To determine which transition would result in a shortening of the wavelength of a sound wave, we can use the relationship between the speed of sound (v), frequency (f), and wavelength (λ) given by the equation:
\[ v = f \cdot \lambda \]
When sound travels from one medium to another, its frequency remains constant, but its speed and wavelength can change. The wavelength changes based on the speed of sound in the respective medium.
A transition that results in an increase in the speed of sound will result in a shorter wavelength, as:
\[ \lambda = \frac{v}{f} \]
If the speed increases, the wavelength decreases for a constant frequency.
Now let's analyze the given options in terms of speed:
-
Air to Glass:
- Speed in Air: 343 m/s
- Speed in Glass: 5,640 m/s
- Speed increases; wavelength decreases.
-
Air to Steel:
- Speed in Air: 343 m/s
- Speed in Steel: 5,940 m/s
- Speed increases; wavelength decreases.
-
Steel to Water:
- Speed in Steel: 5,940 m/s
- Speed in Water: 1,433 m/s
- Speed decreases; wavelength increases.
-
Water to Glass:
- Speed in Water: 1,433 m/s
- Speed in Glass: 5,640 m/s
- Speed increases; wavelength decreases.
Based on this analysis, the transitions that result in a shortening of the wavelength when sound waves move from a medium with a lower speed to a medium with a higher speed are:
- Air to Glass
- Air to Steel
- Water to Glass
So, transitions air to glass, air to steel, and water to glass would result in the wavelength getting shorter.
However, the question requests to identify one transition that specifically results in a shortening of the wavelength. For simplicity, we could choose:
Air to Steel is a valid response, as it notably indicates a significant transition.
So, the best response based on your choices could be:
air to steel