Waves and Their Types

Which statement is true regarding mechanical and electromagnetic waves?

• Both types of waves require a medium.

• Neither type of wave requires a medium.

• A mechanical wave requires a medium, but an electromagnetic wave does not.

• The speed of an electromagnetic wave can be affected by a medium, but the speed of a mechanical wave cannot.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

There are two types of waves: mechanical and electromagnetic. Microwaves, infrared waves, and radio waves are examples of electromagnetic waves. Which statement is true about the speed of an electromagnetic wave?

• It is not affected by changes in media

• It is slower in a vacuum than in a medium.

• In a vacuum, its speed equals half the speed of light.

• It slows down when it goes from a vacuum to a medium.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Through which medium does a mechanical wave travel most quickly?

• solid

• liquid

• less dense gas

• very dense gas

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NGSS.HS-PS4-1

During a thunderstorm, Sanjay saw lightning and then heard thunder .5 seconds later. What would be different if the air had been warmer?

• He would have seen the lightning and heard the thunder at the same time.

• He would have heard the thunder before seeing the lightning.

• He would have heard the thunder sooner.

• He would have heard the thunder later

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Through which of these media do sound waves travel most SLOWLY?

• iron

• wood

• water

• cold air

An earthquake sends out mechanical waves in all directions from its source. As these mechanical waves travel through different parts of Earth, through which part of Earth do they travel most QUICKLY?

• rock

• rivers

• oceans

• pockets of air

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

A jellyfish is floating in the ocean. What will happen to the jellyfish when a wave passes through the water?

• It will be carried away with the wave.

• It will not move, but the water around it will move.

• It will be moved up to the surface of the water.

• It will move up and down, but it will return to about the same place.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

What is a wave?

• A disturbance that transfers energy.

• A disturbance that transfers matter.

• Any type of energy that makes particles move.

• Any type of matter that vibrates back and forth.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Alex hears a loud rumble as he watches a space shuttle lift off from the launch pad. What medium does the sound wave travel through to get from the shuttle to Alex’s ears?

• air

• a vacuum

• large vibrations

• energy

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

In which direction do longitudinal waves travel?

• They travel in random directions.

• They travel around in a circular motion.

• They travel parallel to the direction of the disturbance.

• They travel perpendicular to the direction of the disturbance.