Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a simple harmonic wave? (a) Its displacement varies sinusoidally with time, (b) Its energy is conserved in a lossless medium, (c) It has a constant phase velocity, (d) Its wavefronts are always circular.
Answer
(d) Its wavefronts are always circular
The correct answer is (d) Its wavefronts are always circular — Select option (d) as the correct answer.
Step-by-step solution
- Recall the defining properties of a simple harmonic wave: sinusoidal time dependence, constant phase speed, and energy conservation in an ideal medium. Check each option: (a) correct, (b) correct in a lossless medium, (c) correct, (d) incorrect because wavefront shape depends on geometry of source and not inherent to SH waves.
- Select option (d) as the correct answer.
Common mistake: Choosing (b) because of misunderstanding about energy conservation
Concept tested: Identifying SH wave features
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