Waves and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Identify the parts of the wave shown in the image.

a

b

c

d

Amplitude

Trough

Crest

Wavelength

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Which waves has the longest wavelength?

• red

• green

• purple

• blue

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Put these waves in order from lowest amplitude to greatest amplitude.

• Red, Blue, Green

• Blue, Red, Green

• Green, Blue, Red

• Red, Green, Blue

Answer explanation

The amplitude of light waves is related to their color. Red has the lowest amplitude, followed by Green, and Blue has the greatest amplitude. Therefore, the correct order from lowest to greatest amplitude is Red, Green, Blue.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Comparing amplitude of 2 waves is simply seeing which one is taller. Don't look at anything else. The taller one is said to have a GREATER amplitude. A shorter wave is said to have a SMALLER amplitude.

Based on this information, which 2 waves has the Greatest amplitude?

• Wave 1 and 3

• Wave 2 and 4

• Wave 3 and 4

• Wave 1 and 4

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

All waves carry...

• Energy

• Matter

• Light

• Particles

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Which wave has the largest wavelength?

• A
• B
• C
• None (same wavelength)

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NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Put these graphs in order from lowest frequency to highest frequency.

• Yellow, Blue, Green

• Blue, Yellow, Green

• Green, Yellow, Blue

• Blue, Green, Yellow

Answer explanation

To determine frequency order, analyze the graphs: Blue has the lowest frequency, followed by Green, and Yellow has the highest. Thus, the correct order from lowest to highest frequency is Blue, Green, Yellow.

Wavelength is the distance between one crest and the next crest. Figure this out by simply looking. If this is hard, then count the number of crests. THE MORE CRESTS YOU COUNT, THE SHORTER THE WAVELENGTH. Less crests means greater/longer wavelength.

Using the information above, which wave has the SHORTEST wavelength?

• Wave 1

• Wave 2

• Wave 3

• Wave 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Wave ___ shows a steady frequency but changing amplitude.

• Wave ___ has the highest amplitude and a steady frequency.

• P

• Wave ___ has the longest wavelength and a steady frequency.

• Q

• Wave ___ shows a steady frequency but changing amplitude.

• S

• Wave ___ has the lowest amplitude and a steady frequency.

• R

• Wave ___ shows a steady amplitude but a changing frequency.

• T

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Which wave is carrying more energy and why?

• 2 - highest amplitude

• 1 - low frequency

• 3 - high frequency

• 3 - shortest amplitude

Answer explanation

Wave 2 carries more energy because energy is directly related to amplitude. A higher amplitude means greater energy transfer, while frequency and amplitude are distinct properties.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1