Question

part a

the frequency of a wave increases. if the speed of the wave remains constant, what happens to the distance between successive crests?

• the distance between successive crests remains constant.
• the distance between successive crests increases.
• the distance between successive crests decreases.

Explanation:

Relate distance between successive crests to wavelength

$$ \lambda = \text{distance between successive crests} $$

Apply the wave speed formula

$$ v = f \lambda \implies \lambda = \frac{v}{f} $$

Analyze the effect of increasing frequency at constant speed

$$ \text{Since } v \text{ is constant and } f \text{ increases, } \lambda \text{ must decrease.} $$

Answer:

• The distance between successive crests remains constant.
• The distance between successive crests increases.
• The distance between successive crests decreases. (Correct answer)