Physics B - Introduction of Waves
What best describes a possible transfer of energy?
A mechanical wave transfers energy through matter.
What are examples of devices that use electromagnetic waves? Check all that apply.
FM radios microwaves TV remote controls X-rays
In an experiment, a ringing bell is placed in a vacuum jar that does not have any air in it. What best describes why the bell is seen vibrating but not heard?
Light does not need a medium to travel through, but since sound waves must have a medium to vibrate, sound is not created where no air is present.
Ten students stand in a circle and are told to make a transverse wave. What best describes the motion of the students?
One at a time, each student lifts his or her hands up and then down.
A sound wave travels through water. What best describes the direction of the water particles?
The water particles move in the same direction as the vibrating source of the sound wave.
How are electromagnetic waves different than all other waves?
They can travel through space.
A student is performing an experiment comparing sound and light waves. The student gathers the following data. What conclusion does the student most likely make based on this data?
Tightly packed particles in solids slow down the light waves; however, sound waves make particles bounce into each other, so they travel faster in solids.
Which are examples of transverse waves? Check all that apply.
earthquake S-waves radio waves visible light X-rays
SONAR stands for "sound navigation and ranging," and it is used to map and explore the ocean floor. What best describes a SONAR wave?
longitudinal and mechanical
A police officer uses a radar gun to determine the speed of a car. A specialized radar gun uses ultraviolet light to determine the speed. What describes the wave used? Check all that apply.
transverse electromagnetic
