A sound wave passes through regions of the ocean with varying density. How do the varying wavelengths correspond to the density of the water? Select the two correct answers.
A) The wavelength increases as the density of the water increases.
B) The wavelength decreases as the density of the water increases.
C) The wavelength remains the same regardless of the density of the water.
D) The wavelength is inversely proportional to the density of the water.
A) The wavelength increases as the density of the water increases.
D) The wavelength is inversely proportional to the density of the water.
To understand how varying wavelengths correspond to the density of water, we need to consider some basic principles of wave propagation.
1. The wavelength of a sound wave is inversely proportional to the frequency of the wave. This relationship is given by the formula: Wavelength = Speed of Sound / Frequency.
2. In regions of higher water density, the speed of sound is generally lower. This is because sound travels faster through denser mediums (like solids) than through less dense mediums (like gases or liquids).
Based on these principles, we can deduce the following:
a) In regions of higher water density, the speed of sound decreases. As the speed of sound decreases, the wavelength of the sound wave also decreases (assuming the frequency remains constant). This is because the wavelength is inversely proportional to the speed of sound.
b) In regions of lower water density, the speed of sound increases. As the speed of sound increases, the wavelength of the sound wave also increases (assuming the frequency remains constant). Again, this is because the wavelength is inversely proportional to the speed of sound.
So, the two correct answers would be:
1) In regions of higher water density, the wavelength of the sound wave decreases.
2) In regions of lower water density, the wavelength of the sound wave increases.
When a sound wave passes through regions of the ocean with varying density, the wavelengths can correspond to the density of the water in the following two ways:
1. Higher density regions: In areas of higher water density, the sound wave will experience a decrease in wavelength. This is because in denser regions, the speed of sound is higher, causing the wave to compress more frequently and resulting in shorter wavelengths.
2. Lower density regions: In areas of lower water density, the sound wave will experience an increase in wavelength. This occurs because in less dense regions, the speed of sound is lower, leading to less frequent compressions and longer wavelengths.
Therefore, the two correct answers are:
- Higher density regions correspond to shorter wavelengths.
- Lower density regions correspond to longer wavelengths.