PS.5 |Understanding Waves and Energy Transfer

Which of the following is an example of energy being transferred through a longitudinal wave?

• Light from the sun

• Sound traveling through air

• Radio waves

• X-rays

Answer explanation

Sound traveling through air is a longitudinal wave, where energy is transferred through compressions and rarefactions of air particles. In contrast, light, radio waves, and X-rays are transverse waves.

What is required for a mechanical wave to transfer energy?

• A vacuum

• A medium

• A source of light

• A magnetic field

Answer explanation

A mechanical wave requires a medium, such as air, water, or solid materials, to transfer energy. Unlike electromagnetic waves, which can travel through a vacuum, mechanical waves depend on the vibration of particles in a medium.

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Which of the following best describes how waves can interact with each other?

• They can only pass through each other without any effect.

• They can reflect off each other.

• They can interfere, either constructively or destructively.

• They can only cancel each other out.

Answer explanation

Waves can interact by interfering with each other, leading to constructive interference (amplifying the wave) or destructive interference (diminishing the wave). This is the most accurate description of wave interactions.

Which application uses the energy associated with waves?

• Solar panels converting sunlight

• A pendulum swinging

• A car engine running

• A battery storing energy

Answer explanation

Solar panels convert sunlight into energy using the energy associated with light waves, making them the correct choice. The other options do not utilize wave energy.

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Which type of wave requires a medium to transfer energy?

• Electromagnetic waves

• Mechanical waves

• Gravitational waves

• Radio waves

Answer explanation

Mechanical waves require a medium, such as air or water, to transfer energy. In contrast, electromagnetic waves, gravitational waves, and radio waves can travel through a vacuum without a medium.

What happens when two waves meet and create a larger wave?

• Destructive interference

• Constructive interference

• Reflection

• Refraction

Answer explanation

When two waves meet, they can combine to form a larger wave through constructive interference. This occurs when the crests of both waves align, resulting in an increase in amplitude.

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Which of the following is an example of a transverse wave?

• Sound waves

• Water waves

• Seismic P-waves

• Ultrasound waves

Answer explanation

Water waves are transverse waves, where the motion of the medium is perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. In contrast, sound waves and seismic P-waves are longitudinal, while ultrasound waves are a type of sound wave.

How does energy transfer in a mechanical wave?

• Through electromagnetic fields

• By vibrating particles in a medium

• By creating a vacuum

• Through chemical reactions

Answer explanation

Energy in a mechanical wave transfers by vibrating particles in a medium, such as air or water. These vibrations propagate through the medium, allowing energy to move from one location to another.

What is the result when two waves meet and cancel each other out?

• Constructive interference

• Destructive interference

• Reflection

• Diffraction

Answer explanation

When two waves meet and cancel each other out, they undergo destructive interference. This occurs when the crest of one wave aligns with the trough of another, resulting in a reduction or complete cancellation of the wave amplitude.

Which of the following technologies uses wave energy to function?

• Wind turbines

• Hydroelectric dams

• MRI machines

• Solar panels

Answer explanation

MRI machines use magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the body, making them the only technology listed that utilizes wave energy. Wind turbines, hydroelectric dams, and solar panels rely on different energy sources.

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