Asked in MDCAT Test Series 5 — Waves and Thermodynamics (7 March 2025) 2025

When a wave goes from one medium to another medium, which one of the following characteristics of the wave remains constant?

Correct answer: B. Frequency

  • A. Velocity
  • B. Frequency
  • C. Wavelength
  • D. Phase

Explanation

The frequency of a wave remains constant as it moves from one medium to another. Frequency is the number of complete oscillations (cycles) of the wave that occur per unit time. It is a fundamental property of the wave and remains unchanged regardless of the medium it travels through.

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About Wave Speed

Wave speed is the rate at which a disturbance or wave pattern travels through a medium, given by v = fλ, where f is frequency and λ is wavelength. Questions examine how speed changes between media, the relation among frequency, wavelength and period, and why wave speed is not the same as particle vibration speed.

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