What is a wave?

Explore Alberta's Grade 8 Science curriculum on Light and Optical Systems. Test your knowledge with engaging quizzes including flashcards and multiple choice questions. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is a wave?

Explanation:
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another. As a wave travels, energy moves through space or a medium, while the medium itself may only jiggle locally. This is why light can travel through empty space, and sound can travel through air or water as vibrations. The other options don’t describe what a wave is: a small particle isn’t a wave, a loud sound is an example of a wave but not its definition, and a static electric field isn’t propagating or carrying energy through space.

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another. As a wave travels, energy moves through space or a medium, while the medium itself may only jiggle locally. This is why light can travel through empty space, and sound can travel through air or water as vibrations. The other options don’t describe what a wave is: a small particle isn’t a wave, a loud sound is an example of a wave but not its definition, and a static electric field isn’t propagating or carrying energy through space.

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