Waves Basics

Click on the point that lies on a crest.

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Click on the point that lies on a trough.

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Click on the point that lies on the resting position (equilibrium).

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Click on the point that represents wavelength.

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Click on the point that represents amplitude.

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If the image to the left represents one second of time, what would the approximate frequency of the waves shown be?

• 1 Hertz

• 8 Hertz

• 4 Hertz

• Lots of Hertz

Answer explanation

The image shows 4 complete wave cycles in one second, which means the frequency is 4 cycles per second, or 4 Hertz. Therefore, the correct answer is 4 Hertz.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

What do you call the vertical distance from a wave's resting position to either a crest or a trough?

• frequency

• amplitude

• wavelength

• wave height

Answer explanation

The vertical distance from a wave's resting position to a crest or trough is called the amplitude. It measures how far the wave deviates from its rest position, making amplitude the correct term.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

What do you call the horizontal distance between two consecutive points in a wave (for example, crest to crest)?

• frequency

• amplitude

• wavelength

• wave height

Answer explanation

The horizontal distance between two consecutive points in a wave, such as crest to crest, is called the wavelength. It measures the length of one complete wave cycle.

What do you call the number of waves passing a fixed point per second?

• frequency

• amplitude

• wavelength

• wave height

Answer explanation

The number of waves passing a fixed point per second is called frequency. It measures how often the waves occur in a given time frame, distinguishing it from amplitude, wavelength, and wave height, which refer to different wave properties.

What must you do to change wave properties such as frequency or amplitude?

• Change the energy causing the wave

• Create more waves

• Change the medium the wave is traveling through

• Nothing

Answer explanation

To change wave properties like frequency or amplitude, you must change the energy causing the wave. Increased energy raises frequency and amplitude, while decreased energy lowers them.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1