Which types of waves are capable of interference and diffraction?

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: 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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When a wave passes from one medium to another with the same speed, its frequency remains unchanged. Frequency is a characteristic of the source of the wave and does not depend on the medium through which the wave is traveling. Wavelength and speed of the wave can change when passing from one medium to another, but frequency remains constant. This is because the frequency of a wave is determined by the source that produces it, and as long as the speed remains constant, the frequency will not be altered. Amplitude, on the other hand, can change based on factors like energy loss or gain, but it is not a property that remains constant when a wave moves between different mediums with the same speed. Speed, although important for the wave's propagation, is not the property that remains unchanged when the wave transitions between mediums with the same speed. Therefore, the correct answer is frequency.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Patella. The patella is the scientific term for the kneecap, a small, flat, triangular bone situated in front of the knee joint. The femur, tibia, and fibula are also bones in the leg, but they are not synonymous with the kneecap. The femur is the thigh bone, the tibia is the shin bone, and the fibula is the outer lower leg bone. Therefore, the correct term for the kneecap specifically is the patella.