Wave Quiz

What is a wave?

• A force that moves objects

• A disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another

• A type of solid matter

• A form of gravity

Answer explanation

A wave is defined as a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another, such as sound waves or water waves, making this the correct choice. The other options do not accurately describe what a wave is.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Which of the following does NOT require a medium to travel?

• Sound waves

• Water waves

• Light waves

• Seismic waves

Answer explanation

Light waves do not require a medium to travel; they can move through a vacuum. In contrast, sound waves, water waves, and seismic waves all need a medium (air, water, or solid ground) to propagate.

What is the highest point of a wave called?

• Trough

• Crest

• Wavelength

• Amplitude

Answer explanation

The highest point of a wave is called the crest. It represents the maximum displacement of the wave from its rest position, while the trough is the lowest point. Wavelength refers to the distance between two crests, and amplitude measures the height of the wave.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

What is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs called?

• Frequency

• Amplitude

• Wavelength

• Velocity

Answer explanation

The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs in a wave is called the wavelength. It is a key characteristic of waves, distinguishing it from frequency, amplitude, and velocity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

What unit is used to measure the frequency of a wave?

• Meters

• Hertz

• Joules

• Newtons

Answer explanation

The frequency of a wave is measured in Hertz (Hz), which indicates the number of cycles per second. Meters measure distance, Joules measure energy, and Newtons measure force, making Hertz the correct choice for wave frequency.

Which type of wave requires a medium to travel through?

• Light waves

• Radio waves

• Mechanical waves

• X-rays

Answer explanation

Mechanical waves require a medium (solid, liquid, or gas) to travel through, unlike light waves, radio waves, and X-rays, which can propagate through a vacuum.

The greater the amplitude of a wave, the greater its (a)   .

• Wavelength
• Energy
• Frequency
• Speed

Answer explanation

The amplitude of a wave is directly related to its energy. Greater amplitude means more energy is carried by the wave, while wavelength, frequency, and speed are not directly affected by amplitude.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

What is the formula for calculating wave speed?

• Speed = Wavelength × Frequency

• Speed = Frequency + Wavelength

• Speed = Wavelength / Frequency

• Speed = Frequency - Wavelength

Answer explanation

The correct formula for calculating wave speed is Speed = Wavelength × Frequency. This means that wave speed is directly proportional to both the wavelength and the frequency of the wave.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Which of the following best describes an electromagnetic wave?

• It requires air to travel

• It needs a liquid medium to move

• It can travel through empty space

• It only moves through solids

Answer explanation

Electromagnetic waves do not require a medium to travel; they can propagate through the vacuum of space. This distinguishes them from sound waves, which need a medium like air or water.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

What is the lowest point of a wave called?

• Crest

• Trough

• Wavelength

• Amplitude

Answer explanation

The lowest point of a wave is called the trough. In contrast, the crest is the highest point, while wavelength refers to the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs, and amplitude measures the wave's height.