Questions: Wave Properties: Wavelength, Frequency, and Amplitude
3 questions to test your understanding
Score: 0 / 3
Question 1 Multiple Choice
A wave has a period of T = 0.02 s. What is its frequency?
A0.02 Hz
B2 Hz
C50 Hz
D500 Hz
Frequency and period are reciprocals: f = 1/T = 1/0.02 = 50 Hz. A common error is treating period and frequency as equal or confusing the units. Period is in seconds; frequency is in cycles per second (Hz).
Question 2 True / False
When an ocean wave passes through water, the water molecules travel horizontally along with the wave from one place to another.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
Waves transfer energy, not matter. Water molecules move in roughly circular orbits as a wave passes but return to their original positions afterward. It is the disturbance — not the medium — that travels.
Question 3 Short Answer
A wave travels faster through steel than through air. If the frequency of the wave stays the same when it crosses from air into steel, what happens to its wavelength?
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: The wavelength increases. Since v = fλ and f is constant, a higher wave speed means a proportionally longer wavelength.
The wave equation v = fλ shows that speed, frequency, and wavelength are linked. Frequency is set by the source and doesn't change at a boundary. Speed changes with the medium, so wavelength must adjust accordingly.