Which properties of waves are influenced by the medium?

In summary, the medium through which a wave travels can affect its velocity, frequency, and wavelength. For sound waves, the frequency and wavelength should remain constant once the wave has been initiated, but the wave amplitude will decrease as it disperses from its point of origin. A more viscous medium will absorb energy from the wave more quickly, causing the amplitude to diminish faster. This same principle applies to EM waves, but they can propagate without a medium. On the linked page, it is shown that velocity is affected by the medium. Therefore, the question is asking which of the following is not affected by the medium: (i) wave crest velocity, (ii) wave frequency, or (iii) wavelength. Usually, the frequency will remain
  • #1
Lexi22
1
0
Which of the following of a wave can be affected by the medium it travels through?

(i) wave crest velocity, (ii) wave frequency, (iii) wavelength
 
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  • #2
For sound waves, once a wave has been initiated in whatever medium, it's frequency and wavelength should not change.
'Wave crest velocity' - do you mean the wave height, - it's amplitude?
That will decrease as the wave disperses from it's point of origin, it will do that in any medium.
A medium which is more viscous will absorb energy in the wave more quickly (more viscous = more friction), so the wave amplitude will therefore diminish more quickly.

I'm pretty sure the same principle applies with EM waves, other than noting that EM waves can propagate without any medium.
 
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  • #3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave
You can see on the linked page that velocity is affected by medium. So the question is, which of (ii) or (iii) is not?
Normally frequency stays the same.
Wavelength is the distance covered by the wave in one period, so that would clearly be impacted if the velocity changed.
 
  • #4
Guys, please do not respond to schoolwork-type questions in the general technical forums. Please instead click the Report button on OPs like this, so that the Mentors can help the newbies to find and use the Homework Help forums correctly.
 

1. What is the difference between sound waves and electromagnetic waves?

Sound waves are mechanical waves that require a medium, such as air or water, to travel through. They are caused by the vibration of particles in the medium and can only travel through that medium. Electromagnetic waves, on the other hand, are transverse waves that do not require a medium and can travel through empty space. They are created by the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields and include radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

2. How do sound waves and electromagnetic waves interact with matter?

Sound waves interact with matter by causing the particles in the medium to vibrate, which results in the transmission of energy. This energy can cause objects to vibrate, producing sound, or it can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted by the material. Electromagnetic waves interact with matter by being absorbed, reflected, or transmitted. The amount of interaction depends on the properties of the material and the frequency of the electromagnetic wave.

3. What is the speed of sound and the speed of electromagnetic waves?

The speed of sound varies depending on the medium it is traveling through, but in air at room temperature, it is approximately 343 meters per second. The speed of electromagnetic waves is constant in a vacuum and is approximately 3 x 10^8 meters per second, also known as the speed of light.

4. How are sound waves and electromagnetic waves used in everyday life?

Sound waves are used in many ways, such as communication through speech and music, sonar technology, and medical imaging. Electromagnetic waves have a wide range of uses, including radio and television broadcasting, cellular communication, cooking with microwaves, and medical imaging techniques like X-rays and MRI scans. Visible light, which is a type of electromagnetic wave, allows us to see our surroundings and is used in everyday activities such as reading, driving, and watching TV.

5. Can sound waves and electromagnetic waves be harmful?

Sound waves are generally not harmful to humans, unless they are at extremely high levels, which can cause hearing damage. However, some animals can hear at frequencies that are harmful to humans, such as some species of whales and dolphins. On the other hand, some forms of electromagnetic waves, such as X-rays and gamma rays, can be harmful to humans and can cause damage to cells and DNA. Exposure to these types of waves should be limited and controlled to avoid potential harm.

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