A student observes two transverse waves with different frequencies. Wave A has a frequency of 5 waves per second, and Wave B has a frequency of 10 waves per second. Which statement... A student observes two transverse waves with different frequencies. Wave A has a frequency of 5 waves per second, and Wave B has a frequency of 10 waves per second. Which statement best describes the pattern between frequency and wavelength for these waves? A. Wave B has a longer wavelength than Wave A. B. Wave B has a shorter wavelength than Wave A. C. Both waves have the same wavelength. D. The wavelength is not affected by the frequency.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to compare the relationship between frequency and wavelength for two transverse waves with given frequencies. It requires understanding the inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength, which is governed by the wave equation. Wave B, having a higher frequency, will have a shorter wavelength than Wave A.
Answer
Wave B has a shorter wavelength than Wave A.
Wave B has a shorter wavelength than Wave A.
Answer for screen readers
Wave B has a shorter wavelength than Wave A.
More Information
Wave speed is constant in a given medium, meaning as frequency increases, wavelength decreases. Therefore, if Wave B has a higher frequency, it must have a shorter wavelength.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking that frequency does not affect wavelength when both are related by wave speed. Ensure to remember that in a constant medium, frequency and wavelength are inversely related.
Sources
- Wave Frequency | CK-12 Foundation - flexbooks.ck12.org
- Waves Review - Answers #2 - The Physics Classroom - physicsclassroom.com
