Waves Review

What is the best definition of a wave in the field of physics?

• A wave is a form of energy that can be seen
• A disturbance or oscillation of matter that travels through space and time

• A disturbance or oscillation of energy that travels through space and time

• A wave is a type of sound that travels through space

What are the two major categories of waves in the field of physics?

• Heat waves and seismic waves
• Sound waves and light waves
• Radio waves and gravitational waves
• Mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves

What is the difference between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves?

• Mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves both require a medium to travel through.
• Mechanical waves can travel through a vacuum, while electromagnetic waves require a medium to travel through.
• Mechanical waves require a medium to travel through, while electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum.
• Mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves have the same speed of propagation.

The two major structures for a mechanical wave are __________________ waves and _____________________ waves.

Which of the following is NOT an example of a wave travelling through a medium?

• Seismic Waves travelling through tectonic plates

• X-rays travelling through the human body

• Ultraviolet waves traveling through the vacuum of space towards earth

• Sound waves travelling through water to the ocean floor

What is the name for the particle of light?

Who was the scientist who theorized that light only behaved as a particle?

• Isaac Newton
• Christian Huygens

• Thomas Young

• Albert Einstein

Who was the scientist that performed the double-slit experiment showing light waves interfering with each other?

• Thomas Young
• Christian Huygens

• Albert Einstein
• Isaac Newton

Which electromagnetic wave has the largest wavelength, lowest frequency, and lowest energy on the electromagnetic spectrum?

• Microwaves

• Gamma rays
• X-rays
• Radio waves

Which wave on the electromagnetic spectrum is responsible for the development of melanomas?

• X-rays
• Gamma rays
• UV waves
• Infrared waves