Waves and Wave Properties

Look at the wave diagram. Between what two points can a wavelength be represented?

• A to D

• C to D

• C to E

• E to F

Answer explanation

A wavelength can be represented between points A to D on the wave diagram.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Which type of wave BEST describes the diagram?

• light

• longitudinal

• mechanical

• transverse

Answer explanation

The diagram shows a wave where the particles move parallel to the direction of the wave propagation, indicating a longitudinal wave.

During an earthquake, the ground produces waves similar to sound waves. In these waves, what is the area called where the particles of the ground are close together?

• amplitude rarefaction

• compression

• rarefaction

• wavelength

Answer explanation

During an earthquake, the area where the particles of the ground are close together in the waves is called compression.

Which statement BEST describes electromagnetic and mechanical waves?

• Electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves both do not require a medium.

• Electromagnetic waves require a medium, and mechanical waves do not.

• Mechanical waves require a medium, and electromagnetic waves do not.

• Mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves both require a medium.

Answer explanation

Mechanical waves require a medium, and electromagnetic waves do not.

The distance shown in the diagram is known as the

• amplitude

• crest

• trough

• wavelength

Answer explanation

The distance shown in the diagram is known as the amplitude.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Sound travels in longitudinal waves, so sound waves cannot travel through ....

• the air

• many solids

• empty space

• ocean water

Answer explanation

Sound waves cannot travel through space because it is a vacuum with no medium for the waves to propagate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What is represented by the letter B in the picture?

• Compressions

• Diffractions

• Diffusions

• Rarefactions

Answer explanation

The letter B in the picture represents Rarefactions, which are regions of low pressure in a wave where particles are spread out. This is the correct choice.

Imagine you are at a beach, watching waves travel towards the shore. The water acts as a ... for these waves.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which is a similarity between electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves? Both types of waves ...

• transfer energy from one point to another

• require a medium to travel through

• can only travel through liquids or gases

• transfer matter over long distances

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that both types of waves transfer energy from one point to another.

What allows sound or light energy to travel?

• reflections

• medium

• rarefactions

• waves

Answer explanation

Waves are the phenomenon that allows energy to be carried across the ocean, as seen when waves crash onto the shore at the beach.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2