Question
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? (1 point)
The velocity must remain constant to keep the ratio of frequency and wavelength in check
The velocity of a mechanical wave is dependent on the medium
The wavelength is separate from the velocity, so it can change while the wavelength cannot
The velocity of the wave cannot change because it is set by the force that starts the oscillation
frequency changes, the wavelength must change to compensate. Why can't the velocity of the wave
change? (1 point)
The velocity must remain constant to keep the ratio of frequency and wavelength in check
The velocity of a mechanical wave is dependent on the medium
The wavelength is separate from the velocity, so it can change while the wavelength cannot
The velocity of the wave cannot change because it is set by the force that starts the oscillation
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The most accurate reason among the given options is:
**The velocity of a mechanical wave is dependent on the medium.**
In a given medium, the speed of a mechanical wave (such as sound) is determined by the properties of that medium, such as density and elasticity. Therefore, when the frequency of the wave changes, the wavelength must adjust accordingly, but the wave speed remains constant as long as the properties of the medium do not change.
**The velocity of a mechanical wave is dependent on the medium.**
In a given medium, the speed of a mechanical wave (such as sound) is determined by the properties of that medium, such as density and elasticity. Therefore, when the frequency of the wave changes, the wavelength must adjust accordingly, but the wave speed remains constant as long as the properties of the medium do not change.