Ask a New Question
Menu

Directions: Read the passage about waves of different wavelengths, frequencies, and amplitudes.

A student wonders why some sounds are louder than others and some music notes are softer and at a lower pitch than others. He decides to do some research to find out what properties of waves cause these changes.

First, he learns that a wave is a repeating pattern with a specific wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. The amplitude of a wave is the maximum distance above or below the equilibrium. The energy of one wave is found by calculating the square of the wave's amplitude. Frequency is the number of times the wave pattern repeats. The amount of energy transferred by the wave is proportional to its frequency. For example, in sound waves the amplitude of the wave is related to its loudness and the frequency is related to its pitch.

In his research, the student discovers some graphs that help him to understand how the properties of waves affect their energy.

Graph 1 shows the amplitudes (in meters) of three waves (labeled wave 1, 2, and 3) traveling through a medium over time (in seconds).

Graph 2 shows a different set of three waves (labeled wave X, Y, and Z) traveling in a medium.

Read Less ▲
Multiple Choice Question
Which statement correctly compares the energies of the waves shown in Graph 2?
A.
Wave X has less energy than wave Z.

B.
Wave Y has less energy than wave X.

C.
Wave Z has less energy than wave Y.

D.
Wave Z has less energy than wave X.

1 answer

To determine the correct answer regarding the energies of the waves shown in Graph 2, we need to consider the relationship between amplitude, frequency, and energy. Based on the information provided:

  • The energy of a wave is related to its amplitude (specifically, the square of the amplitude) and its frequency.
  • A higher amplitude indicates a louder sound, while higher frequency correlates with a higher pitch.

Without the actual graphs to reference, I can provide general guidance on how to analyze the options:

  1. Identify amplitude and frequency from Graph 2 for each wave (X, Y, Z).
  2. Compare the amplitudes and frequencies:
    • If Wave Z has a higher amplitude than Wave X, then Wave Z would have more energy than Wave X.
    • If Wave Y has a lower amplitude than Wave X, then Wave Y would have less energy than Wave X.
    • If Wave Y has a higher frequency than Wave Z with the same amplitude, it might have more energy despite its lower amplitude.

With respect to the multiple-choice options provided:

  • Option A: Wave X has less energy than wave Z.
  • Option B: Wave Y has less energy than wave X.
  • Option C: Wave Z has less energy than wave Y.
  • Option D: Wave Z has less energy than wave X.

You will need to apply the concepts of amplitude and frequency to the specific values shown in Graph 2 to choose the correct answer. Look for the wave with the highest amplitude since it will have the most energy, and compare accordingly.

If you can provide additional details from Graph 2, I could help analyze those specific values to lead you to the correct answer!