Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsWave Motion and Waves on a String
As a wave generated by a boat passes by, a cork floating in a calm pond undergoes simple harmonic motion with frequency . The frequency of the wave is
Options
- A/2
- B2
- C2 ,
Correct answer
C. 2 ,
Step-by-step solution
When a wave propagates through a medium, the particles of the medium execute simple harmonic motion. The frequency of oscillation of the particles is exactly equal to the frequency of the wave. Since the cork is floating on the water, it acts like a particle of the medium and oscillates up and down with the same frequency as the wave. Given that the frequency of the simple harmonic motion of the cork is , the frequency of the wave must also be .