Exhibit 16-3
Four wave functions are given below.
I.y(x, t) = 5sin(4x - 20t + 4)
II.y(x, t) = 5sin(3x - 12t + 5)
III.y(x, t) = 5cos(4x + 24t + 6)
IV.y(x, t) = 14cos(2x - 8t + 3)
Use this exhibit to answer the following question(s).
-Refer to Exhibit 16-3. Rank the wave functions in order of the magnitude of the frequencies of the waves, from least to greatest.
A) IV, II, I, III
B) IV = II, I, III
C) III, I, II, IV
D) IV, I, II, III
E) III, IV, II, I

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The frequency of a wave is determined by the coefficient of the time variable in the wave function. The greater the coefficient, the higher the frequency. In this case, the wave functions with the greatest coefficients are IV and II, which have coefficients of -8 and -12, respectively. The wave functions with the smallest coefficients are I and III, which have coefficients of -20 and 24, respectively. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Exhibit 16-3 Four Wave Functions Are Given Below