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

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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.
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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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