Fig. 1.1 shows a wavefront diagram for waves passing from one medium to another. What can be deduced about the wave speed in medium 2 compared to medium 1?
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1.1 shows a wavefront diagram for waves passing from one medium to another.
What can be deduced about the wave speed in medium 2 compared to medium 1?
Answer Details
The wavefront spacing represents the wavelength. In medium 1, the spacing is 3 cm, and in medium 2, the spacing is 4 cm. Since the frequency of a wave does not change when crossing a boundary between media, and \(v = f\lambda\):
\[\frac{v_2}{v_1} = \frac{\lambda_2}{\lambda_1} = \frac{4}{3}\]The wave speed in medium 2 is greater than in medium 1 (by a factor of 4/3). A larger wavelength at the same frequency means a higher speed.
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