a scientist is creating different waves in a laboratory. if she doubles the frequency of a wave while…
a scientist is creating different waves in a laboratory. if she doubles the frequency of a wave while keeping the wave speed constant, what happens to the wavelength of the wave?\n\na. it doubles.\nb. it is halved.\nc. there is no change.\nd. it quadruples.
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Recall wave - speed formula
The wave - speed formula is $v = f\lambda$, where $v$ is wave speed, $f$ is frequency, and $\lambda$ is wavelength.
Step2: Express wavelength in terms of wave - speed and frequency
We can rewrite the formula as $\lambda=\frac{v}{f}$.
Step3: Analyze the change
Let the initial frequency be $f_1$ and the initial wavelength be $\lambda_1=\frac{v}{f_1}$. The new frequency $f_2 = 2f_1$. Since $v$ is constant, the new wavelength $\lambda_2=\frac{v}{f_2}=\frac{v}{2f_1}$. Comparing $\lambda_1$ and $\lambda_2$, we can see that $\lambda_2=\frac{1}{2}\lambda_1$.
Answer:
B. It is halved.