Physics Review Question Unit: Waves Year: 1995 Question#: 38 Question: This diagram represents wave movement. Which two points are in phase? (1 ) A and G (2 ) B and F (3 ) C and E (4 ) D and F What is this question really asking? Explanation by: Rachel M [ Return to question menu ] Answer 1 A and G INCORRECT Although A and G look as if they could be in phase since they are both positioned on the axis, they are not going in the same direction (A is heading down while G is heading up) and they are more than one wavelength away. return to top Answer 2 B and F CORRECT B and F are in phase because they are at the same point on the wave cycle, exactly one wavelength apart, and heading in the same direction. return to top Answer 3 C and E INCORRECT These two points are only half a cycle away from each other, which is not a full phase. They are also heading in different directions. C is going up and E is going down. return to top Answer 4 D and F INCORRECT These two points are not in phase because they are not at the same point on the cycle. D is at the crest, while F is at the trough. return to top What's this question really asking? This question is trying to find out if you understand the definition of the phase of a wave and if you know what it means for a wave to be in (vs. out) of phase. return to top |
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