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A Levels Physics (9702)•9702/11/M/J/24
Question 19 from 9702/11/M/J/24

Explanation

Wave intensity scales with amplitude squared and power with area

Steps:

  • Original intensity I ∝ A²; power E = I × S.
  • New amplitude 2A gives new intensity I' = (2A)² / A² × I = 4I.
  • New area S/2 reduces the area factor by half.
  • New power = 4I × (S/2) = 2(I × S) = 2E.

Why B is correct:

  • Wave power equals intensity times area; intensity ∝ amplitude², so doubling amplitude quadruples intensity, but halving area halves the power, netting 2E.

Why the others are wrong:

  • A: Quadruples intensity but ignores area halving.
  • C: Assumes no net change, ignoring both amplitude increase and area reduction.
  • D: Considers only area halving, ignoring amplitude effect.

Final answer: B

Topic: Progressive waves

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