High School Physics : Types of Waves

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Physics

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Types Of Waves

In seismology, the  wave is a longitudinal wave.  As an  wave travels through the Earth, the relative motion between the   wave and the particles is

Possible Answers:

Parallel

First perpendicular, then parallel

Perpendicular

First parallel, then perpendicular

Correct answer:

Parallel

Explanation:

Longitudinal waves are waves whose particles travel parallel to the direction that the wave itself is traveling.  Sound waves are another example of longitudinal waves.

Example Question #1 : Types Of Waves

Which of the following waves require a medium to travel?

Possible Answers:

Sound Waves

Light Waves

Microwaves

Correct answer:

Sound Waves

Explanation:

Electromagnetic waves are the only  type of wave that do not require a medium to travel.  Light, radio and microwaves are examples of electromagnetic waves.  Sound does require a medium to travel.  In a vacuum sound waves cannot travel as there is no air to compress.

Example Question #2 : Types Of Waves

In a vacuum, the velocity of all electromagnetic waves

Possible Answers:

Is nearly 

 

Is zero

depends on the frequency

depends on the amplitude

Correct answer:

Is nearly 

 

Explanation:

Electromagnetic waves all travel at the same speed which is the speed of light.  The speed of light in a vacuum is nearly 

Example Question #4 : Types Of Waves

A radio station broadcasts at a frequency of . If the broadcast is an electromagnetic wave, then what is its wavelength?

 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The relationship between wavelength and frequency is given by the equation , where  is the wavelength,  is the speed of light, and  is frequency.

 

We are given the values for frequency and the speed of light, allowing us to solve for the wavelength.

 

Example Question #3 : Types Of Waves


In seismology, the  wave is a transverse wave.  As an  wave travels through the Earth, the relative motion between the  wave and the particles is 

Possible Answers:

Parallel

Perpendicular

First parallel, then perpendicular

First perpendicular, then parallel

Correct answer:

Perpendicular

Explanation:

Transverse waves are waves whose particles travel perpendicular to the direction that the wave itself is traveling.  Electromagnetic waves are another example of transverse waves.

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