BMST Waves, Sound, and Light 3

Question 1

What is a transverse wave?

Accepted Answer

A wave where particles move perpendicular to the wave direction

Answer

In a transverse wave, the particles of the medium oscillate perpendicular (at right angles) to the direction of wave propagation, as seen in light waves and waves on a rope.

Question 2

Which formula correctly calculates wave speed?

Accepted Answer

v = f × λ

Answer

Wave speed (v) equals frequency (f) multiplied by wavelength (λ), expressed as v = fλ.

Question 3

What occurs when two waves meet and their displacements combine to produce a larger amplitude wave?

Accepted Answer

Constructive interference

Answer

Constructive interference occurs when two waves overlap in phase (crest meets crest or trough meets trough), resulting in a combined wave with greater amplitude.

Question 4

What does the index of refraction of a material measure?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of the speed of light in vacuum to the speed of light in that material

Answer

The index of refraction (n) is defined as n = c/v, where c is the speed of light in a vacuum and v is the speed of light in that material.

Question 5

What is resonance in the context of waves and vibrating systems?

Accepted Answer

The tendency of a system to oscillate with greater amplitude at certain natural frequencies

Answer

Resonance occurs when an object is driven at its natural frequency by an external vibration, causing it to absorb energy and oscillate with increasingly large amplitude.

BMST - Basic Math and Science Test Practice Test

BMST - Basic Math and Science Test Practice Test

BMST Waves, Sound, and Light 3