Question

A transverse wave on a string has an amplitude A. A tiny spot on the string is colored red. As one cycle of the wave passes by, what is the total distance traveled by the red spot? A. A
B. 2A C. A/2
D. 4A

Answer 1

During one cycle of the wave the red spot will move as follows: from rest position to the crest, from crest to the rest position, from the rest position to the trough and finally from the trough to the rest position. Since the amplitude is the distance from the rest position to the crest (or trough), the total distance traveled by the red spot is 4A. Therefore, the correct answer is (D) 4A.

Answer:

D. 4A