What are the units of wave intensity?

W/m2


Watts per metre squared.

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What is the formula linking intensity, wave power and area.

I = AP​


I = intensity (W/m2)

P = power (W)

A = area (m2)

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What is the relationship between the intensity of a wave and it's amplitude?

Intensity ∝ amplitude2

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What happens to the intensity of a wave as it travels?

The intensity decreases.


Because:

  1. As the wave travels it spreads out.
  2. The wave may be absorbed or scattered.

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