Understanding Waves and Their Properties

Front

What is the term for the distance between two consecutive crests of a wave?

Back

Wavelength

Answer explanation

The term for the distance between two consecutive crests of a wave is called 'wavelength'. It is a fundamental property of waves, distinguishing it from frequency, amplitude, and energy.

Tags

NY.SCI.6-8.MS-PS4-1

Front

Which property of a wave is measured in hertz (Hz)?

Back

Frequency

Answer explanation

Frequency, measured in hertz (Hz), indicates how many wave cycles occur in one second. Amplitude, wavelength, and speed are important wave properties but are not measured in hertz.

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NY.SCI.6-8.MS-PS4-1

Front

What happens to the energy of a wave if its amplitude increases?

Back

The energy increases

Answer explanation

When the amplitude of a wave increases, the energy carried by the wave also increases. This is because energy is proportional to the square of the amplitude, meaning larger amplitudes result in greater energy.

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NY.SCI.6-8.MS-PS4-1

Front

Which of the following is NOT a possible behavior of a wave when it encounters a new material?

• Reflection
• Absorption
• Transmission
• Evaporation

Back

Evaporation

Answer explanation

Evaporation is not a behavior of waves when encountering a new material. Waves can reflect, absorb, or transmit through materials, but evaporation pertains to a phase change of substances, not wave behavior.

Tags

NY.SCI.6-8.MS-PS4-2

Front

When a wave passes through a transparent material, what is this process called?

Back

Transmission

Answer explanation

When a wave passes through a transparent material, it continues to propagate, which is known as transmission. This process allows light to pass through without being reflected or absorbed.

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NY.SCI.6-8.MS-PS4-2

Front

If a wave is completely stopped by a material and does not pass through, what has occurred?

Back

Absorption

Answer explanation

When a wave is completely stopped by a material and does not pass through, it is absorbed by the material. This means the energy of the wave is taken in rather than reflected or transmitted.

Tags

NY.SCI.6-8.MS-PS4-2

Front

If the frequency of a wave increases and the speed stays the same, what happens to the wavelength?

Back

It decreases

Answer explanation

As frequency increases while speed remains constant, wavelength must decrease. This is because wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency (wavelength = speed/frequency). Thus, the correct answer is that it decreases.

Tags

NY.SCI.6-8.MS-PS4-1

Front

If a wave's amplitude gets bigger, what happens to the energy it carries?

Back

The energy gets much bigger

Answer explanation

The energy of a wave is proportional to the square of its amplitude. If the amplitude doubles, the energy increases by a factor of 2^2, which is 4. Therefore, the energy increases by more than double.

Tags

NY.SCI.6-8.MS-PS4-1

Front

If a wave’s frequency is decreased but its speed remains the same, what happens to its wavelength?

Back

The wavelength increases

Answer explanation

According to the wave equation, speed = frequency × wavelength. If speed is constant and frequency decreases, wavelength must increase to maintain the equation. Thus, the correct answer is that the wavelength increases.

Tags

NY.SCI.6-8.MS-PS4-1

Front

Which material would most likely reflect a sound wave?

Back

Concrete wall

Answer explanation

A concrete wall is a dense material that effectively reflects sound waves, while a thick curtain absorbs sound, an open window allows sound to pass through, and air is a poor reflector.

Tags

NY.SCI.6-8.MS-PS4-2