Question

How is group velocity different from the velocity of an individual wave within the group?

a) Group velocity is faster than individual wave velocity.
b) Group velocity is slower than individual wave velocity.
c) Group velocity is the same as individual wave velocity.
d) Group velocity is in the opposite direction of individual wave velocity.

Answer 1

The group velocity refers to the speed at which the overall shape or envelope of a group of waves propagates, while the velocity of an individual wave within the group refers to the speed at which that specific wave travels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The group velocity refers to the velocity at which the overall shape or envelope of a group of waves propagates. It represents the speed at which energy or information is transmitted by the group as a whole.

On the other hand, the velocity of an individual wave within the group refers to the speed at which that specific wave travels. This velocity depends on factors such as the wavelength and frequency of the wave.

An example to illustrate the difference: If you have a group of waves traveling in the same direction, but with different individual wave velocities, the group velocity would represent the speed at which the shape of the group moves, while the individual wave velocities would refer to the speeds at which each wave within the group travels.