Waves Mid Topic Review

Q1. Which of the following is a type of wave?

• Longitudinal

• Transverse

• Both a and b

• None of the above

Answer explanation

Both longitudinal and transverse waves are fundamental types of waves. Longitudinal waves have oscillations parallel to the direction of wave travel, while transverse waves have oscillations perpendicular to the direction of wave travel.

Q2. In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium move…

• In the same direction as the wave travels

• At right angles to the wave’s direction

• In circles

• Not at all

Answer explanation

In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium move at right angles to the wave's direction. This means they oscillate up and down while the wave travels horizontally, distinguishing transverse waves from longitudinal waves.

Q3. Which of the following is a longitudinal wave?

• Light

• Water wave

• Sound

• Radio wave

Answer explanation

Sound is a longitudinal wave, meaning its oscillations occur in the same direction as the wave travels. In contrast, light and radio waves are transverse waves, while water waves exhibit both longitudinal and transverse characteristics.

Q4. Waves transfer…

• Energy

• Matter

• Both energy and matter

• Neither energy nor matter

Answer explanation

Waves transfer energy, not matter. While they can cause particles to move, the actual transfer is of energy through the medium, making 'Energy' the correct choice.

Q5. Light travels in…

• Zig-zags

• Curved lines

• Straight lines

• Spirals

Answer explanation

Light travels in straight lines, which is a fundamental property of light. This means that in a uniform medium, light will not zig-zag, curve, or spiral, but will maintain a direct path.

Q6. We are able to see objects because…

• Our eyes produce light

• Light reflects off objects into our eyes

• Objects glow in the dark

• The air around us glows

Answer explanation

We see objects because light reflects off them and enters our eyes. This reflection allows us to perceive their colors and shapes, making the correct answer 'Light reflects off objects into our eyes'.

Q7. The law of reflection states…

• Angle of incidence = 90°

• Angle of incidence = angle of reflection

• Angle of reflection is always bigger

• Light always reflects backwards

Answer explanation

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. This means that when light hits a surface, the angle at which it arrives equals the angle at which it leaves.

Q8. In ray diagrams, the “normal” is…

• A curved line

• A line at right angles to the surface

• A line parallel to the surface

• The path of the incident ray

Answer explanation

The normal is defined as a line that is perpendicular (at right angles) to the surface at the point of incidence. This is crucial in ray diagrams for accurately depicting the behavior of light as it interacts with surfaces.

Q9. Which is the correct definition of the angle of incidence?

• The angle between the reflected ray and the surface

• The angle between the incident ray and the surface

• The angle between the incident ray and the normal

• The angle between the reflected ray and the normal

Answer explanation

The angle of incidence is defined as the angle between the incident ray and the normal to the surface at the point of incidence. Therefore, the correct choice is 'The angle between the incident ray and the normal'.

Q10. A concave mirror is shaped like…

• The inside of a spoon

• The back of a spoon

• A flat surface

• A prism

Answer explanation

A concave mirror is shaped like the inside of a spoon, as it curves inward. This design allows it to focus light, unlike the back of a spoon, which is convex. The other options do not represent the shape of a concave mirror.