils move back and forth in the same direction as the push. What type of waves are they observing?

Back

longitudinal waves

Answer explanation

Longitudinal waves are characterized by particles moving back and forth in the same direction as the wave travels, making them parallel. In contrast, transverse waves have particles moving perpendicular to the wave direction.