Question

If the ratio of the amplitude of a wave is 2:1, what will be the ratio of their max and min intensities?

a) 1:2
b) 2:1
c) 4:1
d) 1:4

Answer 1

The ratio of the maximum to minimum intensities of two waves with amplitude ratios of 2:1 is 4:1, due to the square relationship between amplitude and intensity in Physics.

The correct answer is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of the question is related to wave amplitude and intensity, specifically within the context of Physics. If the ratio of amplitudes of two waves is 2:1, the intensity of the waves, which is proportional to the square of the amplitude, will have a ratio of 4:1. This is because the square of 2 is 4, and the square of 1 is 1.

Therefore, if we were to compare the maximum (max) and minimum (min) intensities based on these amplitude ratios, the correct ratio of their max and min intensities would be 4:1. This is because the intensity is related to the amplitude of a wave squared, so when the amplitude doubles, the intensity increases by a factor of four.

Answer 2

The intensity of a wave is proportional to the square of its amplitude. Therefore, if the amplitude ratio is 2:1, squaring this gives an intensity ratio of 4:1.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the ratio of the amplitude of a wave is 2:1, the ratio of their maximum to minimum intensities can be determined by the relationship that intensity is proportional to the amplitude squared. This means if you square the amplitude ratio, you will get the intensity ratio. Thus, the ratio of the squares of 2 and 1 (which are 4 and 1, respectively) gives us an intensity ratio of 4:1. So, the correct answer would be c) 4:1.