Waves, Sound, and Light Quiz

Grade 11 · Science · Quiz

Test your understanding of wave properties, the Doppler effect, sound intensity, electromagnetic spectrum, and wave behavior.

Questions

  1. Which wave equation correctly relates wave speed, frequency, and wavelength?

    1. v = f times lambda
    2. v = f divided by lambda
    3. v = lambda divided by f
    4. f = v times lambda
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    Answer: v = f times lambda

    The wave equation is v = f times lambda, where v is speed (m/s), f is frequency (Hz), and lambda is wavelength (m).

  2. A sound wave is primarily a:

    1. Transverse mechanical wave
    2. Longitudinal mechanical wave
    3. Transverse electromagnetic wave
    4. Longitudinal electromagnetic wave
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    Answer: Longitudinal mechanical wave

    Sound travels as a longitudinal wave — particles oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation through compressions and rarefactions.

  3. Sound travels faster in air than in water.

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    Answer: False

    Sound travels faster in water (about 1480 m/s) than in air (about 343 m/s) because water molecules are closer together and transmit vibrations more efficiently.

  4. The Doppler effect describes:

    1. The bending of waves around obstacles
    2. The change in perceived frequency when source and observer move relative to each other
    3. The bouncing of waves off surfaces
    4. The spreading of waves through openings
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    Answer: The change in perceived frequency when source and observer move relative to each other

    The Doppler effect is the apparent change in frequency when the source or observer is moving relative to the other — higher pitch when approaching, lower when receding.

  5. Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum has the highest frequency?

    1. Radio waves
    2. Visible light
    3. X-rays
    4. Gamma rays
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    Answer: Gamma rays

    Gamma rays have the highest frequency (and shortest wavelength) of all electromagnetic waves, followed by X-rays. Higher frequency means more energy per photon.

  6. When light passes from a less dense medium into a more dense medium, it bends ___ the normal.

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    Answer: toward

    Refraction: when light enters a denser medium (higher index of refraction), it slows down and bends toward the normal. Snell's Law quantifies this relationship.

  7. A wave with doubled amplitude will have what change in intensity?

    1. Doubled
    2. Tripled
    3. Quadrupled
    4. Halved
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    Answer: Quadrupled

    Intensity is proportional to the square of amplitude (I proportional to A^2). Doubling the amplitude multiplies intensity by 2^2 = 4 (quadrupled).

  8. Constructive interference occurs when two waves combine to produce:

    1. A wave with smaller amplitude
    2. No wave at all
    3. A wave with larger amplitude
    4. A wave with higher frequency
    Show answer

    Answer: A wave with larger amplitude

    Constructive interference occurs when waves are in phase (crests align with crests), resulting in a combined wave with greater amplitude than either individual wave.

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