Physics Review Question Unit: Waves Year: 1994 Question#: 40 Question: As a periodic wave travels from one medium to another, which pair of the wave's characteristics cannot change? (1 ) period and frequency (2 ) period and amplitude (3 ) frequency and velocity (4 ) amplitude and wavelength What is this question really asking? Explanation by: Lindsay K [ Return to question menu ] Answer 1 1) period and frequency CORRECT Frequency can't change (when entering a new medium) because that is the very essense of the wave and period can't change either, because period is the inverse of frequency. return to top Answer 2 2) period and amplitude INCORRECT Period can't change (when entering new medium), but amplitude can change, so that makes this answer wrong. return to top Answer 3 3) frequency and velocity INCORRECT The frequency can't change (when entering a new medium), but velocity can change, so velocity makes this question wrong. return to top Answer 4 4) amplitude and wavelength INCORRECT Both amplitude and wavelength can change when entering a new medium. return to top What's this question really asking? What happens to waves when they enter a new medium? What are properties of the wave and compared to what are properties of the wave in a particular medium? return to top |
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