Waves

A mechanical wave moves through a medium, which can be

• liquid

• solid

• gas

• all of them

A mechanical wave generally does NOT

• move the medium from one place to another.

• move through a medium.

• move through solids.

• disturb the medium.

Transverse and longitudinal waves both

• have compressions and rarefactions.

• transfer energy through a medium.

• move at right angles to the vibration of the medium.

• are capable of moving the medium a long distance.

Which wave causes the medium to vibrate only in a direction parallel to the wave’s motion?

• a transverse wave

• a surface wave

• a longitudinal wave

• none of the above

In an earthquake, a P wave is a longitudinal wave. It moves through soil and rock as a

• series of compressions and rarefactions.

• series of faults.

• wavy line.

• series of crests and troughs.

A period is the length of time it takes for

• a disturbance to start a wave.

• two complete wavelengths to pass a fixed point.

• a wave to travel the length of a rope.

• one complete wavelength to pass a fixed point.

To determine the speed of a wave, you would use which of the following formulas?

• speed = frequency ´ amplitude

• speed = wavelength ´ period

• speed = wavelength ´ amplitude

• speed = wavelength ´ frequency

To find amplitude, measure

• from a trough to the rest position.

• from a crest to the rest position.

• None of them

• Both of them

A wave has a wavelength of 10 mm and a frequency of 5.0 hertz. What is its speed?

• 50 mm/s

• 50 hertz/s

• 2.0 mm/s

• .50 mm/s

For refraction to occur in a wave, the wave must

• strike an obstacle larger than the wavelength.

• change direction within a medium.

• enter a new medium head-on.

• enter a new medium at an angle.