What Happens to Wavelength and Wave Speed When Amplitude Doubles?

AI Thread Summary
Doubling the amplitude of an oscillator does not affect the wavelength or wave speed of the wave. The amplitude is the maximum displacement and does not influence these parameters directly. Some participants suggest that the wavelength remains unchanged while the wave speed could potentially double, but this is inaccurate. The consensus is that both wavelength and wave speed remain constant despite changes in amplitude. Understanding the relationship between these parameters through mathematical expressions can clarify their interactions.
sphouxay
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Homework Statement


If the amplitude of the oscillator doubles, what happens to the wavelength and wave speed?

The wavelength doubles but the wave speed is unchanged.
The wavelength is unchanged but the wave speed doubles.
Both wavelength and wave speed are unchanged.




Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



In this part, I don't believe neither the wavelength or wave speed will change, the amplitude (maximum value of displacement) just double but should not affect the wavelength or speed except where it begins to be measured. Right?
 
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Your intution is correct, but you could solve this problem better if you wrote down some mathematical expression for a waveform that contains the parameters amplitude, wavelength, and wave speed.
 
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