Question

What factors affect the speed of a wave? Check all that apply.

the amplitude of the wave
the energy of the wave
the temperature of the medium
the type of wave
the type of medium

Answer 1

Select:
- the temperature of the medium — Yes
- the type of wave — Yes
- the type of medium — Yes

Do NOT select:
- the amplitude of the wave — No (for ordinary linear waves the speed is independent of amplitude)
- the energy of the wave — No (energy depends on amplitude but, again for linear waves, does not set the speed)

Brief note: wave speed is set by the wave type and the medium's properties (elasticity, density, etc.). Temperature changes those properties (e.g., sound travels faster in warmer air). In special nonlinear cases (large amplitudes, solitons) amplitude/energy can affect speed, but that is an exception.