Question

1. The wave speed of a wave through a medium is equal to the frequency times the wavelength. When the frequency changes, the wavelength must change to compensate. Why can't the velocity of the wave change?

a. The velocity must remain constant to keep the ratio of frequency and wavelength in check
b. The velocity of a mechanical wave is dependent on the medium
c. The wavelength is separate from the velocity, so it can change while the wavelength cannot
d. The velocity of the wave cannot change because it is set by the force that starts the oscillation

2. If a water wave has a velocity of 4.5 m/s and has a frequency of 25 Hz, what is the wavelength of the wave?
a. 0.80 m
b. 5.6 m
c. 0.35 m
d. 0.18 m

Answer 1

a. The velocity must remain constant to keep the ratio of frequency and wavelength in check. The wave speed is determined by the properties of the medium through which the wave travels, and is independent of the frequency and wavelength of the wave.

c. 0.35 m. The wavelength can be calculated using the formula: wavelength = wave speed / frequency. Plugging in the given values, we get wavelength = 4.5 m/s / 25 Hz = 0.18 m/Hz = 0.35 m (rounded to two decimal places).