When a sound wave travels from air to water, refraction causes its direction to change, while the speed and wavelength remain constant. Here option B is correct.
When a sound wave travels from air into water, it encounters a change in medium, which can result in a change in the wave's direction. This phenomenon is known as refraction. The speed of sound, however, is typically faster in water than in air due to differences in the medium's properties, but the wavelength remains constant.
Refraction occurs because the speed of sound is different in air compared to water. As the sound wave enters the water, it changes speed, causing the wave to bend.
However, the frequency of the wave (which is inversely proportional to the wavelength) remains the same in different media, according to the relationship: speed = frequency Ă— wavelength.
Complete question:
A jet flies over the ocean. A sound wave travels from the jet to the surface of the ocean. Almost none of the energy from the sound passes into the water. The diagram below illustrates the path of the sound wave.
Which of the following statements about this scenario is true?
A. The sound wave's direction, speed, and wavelength change.
B. The sound wave's direction and wavelength change, but its speed remains the same.
C. The sound wave's direction changes, but its speed and wavelength remain the same.
D. The sound wave's direction and speed change, but its wavelength remains the same.