PS - Unit 7 Review

Which statement describes a surface wave?

• A surface wave is a wave that travels through space.

• A surface wave is a wave that moves along the interface of two different materials, like air and water.

• A surface wave is a type of electromagnetic wave.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which type or types of motion is particle motion in surface waves?

• longitudinal

• transverse

• a combination of longitudinal and transverse

• neither longitudinal nor transverse

Answer explanation

Particle motion in surface waves is a combination of longitudinal and transverse motion. These waves exhibit both types of motion simultaneously, with particles moving both back and forth and up and down. This unique characteristic sets surface waves apart from other types of waves. The answer to the question is a combination of longitudinal and transverse motion.

What does frequency describe?

• how often the particles of a medium vibrate

• height of a wave

• depth of a wave

• distance from crest to crest or from trough to trough on a wave

Answer explanation

The term 'frequency' describes how often the particles of a medium vibrate. It is a measure of how frequently a wave oscillates or repeats its pattern. The frequency of a wave is not related to the height or depth of the wave, but rather to the rate at which the particles of the medium vibrate. In this case, the correct choice is 'how often the particles of a medium vibrate'.

Which type of wave has particles moving in an elliptical or circular motion?

• sound

• surface

• transverse

• longitudinal

Which type of wave shows energy transmitted in a definite direction and with a definite speed?

• standing wave

• traveling wave

• breaking wave

• low-breaking wave

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Which term is described as a wave that is not confined to the space along the medium?

• tsunami wave

• breaking wave

• standing wave

• traveling wave

Which type of wave appears to vibrate in place?

• tsunami wave

• breaking wave

• standing wave

• traveling wave

What is happening when two waves with identical crests and troughs meet?

• Constructive interference is occurring.

• Destructive interference is occurring.

• standing waveThe wave is reflecting.

• The wave is breaking.

Answer explanation

When two waves with identical crests and troughs meet, they undergo constructive interference. This means that the amplitudes of the waves add up, resulting in a wave with a larger amplitude. The correct choice is 'Constructive interference is occurring.' This choice accurately describes the phenomenon of waves reinforcing each other. The question asks what is happening when two waves meet, not the option number. The question is about the phenomenon of waves, not a query.

What is the best definition of longitudinal wave?

• In a longitudinal wave, particle displacement is above the direction of wave motion.

• In a longitudinal wave, particle displacement is opposite to the direction of wave motion.

• In a longitudinal wave, particle displacement is perpendicular to the direction of wave motion.

• In a longitudinal wave, particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave motion.

Answer explanation

A longitudinal wave is a type of wave where the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave motion. This means that as the wave travels, the particles move back and forth in the same direction as the wave. In other words, the particles vibrate in a parallel manner to the wave's movement. This is different from other types of waves where the particle displacement is in a different direction. The correct definition of a longitudinal wave is that the particle displacement is parallel to the direction of wave motion.

Which option was changed in the "Waves" lab to see how it would affect wave speed?

• length of string

• tension of string

• type of string

• how hard the string was plucked

Answer explanation

In the "Waves" lab, the length of the string was changed to observe its effect on wave speed. This change was made to determine how the variation in string length influences the speed of the waves. The other options, such as the tension of the string, the type of string, and how hard the string was plucked, were not altered in this experiment. By modifying the length of the string, researchers can analyze the impact on wave speed without considering other factors.