Waves and Signals Practice Test

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another

Answer explanation

A wave is defined as a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another, such as sound waves or water waves, making this the correct choice. The other options do not accurately describe what a wave is.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Front

Which of the following does NOT require a medium to travel? Sound waves, Water waves, Light waves, Seismic waves

Back

Light waves

Answer explanation

Light waves do not require a medium to travel; they can move through a vacuum. In contrast, sound waves, water waves, and seismic waves all need a medium (air, water, or solid ground) to propagate.

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. Wavelength refers to the distance between two crests, and amplitude measures the height of the wave.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Front

What is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs called?

Back

Wavelength

Answer explanation

The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave is called the wavelength. It is a key characteristic of waves, distinguishing it from frequency, amplitude, and velocity.

Front

Which type of wave requires a medium to travel through?

Back

Mechanical waves

Answer explanation

Mechanical waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through, unlike light waves, radio waves, and X-rays, which can propagate through a vacuum.

Front

What is the formula for calculating wave speed?

Back

Speed = Wavelength × Frequency

Answer explanation

The correct formula for calculating wave speed is Speed = Wavelength × Frequency. This means that wave speed is directly proportional to both the wavelength and the frequency of the wave.

Front

What happens to a wave’s energy as it travels through a medium?

Back

It depends on the medium

Answer explanation

A wave's energy can vary depending on the medium it travels through. In some media, energy may decrease due to absorption or scattering, while in others, it may remain constant or even increase. Thus, the correct answer is that it depends on the medium.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Front

Which of these describes a transverse wave?

Back

The particles move perpendicular to the wave direction

Answer explanation

A transverse wave is characterized by particles moving perpendicular to the wave direction, unlike longitudinal waves where particles move parallel. Thus, the correct choice is that the particles move perpendicular to the wave direction.

Front

Velocity= 600 m/s Wavelength= 2.0m Frequency= _________

Back

300 hertz

Front

A wave has wavelength of 10 m and a speed of 340 m/s. What is the frequency of the wave?

Back

34 Hz