Question

1. how did the speed of the wave change as the wavelength decreased trial 1 to trial 2?

Explanation:

To answer this, we need the data from Trial 1 and Trial 2 (like wavelength, frequency, or speed values). Since the table data is unclear, here's the general approach:

Step1: Recall the wave speed formula

The speed of a wave ($v$) is given by $v = f \lambda$, where $f$ is frequency and $\lambda$ is wavelength. If the medium (and thus frequency, for many cases like mechanical waves in a fixed medium) is constant, speed depends on $\lambda$. But if frequency changes, we use the formula.

Step2: Analyze the change

If we had data:

• Let Trial 1 have $\lambda_1$ and $v_1$, Trial 2 have $\lambda_2$ (with $\lambda_2 < \lambda_1$) and $v_2$.
• If frequency $f$ is constant (same medium, same source), then $v \propto \lambda$. So if $\lambda$ decreases, $v$ decreases (since $v = f\lambda$ and $f$ is constant).
• If frequency changes, calculate $v_1 = f_1 \lambda_1$ and $v_2 = f_2 \lambda_2$ to compare.

Since the table is blurry, assume a typical wave experiment (e.g., on a string, same tension/frequency): If wavelength decreased (and frequency stayed constant), wave speed decreased (because $v = f\lambda$, so smaller $\lambda$ → smaller $v$ when $f$ is constant).

Answer:

(Assuming constant frequency) The speed of the wave decreased as the wavelength decreased from Trial 1 to Trial 2 (because wave speed \( v = f\lambda \), and if frequency \( f \) is constant, a decrease in wavelength \( \lambda \) causes a decrease in speed \( v \)).

(Note: If frequency changes, we need exact data. But in most intro wave experiments, frequency is constant for a fixed source/medium, so speed follows wavelength.)