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.