Understanding Longitudinal Waves: Regents Exam Question with No Correct Answer

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The discussion centers on a Regents exam question regarding longitudinal waves, where participants assert that none of the provided answer choices are correct. One contributor believes the correct answer is option (2), indicating that the wavelength is the distance between points A and C. They clarify that in longitudinal waves, wavelength is measured from compression to compression or rarefaction to rarefaction. A sketch of the corresponding transverse wave supports this conclusion, reinforcing the argument for option (2) as the correct choice. The conversation highlights confusion around the question's validity and the interpretation of wave properties.
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My physics teacher told the class that this question had no valid answer choice (none of the choices were right).

After further research at home today, I think the answer is (2) - or the wavelength is equal to the distance between A and C, as

Physics Classroom said:
In the case of a longitudinal wave, a wavelength measurement is made by measuring the distance from a compression to the next compression or from a rarefaction to the next rarefaction.

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/waves/u10l2a.cfm

Help - I have my physics final tomorrow :o!
 
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It looks to me like A and C are both descending nodes, which would mean 2 is a correct choice.

A sketch of the corresponding transverse wave leads to the same answer.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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