Waves

A mechanical wave moves through a medium, which can be

• a liquid

• a solid

• a gas

• all of the above

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

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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

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

• wavy line

• series of faults

• series of compressions and rarefactions

• series of crests and troughs

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

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What is the frequency of this wave?

• 2 hertz (Hz)

• 2 meters/second

• 0.5 second

• 1 hertz (Hz)

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

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

• 0.50 mm/s

A disturbance sends ripples across water in a tub. These ripples are an example of a

• rarefaction

• longitudinal wave

• compression

• surface wave

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

When a wave strikes a solid barrier, it behaves like a basketball hitting a backboard. This wave behavior is called

• constructive interference

• diffraction

• refraction

• reflection

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

In refraction, when a wave travels from one medium to another, it

• changes speed

• stays in step

• always moves in the same direction

• travels in the opposite direction

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What is one property of a wave that determines how much it will diffract when it encounters an obstacle?

• speed

• amplitude

• polarization

• wavelength

In which medium does sound travel the fastest?

• salt water

• fresh water

• air

• cast iron

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2