Elaborate on the difference between the energy of the two waves seen here

A. Wave A has more energy than Wave B because the wavelength of Wave A is greater
B. Wave B has more energy: the amplitude of Wave B is double that of Wave A.
C. Wave energy is directly proportional to frequency and wavelength, therefore Wave A has more energy.
D.Wave B has more energy than Wave A because the frequency of Wave B is greater

1 answer

The correct answer is B. Wave B has more energy: the amplitude of Wave B is double that of Wave A.

The energy of a wave is determined by its amplitude, not its wavelength or frequency. Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of particles in a medium from their rest position. In other words, it measures the height or intensity of the wave.

Wave A may have a greater wavelength, meaning it takes longer for one complete cycle of the wave to pass by a point. However, the wavelength does not directly determine the energy of the wave. Similarly, the frequency of a wave refers to the number of cycles that occur in a given time period. While a higher frequency wave may appear to have more energy due to its rapid oscillation, frequency alone does not determine the energy of a wave.

In the given scenario, it is explicitly stated that the amplitude of Wave B is double that of Wave A. Since amplitude is directly related to the energy of a wave, Wave B has more energy compared to Wave A.