which property of a wave determines its energy

ATI TEAS 7

Mometrix TEAS 7 science practice test

1. Which property of a wave determines its energy?

A. Wavelength
B. Amplitude
C. Frequency
D. Velocity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The energy of a wave is determined by its amplitude, which is the measure of its maximum displacement from the equilibrium position. Waves with higher amplitudes carry more energy as energy is directly proportional to amplitude. Therefore, the correct answer is B) Amplitude. Choice A (Wavelength) does not determine the energy of a wave; it is related to the spatial length between wave crests. Choice C (Frequency) is not the property that determines a wave's energy; it refers to the number of complete oscillations a wave undergoes in a given time. Choice D (Velocity) is the speed at which a wave propagates through a medium and is not directly related to its energy.

2. Which type of waves travel by causing particles in the medium to vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel?

A. Transverse waves
B. Longitudinal waves
C. Surface waves
D. Electromagnetic waves

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Longitudinal waves are waves in which particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave travel. These waves are characterized by compressions and rarefactions in the medium, where particles move back and forth in the same direction as the wave. Transverse waves, on the other hand, cause particles to vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. Surface waves combine both longitudinal and transverse motion, making them different from pure longitudinal waves. Electromagnetic waves, unlike longitudinal and transverse waves, do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.

3. What type of bond is present in salt?

A. Ionic
B. Nonpolar covalent
C. Polar covalent
D. Peptide

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Ionic.' Ionic bonds are formed in salts through the transfer of electrons between atoms, leading to the attraction between positively and negatively charged ions. This results in a stable ionic compound, such as common table salt (sodium chloride). Nonpolar covalent, polar covalent, and peptide bonds are not typically found in salts. Nonpolar covalent bonds involve the equal sharing of electrons, polar covalent bonds involve unequal sharing of electrons, and peptide bonds are specific to proteins, not salts.

4. What does the concept of punctuated equilibrium suggest?

A. Evolution occurs gradually through the continuous accumulation of small changes over long periods.
B. Evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change.
C. The fossil record is a complete and accurate representation of all past life forms.
D. Natural selection primarily favors extreme phenotypes within a population.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Punctuated equilibrium suggests that evolution is characterized by long periods of relative stasis punctuated by rapid bursts of evolutionary change. This concept, proposed by Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge, implies that species remain relatively unchanged for extended periods, followed by sudden bursts of rapid evolution. Option A describes the gradualism model, which is different from punctuated equilibrium. Option C is inaccurate as the fossil record is incomplete and biased. Option D is unrelated to the concept of punctuated equilibrium.

5. Which of the following best describes a plane that divides the body into upper and lower portions?

A. Coronal
B. Transverse
C. Oblique
D. Median

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Transverse. A transverse plane, also known as a horizontal plane, divides the body into upper and lower portions. This plane is perpendicular to the long axis of the body. Coronal planes divide the body into anterior and posterior portions. Oblique planes pass through the body at an angle, neither strictly horizontal nor vertical. The median plane passes longitudinally through the body, dividing it into equal left and right halves.