Chapter 25, Problem 23A

All the waves below have the same speed in the same medium. Use a ruler and rank these waves from greatest to least according to amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and period.

To determine

To rank: The given waves on the basis of amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and period from greatest to least.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The given waves are shown below.

  

Formula used:

Frequency is given by the following formula;

  $f=\frac{v}{\lambda }$

Where,

  $v=$ Speed of wave

  $\lambda =$ Wavelength of wave

Period of wave is given by the following formula;

  $T=\frac{1}{f}$

Calculation:

Amplitude: The Maximum distance of particle from its equilibrium position is known as amplitude of wave.

It is observed from the given waves, that amplitude in case of wave D is greatest while the amplitude of wave C is smallest.

So, the rank of waves from greatest to least in terms of amplitude is D, B, A, C

Wavelength: Distance between two successive troughs and a crest is known as wavelength of wave.

It is observed from the given waves, that wavelength of wave D is greatest while the wavelength of wave C is smallest.

Hence, the rank of waves from greatest to smallest in terms of wavelength is D, A, B, C

Frequency: Number of wave pass through a fixed point is known as frequency of wave.

For the given case velocity of all waves is same therefore frequency of wave is inversely proportional to the wavelength of wave.

Hence, the rank of waves from greatest to smallest in terms of frequency is C, B, A, D

Period of wave: Time taken by particle to make one complete cycle is known as period of wave.

Period of wave is the inverse of frequency.

Therefore, the rank of waves in terms of period is D, A, B, C