intensity-amplitude

Question

Intensity of a wave is proportional to?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Definition of Intensity**: Average power transmitted per unit area perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation.
2. **Energy Link**: Energy density $u$ of a mechanical wave is given by $u = \frac{1}{2} ho (\omega A)^2$. Since $\omega$ is constant for a given frequency, $u \propto A^2$.
3. **Intensity Calculation**: $I = (	ext{Energy Density}) 	imes (	ext{Wave Velocity})$.
4. **Result**: Both energy and intensity are directly proportional to the **square of the amplitude** ($I \propto A^2$).
5. **Impact**: Doubling the amplitude increases the intensity by a factor of 4.

Rank Guru

intensity-amplitude

Select the correct option: