Sound Wave Properties in Different Media · PhysicsBowl 2014 #28

Physics

Problem

A waterproof speaker placed at the bottom of a swimming pool emits a sound wave that travels toward the surface of the water. In the water, the sound wave has a frequency

f_{water}

, wavelength

\lambda_{water}

, and wave speed

v_{water}

. When the sound wave enters the air it has a frequency

f_{air}

, wavelength

\lambda_{air}

, and wave speed

v_{air}

. Which one of the following relationships correctly compares the frequencies, wavelengths, and wave speeds of the waves in the air and water? (A)

f_{water} = f_{air}

;

\lambda_{water} = \lambda_{air}

;

v_{water} = v_{air}

(B)

f_{water} = f_{air}

;

\lambda_{water} > \lambda_{air}

;

v_{water} > v_{air}

(C)

f_{water} < f_{air}

;

\lambda_{water} > \lambda_{air}

;

v_{water} = v_{air}

(D)

f_{water} < f_{air}

;

\lambda_{water} = \lambda_{air}

;

v_{water} < v_{air}

(E)

f_{water} = f_{air}

;

\lambda_{water} < \lambda_{air}

;

v_{water} > v_{air}

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