Two identical but separate strings, with the same tension, carry sinusoidal waves with the same amplitude.Wave A has a frequency that is twice that of wave B and transmits energy at a rate that is __________ that of wave B.
A)half
B)twice
C)one-fourth
D)four times
E)eight times

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate at which energy is transmitted by a wave (the power) is proportional to the square of both the amplitude and the frequency. Since the amplitude is the same for both waves but the frequency of wave A is twice that of wave B, the energy transmitted by wave A is $2^2 = 4$ times that of wave B.

Two Identical but Separate Strings, with the Same Tension, Carry