A Level Physics Practice Exam

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Study for the A Level Physics Exam. Our quiz features flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly!

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How is the wavelength of a sound wave in water calculated?

Wavelength = Speed / Amplitude
Wavelength = Velocity / Frequency
Wavelength = Frequency / Speed
Wavelength = Speed * Time

The correct answer is: Wavelength = Velocity / Frequency

The wavelength of a sound wave in water is calculated using the relationship between the speed of sound in the medium, the frequency of the sound wave, and the wavelength itself. This relationship is expressed by the formula: Wavelength = Velocity / Frequency. In this equation, the velocity refers to the speed at which sound travels through water, which is approximately 1482 meters per second under normal conditions. The frequency represents how many cycles of the wave pass a point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz). Dividing the speed of sound in water by the frequency yields the wavelength, which is the distance between successive crests or troughs of the wave. This formula is fundamental in wave mechanics and applicable to all types of waves, not just sound waves in water. Understanding this relationship helps in predicting how sound behaves in different mediums, including how it can be affected by changes in frequency or speed, such as when sound travels through various temperatures or salinities in water.