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

(1 point)
Responses

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

Wave A has more energy than Wave B because the wavelength of Wave A is greater.
Wave A has more energy than Wave B because the wavelength of Wave A is greater.

Wave energy is directly proportional to frequency and wavelength, therefore Wave A has more energy.
Wave energy is directly proportional to frequency and wavelength, therefore Wave A has more energy.

Wave B has more energy than Wave A because the frequency of Wave B is greater.
Wave B has more energy than Wave A because the frequency of Wave B is greater.

1 answer

To analyze the differences in energy between two waves, we need to consider the factors that affect wave energy: amplitude, frequency, and wavelength.

  1. Amplitude: The energy of a wave is proportional to the square of its amplitude. This means that if Wave B has an amplitude that is double that of Wave A, the energy of Wave B would be four times greater than that of Wave A. So, if Wave B's amplitude is indeed double, then Wave B has significantly more energy.

  2. Wavelength: The energy of a wave is inversely related to its wavelength, especially for waves of the same type (e.g., electromagnetic waves). If Wave A has a greater wavelength than Wave B, Wave A would have less energy, assuming they are of the same type and frequency range.

  3. Frequency: Wave energy is directly proportional to frequency. Higher frequency means higher energy. If Wave B has a greater frequency than Wave A, it would possess more energy.

In summary:

  • If Wave B has double the amplitude of Wave A, it can be concluded that Wave B has considerably more energy.
  • If Wave A has a greater wavelength than Wave B, Wave A would have less energy.
  • If Wave B has a greater frequency than Wave A, Wave B would also have more energy.

Based on these points, the response "Wave B has more energy because the amplitude of Wave B is double that of Wave A" is accurate if we are only comparing amplitude. However, without additional specific data about frequency or wavelength, we cannot definitively say which wave has more energy without knowing these values.

Thus, the most straightforward correct response given the data on amplitude is:

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

This correctly emphasizes the relationship between amplitude and energy in waves.