All About Waves

What is a mechanical wave?

• A wave that can travel without a medium

• A wave that must have a medium

• A wave that carries matter

• A wave that does not carry energy

A wave that can travel through space is called a(n) _______.

• mechanical wave

• sound wave

• electromagnetic wave

• water wave

What is the lowest point of a transverse wave called?

(a)  

• Crest

• Trough
• Valley

• Dip

Which of the following is a characteristic of a compressional wave?

• A) The medium moves at right angles to the wave direction.

• B) The medium moves in a circular motion.

• C) The medium moves back and forth in the same direction as the wave.

• D) The wave does not require a medium.

Fill in the blank: The part of a compressional wave where particles are spread apart is called ________.

• A) Compression

• B) Rarefaction

• C) Crest

• D) Trough

How far does the medium move from its rest position in a wave?

• Frequency

• Amplitude

• Wavelength

• Wave speed

What is the law of reflection?

• The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

• The angle of incidence is greater than the angle of reflection.

• The angle of incidence is less than the angle of reflection.

• The angle of incidence is unrelated to the angle of reflection.

What happens to waves during refraction?

• They bounce off a surface.

• They change direction when entering a new medium.

• They disappear.

• They increase in speed without changing direction.