The diagram below shows a wave.

Which of the following would definitely increase the energy of the wave?
A.
increasing the wavelength of the wave
B.
decreasing the amplitude of the wave
C.
increasing the amplitude of the wave
D.
decreasing the frequency of the wave

1 answer

The correct answer is C. increasing the amplitude of the wave.

In a wave, the energy is directly related to the amplitude; higher amplitude means greater energy carried by the wave. Increasing the amplitude of the wave would definitely increase its energy.

Options A, B, and D would not increase the energy of the wave. Specifically:

  • A: Increasing the wavelength would generally decrease the energy for a wave of a certain type (like a sound wave).
  • B: Decreasing the amplitude would decrease the energy.
  • D: Decreasing the frequency does not necessarily increase energy either; in many cases, lower frequency waves carry less energy than higher frequency waves.

Therefore, the best option to increase the energy of the wave is to increase the amplitude.