Question:

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
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: EEG rhythms are classified by frequency: delta (slowest), theta, alpha, and beta (fastest). Each correlates with a level of cortical arousal.
Step 2: Alpha waves have a frequency of about 8-13 Hz and amplitude of roughly 50-100 microvolts. They are the normal background rhythm recorded over the occipital region.
Step 3: Alpha activity appears when a person is awake but resting quietly with the eyes closed, in a relaxed state with a wandering or subconscious mind. This makes option (c) correct.
Step 4: The distractors fail because mental alertness or eye opening (active state) replaces alpha with faster, lower-amplitude beta waves; sleep produces theta and delta waves; and REM sleep shows a low-voltage, desensitized pattern resembling the awake EEG, not the classic resting alpha rhythm.
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