Questions and Answers
What is a wave?
A repeating disturbance or movement that transfers energy through matter or space.
What travels on a wave?
Energy travels on a wave.
How is a wave created?
A wave is created by energy that is passing through.
What is a mechanical wave?
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List and define the two types of mechanical waves: a. ______ waves - Waves in which the medium moves at right angles to the direction of the wave. b. ______ waves - Waves in which the medium moves back and forth in the same direction as the wave.
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What type of wave is a sound wave?
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How does sound travel through a medium?
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Describe the motion of something floating on water waves.
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What causes ocean waves?
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What are seismic waves?
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Study Notes
Nature of Waves
- A wave is defined as a repeating disturbance or movement that transfers energy through matter or space.
- Waves carry energy without moving matter from one location to another.
- Waves are generated by energy passing through a medium.
Mechanical Waves
- Mechanical waves require matter to travel and cannot propagate in a vacuum.
- There are two main types of mechanical waves:
- Transverse Waves: The medium moves at right angles to the direction of the wave.
- Compressional Waves: The medium moves back and forth in the same direction as the wave.
Sound Waves
- Sound waves are classified as compressional waves (not transverse); they require a medium for travel.
- Sound propagates through a medium by pushing and pulling atoms, creating pressure variations.
Water Waves
- An object floating on water waves exhibits a dual motion, moving both up and down and back and forth, as it absorbs energy from the waves.
- Ocean waves are primarily caused by wind, which transfers its energy to the water, creating waves.
Seismic Waves
- Seismic waves are elastic waves generated by geological events, most notably earthquakes.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of waves, including mechanical waves, sound waves, and water waves. It covers the definitions, types, and properties of waves and their movements. Test your understanding of how waves carry energy through different media.
