Wave Interactions and Properties

When a wave passes into a new medium and changes direction, this is called:

• refraction

• absorption

• diffraction

• reflection

Answer explanation

When a wave enters a new medium, it changes speed and direction, which is known as refraction. This phenomenon occurs due to the difference in density between the two media.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What wave behavior is shown in this image?

• Polarization

• Diffraction or interference

• Refraction

• Reflection

Answer explanation

The image demonstrates reflection, where waves bounce off a surface. This behavior is distinct from polarization, diffraction, interference, and refraction, which involve different interactions of waves.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

A mirror is an example of a surface that causes:

• Reflection

• Absorption

• Refraction

• Diffraction

Answer explanation

A mirror reflects light, allowing us to see our image. This is an example of reflection, where light bounces off a surface. Absorption, refraction, and diffraction do not primarily occur with mirrors.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

This image best depicts which of the following wave behaviors?

• Reflection

• Refraction

• Diffraction

• Resonance

Answer explanation

The image illustrates refraction, which occurs when a wave changes direction as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed. This behavior is distinct from reflection, diffraction, and resonance.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which of the following is NOT a result of wave interaction?

• Reflection of light

• Creation of matter

• Diffraction of sound

• Interference of waves

Answer explanation

Creation of matter is NOT a result of wave interaction, while reflection, diffraction, and interference are all phenomena that occur when waves interact with each other or with different media.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

This image is representing what wave interaction?

• Refraction

• Diffraction

• Reflection

• Interference

Answer explanation

The image represents diffraction, which occurs when waves encounter an obstacle or opening, causing them to spread out. This is distinct from refraction, reflection, and interference, which involve different wave behaviors.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What would you call this?

• Reflection

• Diffraction

• Refraction

• Friction

Answer explanation

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, which is likely what is being referred to in the question. Reflection involves bouncing back, diffraction relates to wave spreading, and friction is a force.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

When sound bends around a door and enters another room, it is an example of:

• refraction

• diffraction

• absorption

• reflection

Answer explanation

When sound bends around a door, it spreads into the next room. This phenomenon is called diffraction, which occurs when waves encounter an obstacle and bend around it, unlike refraction, which involves a change in speed.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

A prism creates a rainbow through the process of:

• Refraction and dispersion of light

• Reflection of light

• Absorption of light

• Scattering of light

Answer explanation

A prism creates a rainbow by refracting and dispersing light. Refraction bends the light as it enters and exits the prism, while dispersion separates the light into its component colors, forming a rainbow.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What wave behavior is occurring here?

• Constructive Interaction

• Diffraction

• Refraction

• Reflection

Answer explanation

The wave behavior occurring here is Constructive Interaction, where two or more waves combine to produce a wave of greater amplitude. This results in increased intensity, which is characteristic of constructive interference.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2