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Physics · Unit 2 · Waves · Wave properties

Contrast the speed of light and the speed of mechanical waves.

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Question 1

The diagram shows the propagation of two wave pulses through different media. Wave pulse P travels through a vacuum and wave pulse Q travels through steel. Both pulses are initiated simultaneously at t = 0 s and travel a distance of 3,000 km. What key difference between the two waves explains the observed arrival times?

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Question 2

What key feature contrasts the speed of light in a vacuum with the speed of mechanical waves?

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Question 3

What key difference exists between the speed of light waves and the speed of mechanical waves?

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