NCEA Level 3 Waves Practice Test

Increasing the amplitude of a wave has a direct effect on its energy. As amplitude increases, the energy carried by the wave also increases. This is because amplitude is a measure of the maximum displacement of points on a wave from the rest position. Higher amplitude means that the wave pushes more energy through the medium it travels in, such as air, water, or solids.

In sound waves, for example, a larger amplitude results in a louder sound, as more energy is being transmitted. Similarly, in electromagnetic waves (like light), higher amplitude translates to brighter light when intensity is involved. Thus, the statement about the wave carrying more energy when the amplitude is increased captures this fundamental principle effectively.

The other choices refer to different properties of waves that are not directly related to amplitude. For example, the speed of a wave can depend on the medium and other factors rather than amplitude alone. Wavelength and frequency are related to wave properties influenced by speed and the source of the wave, not amplitude directly.