Wave Motion - Mission WM3 Detailed Help

Which of the following would effect the speed of a water wave? That is, which could be altered and subsequently alter the wave speed? List all that apply ... .


 
Factors Affecting Wave Speed:
The speed of a wave is dependent upon the properties of the medium through which the wave is moving. An alteration in the properties of the medium will result in a change in the speed at which the wave moves through that medium.


 
The speed of a wave is often calculated as the product of frequency and wavelength. This gives many students the wrong impression that the speed of a wave depends upon frequency and wavelength. But don't be fooled! The speed of a wave is independent of its frequency and wavelength. A change in the frequency value will not result in a change in the speed value. Rather, changing frequency will result in a change in the wavelength in such a manner that the speed value turns out the same. While the speed can be calculated from knowledge of the frequency and wavelength, its value is unaffected by changes in frequency and wavelength.


 
It is often said that the speed of a wave depends upon the properties of the medium (see Know the Law section). The actual properties that matter will vary from medium to medium. For instance, the speed of a sound wave traveling through air is mostly dependent upon the temperature of the air. The speed of a transverse wave traveling through a rope or wire is dependent upon the density of the wire and the tension to which the wire is pulled. In each of these cases, it is the property of the medium which has an impact upon wave speed. Now consider this question. Of the choices listed, which is/are properties of the water?


 

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