Which factor most significantly affects the kinetic energy of an object?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of an object's velocity. This means that changes in velocity have a greater impact on the kinetic energy of an object compared to changes in mass, displacement, or potential energy. The mass of an object affects its kinetic energy, but the effect is linear, not squared like velocity. Displacement does not directly affect kinetic energy, as it is a measure of the change in position, not related to motion. Potential energy is a different form of energy and is not directly related to the kinetic energy of an object. Therefore, the velocity of an object has the most significant effect on its kinetic energy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Both longitudinal and transverse waves are capable of interference and diffraction. Interference occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine, either constructively (increasing amplitude) or destructively (decreasing amplitude). Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings, which can occur with both longitudinal and transverse waves. Choice A is incorrect because only stating longitudinal waves can undergo interference and diffraction is inaccurate. Choice B is also incorrect as transverse waves, not just longitudinal waves, can exhibit these phenomena. Choice C is incorrect because electromagnetic waves are a broad category that includes both longitudinal and transverse waves, so it is not exclusive to either type. The correct answer is D because both longitudinal and transverse waves can demonstrate interference and diffraction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Diffraction. Diffraction is the phenomenon that explains the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings. When waves encounter obstacles or pass through openings, they spread out and bend around them. Reflection (Choice A) involves waves bouncing back when they encounter a surface without bending, refraction (Choice B) is the bending of waves when passing from one medium to another due to a change in speed, and absorption (Choice D) is the process of a wave being taken in by a material rather than bending or bouncing.

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.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a wave crosses a boundary between two different media, its speed is the property that remains constant. This is due to the principle of conservation of energy. While the frequency and wavelength of a wave may change as it moves from one medium to another, the speed of the wave remains constant. This phenomenon is a result of the wave adjusting its frequency and wavelength to maintain a consistent speed in different media. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Frequency and wavelength may change when a wave moves across media, and amplitude may also be affected by the medium, but the speed of the wave will remain constant.