Unit: WavesYear: 1996 Question#: 39
Question: A periodic wave travels through a new rope, as shown in the diagram below.
As the wave travels, what is transferred between points A and B?
(1 ) mass, only
(2 ) energy, only
(3 ) both mass and energy
(4 ) neither mass nor energy
What is this question really asking?
Explanation by: Sarah C.(no last names)
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Answer 1
mass, only
INCORRECT
This is incorrect, when a periodic wave travels it does not transfer mass only. An example of this is a cork in the ocean. The corks mass is not transfered to the shore is it. return to top
Answer 2
energy, only
CORRECT
A periodic wave is able to transfer energy from one point to another, but not any transfer of mass. For example, when you are listening to the radio, or a teacher talking your ear doesnt fill with mass, but the energy is transfered to you. return to top
Answer 3
both mass and energy
INCORRECT
A periodic wave does not transfer mass and energy from point to point. When you sit out in the sun to bathe, do you get both energy and mass from the sun? No you don't gain mass as you lay there. return to top
Answer 4
neither mass or energy
INCORRECT
A periodic wave is able to transfer one of these two, otherwise how would one be able to hear someone without the energy. return to top
What's this question really asking?
It is asking what the properties of a periodic wave are, mostly if you know what, if anything does a periodic wave transfer from point to point. return to top
