Question 1: Define the wave equation relating wave speed, frequency, and wavelength.

Answer: Wave speed = frequency × wavelength

Question 2: Which variables in the wave equation are affected by the medium through which the wave travels?

Answer: Wave speed

Question 3: Explain why understanding wave properties is important in forensic investigations.

Answer: Wave properties help analyze sound and seismic evidence to identify sources and characteristics of events.

Question 1: A forensic audio recording captures a sound wave with a frequency of 500 Hz. If the wave travels through the medium at 340 m/s, what is its wavelength?

Answer: Wavelength = Speed / Frequency = 340 m/s / 500 Hz = 0.68 meters

Question 2: A seismic wave in a forensic investigation has a wavelength of 150 meters and travels at 600 m/s. What is its frequency?

Answer: Frequency = Speed / Wavelength = 600 m/s / 150 m = 4 Hz

Question 1: Describe a basic experimental setup to measure the speed of sound in a medium for forensic purposes. Include variables to control and safety precautions.

Answer: Set up a controlled environment with a known distance between sound sources and detectors. Use a stopwatch or sound sensor to measure the time taken for sound to travel. Control temperature and medium consistency; wear hearing protection and avoid electrical hazards.

Question 2: Identify at least two variables that could affect the accuracy of wave speed measurements in a forensic investigation.

Answer: Medium temperature and environmental noise

Question 1: In a forensic seismic test, waves with a wavelength of 200 meters were recorded at a wave speed of 400 m/s. What was the frequency of the seismic waves? How might this information be useful in forensics?

Answer: Frequency = Speed / Wavelength = 400 m/s / 200 m = 2 Hz. This helps identify the source of seismic activity and differentiate between natural and artificial events.

Question 1: A forensic team detects a sound wave with a frequency of 1000 Hz traveling through a medium at 340 m/s. They suspect it originates from a specific source. Calculate the wavelength of this wave. If the wave speed increases to 400 m/s due to a change in the environment, what will be the new wavelength? Explain the significance of these calculations in forensic investigations.

Answer: Original wavelength = 340 m/s / 1000 Hz = 0.34 meters. New wavelength = 400 m/s / 1000 Hz = 0.40 meters. These calculations help forensic scientists determine the source location and environmental conditions affecting wave propagation.