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Why do waves decrease in amplitude as they radiate?

Anonymous

∙ 14y ago

Updated: 5/24/2024

Waves decrease in amplitude as they radiate because their energy is spread out over a larger area as they travel away from the source. This phenomenon is known as wave attenuation, and it occurs due to factors such as absorption, scattering, and dispersion in the medium through which the wave is traveling. As a result, the wave loses intensity and its amplitude decreases.

AnswerBot

∙ 10mo ago

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Q: Why do waves decrease in amplitude as they radiate?

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Continue Learning about Physics

How will decreasing the amplitude of the sound waves from a TV affect its intensity?

Decreasing the amplitude of the sound waves will decrease the intensity of the sound coming from the TV. Intensity is directly proportional to the square of the amplitude, so reducing the amplitude will result in a corresponding decrease in intensity. This means that the sound will be quieter.

How does constructive and destructive interference effect amplitude in waves?

Constructive interference occurs when waves align to increase amplitude, while destructive interference occurs when waves align to decrease amplitude. Constructive interference results in a larger combined amplitude, while destructive interference results in a smaller combined amplitude, or even complete cancellation.

What happen to the amplitude of wave that experience destructive interference?

In destructive interference, the amplitudes of the two interfering waves cancel each other out partially or completely, resulting in a decrease in the overall amplitude of the wave at certain points. This reduction is due to the waves being out of phase, leading to a net decrease in the amplitude in the region of interference.

Which wave property changes when two waves interfere in the same meduim?

The amplitude of the waves can change when two waves interfere in the same medium. Depending on the type of interference (constructive or destructive), the amplitude can increase or decrease at different points along the medium.

When does the amplitude of the wave become smaller?

The amplitude of a wave can become smaller when it encounters resistance or damping in its medium, causing energy loss and a decrease in the wave's intensity. Additionally, interference with other waves, absorption by the medium, or distance from the source can also cause the amplitude to decrease.

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Related Questions

How will decreasing the amplitude of the sound waves from a TV affect its intensity?

Decreasing the amplitude of the sound waves will decrease the intensity of the sound coming from the TV. Intensity is directly proportional to the square of the amplitude, so reducing the amplitude will result in a corresponding decrease in intensity. This means that the sound will be quieter.

How does constructive and destructive interference effect amplitude in waves?

Constructive interference occurs when waves align to increase amplitude, while destructive interference occurs when waves align to decrease amplitude. Constructive interference results in a larger combined amplitude, while destructive interference results in a smaller combined amplitude, or even complete cancellation.

What happen to the amplitude of wave that experience destructive interference?

In destructive interference, the amplitudes of the two interfering waves cancel each other out partially or completely, resulting in a decrease in the overall amplitude of the wave at certain points. This reduction is due to the waves being out of phase, leading to a net decrease in the amplitude in the region of interference.

Which wave property changes when two waves interfere in the same meduim?

The amplitude of the waves can change when two waves interfere in the same medium. Depending on the type of interference (constructive or destructive), the amplitude can increase or decrease at different points along the medium.

When does the amplitude of the wave become smaller?

The amplitude of a wave can become smaller when it encounters resistance or damping in its medium, causing energy loss and a decrease in the wave's intensity. Additionally, interference with other waves, absorption by the medium, or distance from the source can also cause the amplitude to decrease.

What is the relationship between a waves energy and its amplitude?

The energy of a wave is directly proportional to the square of its amplitude. This means that as the amplitude of a wave increases, its energy also increases exponentially. Conversely, decreasing the amplitude of a wave will result in a decrease in its energy.

What type of waves have amplitude?

Mechanical waves such as sound waves and ocean waves have amplitude. Amplitude refers to the maximum displacement of a wave from its rest position. It determines the intensity or loudness of the wave.

How does amplitude affect light intensity?

Amplitude of light waves directly affects the intensity of light. As the amplitude increases, more energy is carried by the light wave, resulting in higher intensity. Conversely, a decrease in amplitude leads to lower light intensity.

When you turn down the volume what will happen to the sound waves' amplitude?

When you turn down the volume, the amplitude of the sound waves decreases. This means that the sound waves have lower peaks and troughs, resulting in a lower intensity or loudness of the sound produced.

What happens to the intensity of a wave if the amplitude decreases?

If the amplitude of a wave decreases, the intensity of the wave also decreases. Intensity is proportional to the square of the amplitude of the wave, so a reduction in amplitude will result in a decrease in intensity.

Do sound waves radiate?

yes

How the spacing between coils of a spring changes if the amplitude of compression waves traveling along the spring increases?

If the amplitude of compression waves traveling along the spring increases, the spacing between coils of the spring will decrease. This is because the increased energy from the compression waves causes the coils to compress and come closer together. In essence, the increased amplitude results in a more compacted spring configuration.

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