Science Unit 4 — Waves & Motion ⏱ ~25 min Checkpoint 1

Checkpoint 1

Review the key ideas from Lessons 1-5, then test yourself with 10 multiple-choice questions and 3 short-answer questions.

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1

What Are Waves?

Focus: A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another. Waves transfer energy, not matter, through a medium or through space.

Key terms: Wave, Energy, Medium

2

Transverse and Longitudinal Waves

Focus: Transverse waves have vibrations perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer. The direction of particle vibration determines whether a wave is transverse or longitudinal.

Key terms: Transverse wave, Longitudinal wave, Crest

3

Amplitude, Wavelength and Frequency

Focus: Amplitude is the maximum displacement from the rest position. Amplitude relates to wave energy, wavelength relates to wave spacing, and frequency relates to how often waves occur.

Key terms: Amplitude, Wavelength, Frequency

4

Wave Speed Calculations

Focus: The wave equation is v = f × λ, where v is speed, f is frequency, and λ is wavelength. Rearranging the wave equation allows calculation of any one variable when the other two are known.

Key terms: Wave speed, Wave equation, Frequency

5

Checkpoint 1 — Wave Basics Review

Focus: Review and consolidate your understanding of wave basics, including wave types, amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and wave speed calculations.

1. What does a wave transfer from one place to another?

AMatter
BEnergy
CParticles
DMedium

2. Which of the following is a mechanical wave?

ALight
BRadio waves
CSound
DX-rays

3. In a transverse wave, the particle vibrations are:

AParallel to the wave direction
BPerpendicular to the wave direction
CIn a circular motion
DRandom

4. What are the regions called where particles are closest together in a longitudinal wave?

ACrests
BTroughs
CCompressions
DRarefactions

5. What is the unit of frequency?

AMetres
BSeconds
CHertz
DAmperes

6. Which wave property is related to the energy carried by the wave?

AWavelength
BFrequency
CAmplitude
DPeriod

7. What is the correct formula for wave speed?

Av = f + λ
Bv = f × λ
Cv = f / λ
Dv = λ / f

8. A wave has a frequency of 10 Hz and a wavelength of 2 m. What is its speed?

A5 m/s
B12 m/s
C20 m/s
D0.2 m/s

9. Which of the following is transferred by a wave?

AMatter
BEnergy
CMass
DParticles

10. In a transverse wave, particles vibrate:

AParallel to the wave direction
BPerpendicular to the wave direction
CIn circles
DNot at all
SA1

Explain the difference between a mechanical wave and an electromagnetic wave, giving one example of each. (3 marks)

Hint: Consider whether each type needs a medium to travel.

Write your answer in your book.
SA2

Compare transverse and longitudinal waves in terms of particle vibration and give one example of each. (3 marks)

Hint: Focus on the direction of particle movement relative to wave direction.

Write your answer in your book.
SA3

Define amplitude, wavelength, and frequency, and state the unit for each. (3 marks)

Hint: Make sure to include the symbols λ and Hz.

Write your answer in your book.
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