Question:easy
Alpha waves on the electroencephalogram (EEG) are seen during which state?
Alpha waves on the electroencephalogram (EEG) are seen during which state?
Show Hint
Awake, eyes closed, resting quietly - that is the classic alpha rhythm.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Sleep
- REM movements
- Relaxed state
- Active state
Show Solution
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Think of EEG frequency as inversely tied to arousal - the calmer the cortex, the slower and more synchronized the wave.
Step 2: Alpha sits in the $8$-$13$ Hz band with amplitude near $50$-$100$ microvolts and is best seen posteriorly over the occiput.
Step 3: The hallmark trigger is wakeful rest with eyes shut - a quiet, relaxed, lightly inattentive mind. Open the eyes or concentrate on a task and alpha is blocked, replaced by fast beta.
Step 4: Eliminate the rest: an active focused state shows beta, light to deep sleep shows theta then delta, and REM gives a paradoxically fast, awake-like trace. So the correct association is the relaxed waking state. \[\boxed{\text{Relaxed state}}\]
Step 2: Alpha sits in the $8$-$13$ Hz band with amplitude near $50$-$100$ microvolts and is best seen posteriorly over the occiput.
Step 3: The hallmark trigger is wakeful rest with eyes shut - a quiet, relaxed, lightly inattentive mind. Open the eyes or concentrate on a task and alpha is blocked, replaced by fast beta.
Step 4: Eliminate the rest: an active focused state shows beta, light to deep sleep shows theta then delta, and REM gives a paradoxically fast, awake-like trace. So the correct association is the relaxed waking state. \[\boxed{\text{Relaxed state}}\]
Was this answer helpful?
0
