Name: ________________________________
Period: _________
WAVE ASSESSMENT
Study Guide
Properties of Waves:
1. What is a wave?
2. What causes a wave?
3. Define each of the following properties of waves:
Frequency:
Amplitude:
Wavelength:
Speed:
4. Be able to identify and define the three types of waves:
Transverse:
Draw a picture of a transverse wave and label the following parts: crest, trough,
wavelength, amplitude.
Example of this type of wave:
Longitudinal:
Draw a picture of a longitudinal wave and label the following parts: compression,
rarefaction, and wavelength.
Example of this type of wave:
Surface Waves:
Example of this type of wave:
5. What types of waves do not require a medium? Give an example of one kind of
energy that exists as this type of wave.
6. Compare sound and light waves. How are they alike and how are they different?
Similarities
Differences
Matching:
7. _______ the material through which waves travel
8. _______ waves that can be seen by humans
9. _______ the highest part of a wave
10. _______ the lowest part of a wave
11. _______ when two waves meet and a larger
amplitude results
12. _______ when two waves meet and cancel each
other out
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
trough
constructive interference
destructive interference
visible light
sound energy
f. crest
Fill-In the Blank:
10. To increase the amplitude of a wave, you must first increase ________________________.
11. _______________________ occurs when a wave hits a surface and bounces back.
12. When two or more waves meet, _________________________ occurs.
13. _______________________ occurs when a wave passes a barrier or hole and it bends and
spreads out.
14. When a moving wave changes speed when it goes from one medium to another and
bends, this is called __________________________.
Electromagnetic Spectrum: Study the electromagnetic spectrum.
http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/ems/
Use the Electromagnetic Spectrum to identify the following:
15. Which wave has the highest frequency? _________________________________
16. Which wave has the lowest frequency? _________________________________
17. Which wave has the longest wavelength? ________________________________
18. Which wave has the shortest wavelength? ________________________________
19. What colors make up the spectrum? __________________________________
20. Which color of visible light has the shortest wavelength? ______________________________
21. Which color of visible light has the longest wavelength? ______________________________
22. Where does visible light fall within the spectrum? _______________________________
23. Does light require a medium to travel? Explain your answer.
Seismic Waves:
24. Explain how an earthquake is caused.
26. Explain what an S wave and a P wave are in relation to an earthquake.
Study handouts that were given: vocabulary, notes, wave diagrams,
homework, and bellringers. Review your graphing guidelines!!