Question

waves: part 2
you can assume that the waves in each set are traveling at the same speed.
wave e
wave f
which wave has more energy?
explain why

Explanation:

Step1: Recall energy - amplitude relationship

The energy of a wave is proportional to the square of its amplitude ($E\propto A^{2}$), where $E$ is the energy and $A$ is the amplitude.

Step2: Determine amplitudes of waves

For Wave E, the amplitude is 5 cm (the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position). For Wave F, the amplitude is 8 cm.

Step3: Compare energies

Since $E\propto A^{2}$, and $8^{2}=64$, $5^{2}=25$, Wave F has a larger amplitude - squared value. So Wave F has more energy.

Answer:

Wave F has more energy because the energy of a wave is proportional to the square of its amplitude, and Wave F has a larger amplitude (8 cm) compared to Wave E (5 cm).