QuestionJuly 20, 2025

If the power of a wave is increased by a factor of 10, what happens to the intensity of the wave? A It remains unchanged B It increases by a factor of 10 C It decreases by a factor of 10 D It increases by a factor of 100

If the power of a wave is increased by a factor of 10, what happens to the intensity of the wave? A It remains unchanged B It increases by a factor of 10 C It decreases by a factor of 10 D It increases by a factor of 100
If the power of a wave is increased by a factor of 10, what happens to the intensity of the wave?
A It remains unchanged
B It increases by a factor of 10
C It decreases by a factor of 10
D It increases by a factor of 100

Solution
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Answer

B It increases by a factor of 10 Explanation 1. Understand the relationship between power and intensity Intensity (I) is defined as power (P) per unit area (A), so I = \frac{P}{A}. 2. Analyze the effect of increasing power If power increases by a factor of 10, then P_{\text{new}} = 10P. Since area remains constant, I_{\text{new}} = \frac{10P}{A} = 10 \times \frac{P}{A} = 10I.

Explanation

1. Understand the relationship between power and intensity<br /> Intensity ($I$) is defined as power ($P$) per unit area ($A$), so $I = \frac{P}{A}$.<br /><br />2. Analyze the effect of increasing power<br /> If power increases by a factor of 10, then $P_{\text{new}} = 10P$. Since area remains constant, $I_{\text{new}} = \frac{10P}{A} = 10 \times \frac{P}{A} = 10I$.
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