Final answer:
Effective target width is related to the accuracy of measurements, reflecting how closely they align with the true value. Accuracy is different from precision, which refers to how consistent measurements are with each other, regardless of how close they are to the target value. A sonic boom occurs due to the speed of the source exceeding the speed of sound, and the amplitude of a wave indicates the wave's energy level.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effective target width is a measure of accuracy. This concept is used to evaluate how close repeated measurements are to the true or intended target value. In the context of shooting at a target, for example, accuracy would be how close a group of shots are to the center of the target.
In terms of dartboard analogies often used to explain the concepts of accuracy and precision:
- a precise, but inaccurate set of measurements refers to shots that are closely grouped together but not close to the target center,
- a set of measurements that is both precise and accurate would show shots that are closely grouped and centered around the bullseye,
- a set of measurements that is neither precise nor accurate would show shots scattered all over the dartboard with no discernible pattern or grouping.
The occurrence of a sonic boom depends on the speed of the source. It is a phenomenon that occurs when an object travels through the air at a speed faster than the speed of sound, creating a shockwave.
As for waves, the amplitude of a wave reflects the energy of the wave; the higher the amplitude, the more energy the wave carries. The speed of a wave is computed by multiplying its wavelength by its frequency. Therefore, amplitude and the speed of a wave are related but distinct characteristics; amplitude relates to the energy of the wave, while speed is the distance traveled by the wave per unit time.