Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

What causes waves to be produced?

• Gravity

• Vibrations

• Heat

• Light

Answer explanation

Waves are produced by vibrations, not by gravity, heat, or light. When an object vibrates, it creates a disturbance in the surrounding medium, which results in the formation of waves.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

What are the two classifications of waves based on particle vibrations?

• Left and Right

• Upward and Downward

• Circular and Spiral

• Transverse and Longitudinal

Answer explanation

Transverse waves involve particle vibrations perpendicular to the direction of the wave, while longitudinal waves involve particle vibrations parallel to the direction of the wave.

In longitudinal waves, how do particles vibrate?

• In a random pattern

• At 90 degrees to the wave direction

• In a circular motion

• Parallel to the wave direction

Answer explanation

In longitudinal waves, particles vibrate parallel to the wave direction, not in a random pattern, at 90 degrees to the wave direction, or in a circular motion.

What is an example of a longitudinal wave?

• Light

• Sound

• Water waves

• Radio waves

Answer explanation

Sound is an example of a longitudinal wave because it travels through a medium by compressing and expanding the particles in the same direction as the wave's motion.

How do particles vibrate in transverse waves?

• In a random pattern

• At 90 degrees to the wave direction

• In a circular motion

• Parallel to the wave direction

Answer explanation

Particles vibrate at 90 degrees to the wave direction in transverse waves, not in a random pattern, circular motion, or parallel to the wave direction.

Which type of wave requires a medium to travel?

• Electromagnetic waves

• Sound waves

• Light waves

• Radio waves

Answer explanation

Sound waves require a medium, such as air, water, or solids, to travel. Therefore, the correct answer is sound waves.

What is the speed of sound in air at room temperature?

• Approximately 343 meters per second

• Approximately 299,792 kilometers per second

• Approximately 123 meters per second

• Approximately 1,234 kilometers per hour

Answer explanation

The speed of sound in air at room temperature is approximately 343 meters per second, which is the correct answer choice.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

What phenomenon occurs when the frequency of a force applied to a system matches the natural frequency of the system?

• Reflection

• Refraction

• Resonance

• Diffraction

Answer explanation

Resonance occurs when the frequency of a force matches the natural frequency of the system, causing increased amplitude of vibrations.