To determine what happens to the amplitude and wavelength of a wave when its pattern changes, we need to consider how these two properties are defined:
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Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of points on a wave from its equilibrium position. An increase in amplitude means the wave's peaks and troughs become taller and deeper, respectively.
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Wavelength is the distance between successive peaks (or troughs) of the wave. An increase in wavelength means that the distance between these peaks or troughs becomes larger.
Given the options presented, if a wave's pattern changes, it could imply a transition in both amplitude and wavelength. However, without specific context about how the pattern changes, both increasing or decreasing behaviors in amplitude and wavelength can occur.
Assuming a general scenario where the pattern may change such that peaks become more pronounced (higher amplitude), while the distance between peaks becomes closer (decreasing wavelength), option C (the amplitude of the wave increases while the wavelength decreases) could sometimes be valid. Similarly, the reverse could also occur, depending on the nature of the change.
But if the question implies a specific type of wave behavior, such as dispersive or harmonic wave behavior, we would need that context to choose a specific answer.
Still, if we had to answer with the available options without extra context, option C: The amplitude of the wave increases while the wavelength decreases seems plausible in many wave scenarios, narrowing down a typical behavior change.
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