Levi observed properties of three different waves and recorded observations about each one in his chart.
| Wave | Observations |
| :--- | :----------- |
| W | travels fastest through metal |
| X | travels fastest through air |
| Y | travels more slowly through water than air |
Which statement is best supported by the table?
A. Wave W and Y are light waves. Wave $X$ is a sound wave.
B. Wave W is a light wave. Waves $X$ and $Y$ are sound waves.
C. Waves Y is a sound wave. Waves X and W are light waves.
D. Wave $W$ is a sound wave. Waves X and Y are light waves.
Answer (1)
Sound waves travel fastest through solids, while light waves travel fastest through a vacuum or air.
Wave W travels fastest through metal, indicating it is a sound wave.
Wave X travels fastest through air, indicating it is a sound wave.
Wave Y travels more slowly through water than air, indicating it is a light wave.
Therefore, the correct statement is: Wave W is a sound wave. Waves X and Y are light waves.
The final answer is:
b o x e d Wa v e W i s a so u n d w a v e . Wa v es X an d Y a re l i g h t w a v es .
Explanation
Analyzing Wave Properties Let's analyze the properties of sound and light waves to determine which statement is best supported by the table.
Understanding Wave Speeds Sound waves travel fastest through solids (like metal), slower through liquids (like water), and slowest through gases (like air). Light waves travel fastest through a vacuum, then air, and slower through liquids and solids.
Classifying Wave W Wave W travels fastest through metal. This suggests that Wave W is a sound wave.
Classifying Wave X Wave X travels fastest through air. This also suggests that Wave X is a sound wave.
Classifying Wave Y Wave Y travels more slowly through water than air. This behavior is characteristic of light waves.
Determining the Correct Statement Based on our classifications: Wave W is a sound wave, Wave X is a sound wave, and Wave Y is a light wave. Therefore, the statement 'Wave W is a sound wave. Waves X and Y are light waves' is not correct. The statement 'Wave W and Y are light waves. Wave X is a sound wave' is not correct. The statement 'Waves Y is a sound wave. Waves X and W are light waves' is not correct. The statement 'Wave W is a sound wave. Waves X and Y are light waves' is the correct one.
Final Answer Therefore, the best-supported statement is: Wave W is a sound wave. Waves X and Y are light waves.
Examples
Understanding the properties of waves helps us in various real-life applications. For example, knowing how sound travels through different mediums is crucial in designing concert halls for optimal acoustics. Similarly, understanding how light behaves in different materials is essential in designing lenses for cameras and telescopes. By studying wave properties, we can create technologies that enhance our ability to perceive and interact with the world around us.
