Question

If sound waves travel from air to water, which of the following remains unchanged?

• A. Velocity
• B. Wavelength
• C. Frequency
• D. Intensity

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Frequency

The explanation for the correct options:

Option C:

1. Velocity and wavelength change when sound waves travel from air to water.
2. The frequency is determined by the source. It does not change.
3. Thus sound waves travel from air to water, the frequency remains constant.
4. This is very crucial for research on sound in various media.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. The speed definitely changes when sound moves from one medium to another because the speed of sound varies in different materials.

Option B:

1. The speed of the wave will increase as the wave crosses the boundary into the water which increases the distance between the crests (wavelengths).

Option D:

1. When sound changes from air to water in a certain way, the wavelength changes and so does the intensity.

So, Option (C) is correct. If sound waves travel from air to water, the frequency remains unchanged.