Physics Review Question
Unit:
Wave phenomena
Year:
1989 Question#:
41
Question:
Which characteristics of a wave changes as the wave travels across a boundary between
two different media?
(1
) frequency
(2
) period
(3
) phase
(4
) speed
What is this question really asking?
Explanation by: Steve W
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Answer 1
frequency
INCORRECT
This answer is incorrect because frequency is not changed by refraction, which occurs
when a wave enters a different media. The frequency remains the same in both media.
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Answer 2
period
INCORRECT
The period of the wave is just the inverse of frequency (f). The frequency
remains constant from one medium to the next so the 1/f would also remain
constant.
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Answer 3
phase
INCORRECT
The phase does not change. A crest of a wave remains a crest in the new
medium and a trough remains a trough in the new medium.
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Answer 4
speed
CORRECT
The speed of a wave is determined by the medium. Different media will have
different speeds for a wave.
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What's this question really asking?
What changes when a wave goes from one media to another?
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