Question 1

Multiple choiceMedium1 mark

A travelling wave P has frequency ff and wavelength λ\lambda A second travelling wave Q has the same speed as P and a frequency of 2f2f In Q, particles oscillate parallel to the direction of travel. Which description of Q is correct?

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Answer: C. Q is longitudinal because its particles oscillate parallel to the direction of travel. Since the two waves have the same speed, v=fλ=(2f)λQv=f\lambda=(2f)\lambda_Q so λQ=λ2\lambda_Q=\frac{\lambda}{2}

A: reverses the wave classification and treats wavelength as directly proportional to frequency.
B: finds the wavelength correctly but labels parallel oscillations as transverse.
D: identifies the wave correctly but uses a direct rather than inverse frequency–wavelength relationship.

Remember: at fixed wave speed, frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional.

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