Earthquakes and Wave Review

A scientist collected data on earthquakes in the United States for four years. She recorded her data in this chart. Which inference can she make from the data?

• A minor earthquake is likely to happen somewhere in the United States every year.

• A major earthquake is likely to happen somewhere in the United States every year.

• A moderate earthquake is not likely to happen in the United States.

• A light earthquake can never happen in the United States.

Answer explanation

The data suggests that minor earthquakes occur frequently, making it reasonable to infer that at least one minor earthquake is likely to happen in the U.S. each year.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

An earthquake is usually caused by a ______.

• landslide

• very large storm

• movement along a fault

• glacier

Answer explanation

An earthquake is usually caused by the movement along a fault, where tectonic plates shift and release energy. This is the primary mechanism for earthquakes, unlike landslides, storms, or glaciers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which best describes how earthquakes and volcanoes shape the land?

• They can destroy things, but they can also build up the land.

• They break down the land.

• They build up the land.

• Only weathering and erosion can change the land.

Answer explanation

Earthquakes and volcanoes can cause destruction, such as landslides and eruptions, but they also create new landforms, like mountains and islands, thus shaping the landscape in both destructive and constructive ways.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

According to the map, where do most earthquakes occur? Select all that apply. (2)

• center of the continents

• edges of the ocean

• around an active volcano

• highest point of the country

• continental plate boundaries

Answer explanation

Most earthquakes occur at the edges of the ocean and along continental plate boundaries, where tectonic plates interact. These areas are known for high seismic activity, unlike the center of continents or highest points.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Which part of the diagram below shows the wavelength?

• a

• b

• c

• d

Answer explanation

The wavelength is represented by the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in a wave. In the diagram, part 'a' clearly shows this distance, making it the correct choice.

A group of students are designing a model house that is safe in strong winds. Which house would be the safest?

• A house built out of bricks.

• A house built out of toothpicks.

• A house built out of linking cubes.

• A house built out of craft sticks.

Answer explanation

A house built out of bricks is the safest choice because bricks are strong and durable, providing better resistance against strong winds compared to toothpicks, linking cubes, or craft sticks, which are much weaker materials.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

If you use walking as a model for wavelength and amplitude, what would a long and high step represent?

• short wavelength, low amplitude

• short wavelength, high amplitude

• long wavelength, low amplitude

• long wavelength, high amplitude

Answer explanation

A long step indicates a long wavelength, as it covers more distance. A high step represents high amplitude, as it shows greater height. Therefore, a long and high step corresponds to long wavelength and high amplitude.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

What structures can be used to help a building resist the lateral forces of an earthquake?

• bracing

• shear wall

• beam

• brick

Answer explanation

Shear walls are vertical structures that provide lateral support to buildings during earthquakes, effectively resisting horizontal forces. Bracing can also help, but shear walls are specifically designed for this purpose.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

How can you determine the amplitude of the wave pattern shown below?

• Measure the length of each peak.

• Count the number of peaks.

• Measure the length of the entire wave.

• Measure the height of the waves.

Answer explanation

To determine the amplitude of a wave, you measure the height of the waves from the midpoint to the peak. This height represents the maximum displacement from the rest position, which defines the amplitude.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

A __________________________ is an instrument that detects and measures waves produced by earthquakes.

• magnitude

• digital sound level meter

• seismograph

• tremor detector

Answer explanation

A seismograph is specifically designed to detect and measure seismic waves from earthquakes, making it the correct choice. The other options do not serve this purpose.