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How is the frequency of a wave measured?

a. Wavelength multiplied by amplitude
b. Amplitude divided by wavelength
c. Speed divided by wavelength
d. Number of cycles per unit of time

User Steen
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Final answer:

The frequency of a wave is calculated by dividing the speed of the wave by its wavelength. The correct option is 'c. Speed divided by wavelength'. A cycle corresponds to one complete wave, and frequency units are expressed in hertz (Hz). Option c is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The frequency of a wave is measured as the number of cycles that pass a given point per unit of time. It is a crucial characteristic of waves, including forms of electromagnetic radiation such as light and sound.

To calculate the frequency (ν), you must know the speed of the wave (ν) and the wavelength (λ).

The correct formula to use is frequency equals the speed of the wave divided by the wavelength: ν = ν / λ.

This tells us that if we know how fast the wave is moving, and we know the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs, we can determine how many such peaks or troughs pass a certain point each second

User Cyphar
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