What happens to the amplitude of a wave if its energy is increased?

• A. The amplitude decreases
• B. The amplitude stays the same
• C. The amplitude increases
• D. Amplitude is unrelated to wave energy

Answer: (C)

When the energy of a wave is increased, its amplitude also increases. This is because amplitude is directly related to the energy carried by the wave. For example, in mechanical waves, the energy is proportional to the square of the amplitude. Therefore, when you increase the energy input to a wave — such as in the case of a vibrating string or a sound wave — the maximum displacement of the particles from their equilibrium position (which is the amplitude) becomes larger.

In other types of waves, like electromagnetic waves, a higher energy can also result in higher amplitude, reflecting the increase in intensity. This relationship highlights the fundamental connection between energy and amplitude: more energy leads to a greater amplitude, which in turn means that the wave has the capacity to do more work or transmit more information. Thus, the correct answer reflects this direct relationship between the wave's energy and its amplitude.