General Properties of Waves Quiz
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5 questions, one answer each
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1. What does a wave transfer as it travels?
- A. Matter only
- B. Energy and information, without transferring matter
- C. Matter and energy together
- D. Nothing — waves do not transfer anything
2. In a transverse wave, how do the oscillations relate to the direction of energy transfer?
- A. Parallel to it
- B. Perpendicular to it
- C. Opposite to it
- D. There is no relationship
3. Which of these is an example of a longitudinal wave?
- A. Light waves
- B. Water waves
- C. Sound waves
- D. Radio waves
4. A wave has a frequency of 20 Hz and a wavelength of 1.5 m. What is its speed?
- A. 13.3 m/s
- B. 21.5 m/s
- C. 30 m/s
- D. 18.5 m/s
5. A student observes a wave passing through a narrow gap and spreading out on the other side. Which wave behaviour is this, and how does it differ from refraction?
- A. Reflection — the wave bounces back off the gap
- B. Diffraction — spreading through a gap, whereas refraction is a change in velocity/direction at a boundary between materials
- C. Absorption — the wave's energy is taken in by the gap
- D. Refraction — because the wave changes direction