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Quizzes > Science

Wave Test: High School Physics Practice

Quick, free waves test to check your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Tiffany PangUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Other
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art depicting trivia for The Ride the Wave Quiz for high school physics students.

This wave test helps you review key ideas in waves so you can spot gaps before a class quiz. Work through 20 short questions on types, parts, speed, frequency, and wavelength. For more practice, try the wave properties quiz and the sound waves quiz, or go deeper with a physics practice test.

Which of the following best defines a wave?
A periodic disturbance that transfers energy through space
A type of particle with mass
A force that only propagates through a vacuum
A stationary oscillation that does not move
A wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium transferring energy without transporting matter. This distinguishes it from objects or static fields that do not convey energy in the same manner.
What is the relationship between wavelength (λ), frequency (f), and wave speed (v)?
v = λ / f
v = λ x f
v = f / λ
v = λ + f
The correct formula showing the relationship between wave speed, wavelength, and frequency is v = λ x f. This fundamental equation applies to all wave phenomena where the medium remains constant.
Which type of wave oscillates perpendicular to the direction of travel?
Sound wave
Transverse wave
Longitudinal wave
Surface wave
Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation, such as light waves or waves on a string. This is a key characteristic that differentiates them from longitudinal waves.
Which of the following is an example of an electromagnetic wave?
Sound wave
Seismic wave
Light wave
Water wave
Light waves are a type of electromagnetic wave and can travel through a vacuum without a medium. Electromagnetic waves also include radio waves, X-rays, and gamma rays.
What does the amplitude of a wave measure?
The distance between successive crests
The energy or intensity of the wave
The distance traveled by the wave per unit time
The number of waves per second
Amplitude measures the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position, which is directly related to the energy of the wave. A higher amplitude generally indicates a more intense or energetic wave.
A wave with a wavelength of 3 meters and a frequency of 2 Hz travels in a medium. What is its speed?
5 m/s
7 m/s
8 m/s
6 m/s
The wave speed is calculated using the formula v = λ x f. Multiplying a 3-meter wavelength by a frequency of 2 Hz gives a speed of 6 m/s.
Which phenomenon describes the change in frequency of a wave due to the relative motion between the source and the observer?
Interference
Diffraction
Reflection
Doppler Effect
The Doppler Effect explains how the observed frequency of a wave changes when there is relative motion between the source and the observer. It accounts for the change in pitch of a passing sound or the shift in frequency of light from moving objects.
When a wave passes from one medium to another, causing it to change speed and direction, what is this phenomenon called?
Absorption
Diffraction
Reflection
Refraction
Refraction is the bending of a wave as it passes from one medium to another where its speed changes. This behavior is governed by Snell's law and is critical in understanding how lenses and prisms work.
According to the law of reflection, the angle of incidence is equal to which of the following?
The angle of reflection
The angle of transmission
The angle of diffraction
The angle of refraction
The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. This principle is fundamental to optics and explains how mirrors direct light.
What is the result of constructive interference when two coherent waves superpose?
An increase in wave amplitude
No change in wave amplitude
A decrease in wave amplitude
Cancellation of the waves
Constructive interference occurs when two waves meet in phase and reinforce each other, resulting in an increased amplitude. This amplification is a direct consequence of the waves' superposition.
When two waves are completely out of phase, what type of interference occurs?
Diffraction
Resonance
Constructive interference
Destructive interference
Waves that are completely out of phase cancel each other out through destructive interference. This results in a reduction or complete nullification of the net amplitude at the point of superposition.
What interference pattern is created when two waves of equal frequency and amplitude traveling in opposite directions interfere?
Standing wave
Traveling wave
Random interference
Beat pattern
The interference of two identical waves traveling in opposite directions results in a standing wave. This pattern is characterized by fixed nodes and antinodes that do not appear to travel.
Resonance in a physical system happens when:
The system is excited at any random frequency
The damping force exceeds the driving force
The amplitude of the driving force is minimal
The frequency of the external force matches the natural frequency of the system
Resonance occurs when the frequency of an external force matches the system's natural frequency, causing a significant increase in amplitude. This phenomenon is essential in understanding sound in musical instruments and structural vibrations.
Which of the following correctly describes 'wavelength'?
The time it takes for one full oscillation
The energy carried by the wave
The frequency of the wave
The distance between successive crests of a wave
Wavelength is the spatial period of the wave and is defined as the distance between successive points of equivalent phase, typically crest to crest. It is one of the key parameters describing wave behavior.
What factor primarily determines the speed of a mechanical wave in a given medium?
The frequency of the wave
The properties of the medium
The shape of the wave
The wave's amplitude
The speed of a mechanical wave is determined by the physical properties of the medium, such as density, elasticity, and tension. Changes in the medium will directly affect how quickly the wave propagates.
For a string fixed at both ends vibrating in its fundamental mode, if the length of the string is 1 meter, what is the wavelength of the standing wave?
0.5 meters
2 meters
1 meter
1.5 meters
In the fundamental mode of a string fixed at both ends, the wavelength is twice the length of the string. Therefore, for a 1-meter long string, the wavelength of the standing wave is 2 meters.
When a wave travels from a medium where it moves faster to a medium where it moves slower, how does it refract at the interface?
It bends toward the normal
It is completely absorbed
It continues in a straight line
It bends away from the normal
As a wave enters a slower medium, its speed decreases, causing it to bend toward the normal line. This behavior is described by Snell's law and is a fundamental aspect of refraction.
In thin film interference, destructive interference occurs when the difference in optical path length between two interfering waves is:
An odd multiple of half wavelengths
A full wavelength
Zero
An even multiple of half wavelengths
Destructive interference in thin film scenarios happens when the optical path difference is an odd multiple of half wavelengths. This phase difference causes the peaks of one wave to align with the troughs of another, resulting in cancellation.
If two waves with amplitude A and a phase difference of 90° interfere, what is the magnitude of the resultant amplitude?
√2 A
A
0
2A
When two waves of equal amplitude interfere with a phase difference of 90°, the resultant amplitude is determined using vector addition, yielding √(A² + A²) = √2 A. This outcome reflects the orthogonal components of the waves combining.
In a ripple tank experiment with constant medium properties, increasing the frequency of the waves produces which of the following effects?
The wavelength decreases while amplitude remains unchanged
The wavelength increases while amplitude decreases
Both the wavelength and amplitude increase
Both the wavelength and amplitude decrease
In a constant medium, the wave speed remains unchanged; therefore, an increase in frequency will result in a decrease in wavelength according to v = λf. The amplitude is generally independent of frequency, so it stays the same.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze the properties of waves, including amplitude, frequency, wavelength, and speed.
  2. Explain how interference, reflection, and diffraction contribute to overall wave behavior.
  3. Apply mathematical relationships to solve problems involving wave phenomena.
  4. Evaluate real-world examples of wave behavior in various physical contexts.
  5. Develop effective strategies to review and reinforce key concepts of wave phenomena.

Waves Quiz Practice Test Cheat Sheet

  1. Wave Fundamentals - Waves have four key traits: wavelength (λ), frequency (f), amplitude, and speed (v). The magical formula v = f × λ lets you determine how fast a wave zips along. Playing with different numbers can reveal surprising connections between these properties.
  2. Wave Types: Transverse vs Longitudinal - In transverse waves, particles bob up and down perpendicular to the wave's direction; think of a plucked guitar string. Longitudinal waves compress and expand parallel to the travel path, just like sound waves in air. Spotting the difference helps you classify wave types on sight and sound.
  3. Wave Behaviors - Waves can bounce off surfaces (reflection), bend through mediums (refraction), spread around obstacles (diffraction), or overlap to create patterns (interference). Spot how water ripples change direction in a pool or how light bends in a prism. These phenomena are key to understanding everything from rainbows to radio signals.
  4. Doppler Effect - The Doppler Effect shifts a wave's frequency when the source moves relative to you. That's why a passing ambulance siren pitches up as it approaches and drops as it speeds away. This concept is crucial for radar, astronomy, and even medical ultrasound.
  5. Superposition Principle - Superposition happens when waves overlap, adding amplitudes for constructive interference or canceling out in destructive interference. It's what makes beats in acoustics or creates those beautiful patterns in ripple tanks. Visualizing superposition helps unravel complex wave interactions.
  6. Standing Waves - Standing waves form when two identical waves travel opposite directions and lock in place. You get nodes (no movement) and antinodes (maximum movement), like vibrating strings on a violin. Understanding nodes and antinodes explains why instruments produce certain harmonics.
  7. Resonance - Resonance occurs when a system vibrates at a resonant frequency and its amplitude climbs dramatically. It's the secret behind shattering glass with sound or pushing a swing in rhythm. Recognizing resonance lets you harness or avoid powerful oscillations.
  8. Wave Equation - The wave equation describes how wave functions evolve in space and time, forming the math backbone of wave theory. Mastering this equation unlocks deeper insights into fields from quantum mechanics to seismic analysis. It's your roadmap for predicting wave behavior.
  9. Medium Effects on Speed - A medium's properties - density, elasticity, and more - determine wave speed. Sound, for instance, moves faster in solids than in gases because molecules are packed tighter. Exploring medium effects reveals why sound travels differently underwater or through the Earth.
  10. Problem Solving Practice - Practice solving wave problems by applying v = f × λ, superposition rules, and energy considerations. Working through examples cements your grasp on theoretical concepts and builds confidence. Make problem-solving a habit, and you'll ace exams with ease!
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