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

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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.

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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.
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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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