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 When a pebble is dropped into a pond of still water, what happens?
  • a)
    Particles move
  • b)
    Waves move
  • c)
    The pebble moves
  • d)
    Water moves
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
When a pebble is dropped into a pond of still water, what happens?a)Pa...
 When a pebble is thrown in still water, a circular pattern of alternate crests spread out. The kinetic energy makes the particles to oscillate which comes in contact with it. The energy gets transferred to the particles of next layer which also begins to oscillate. Thus it is the disturbance or waves that move forward and not the particles of the medium.
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Most Upvoted Answer
When a pebble is dropped into a pond of still water, what happens?a)Pa...
Introduction:
When a pebble is dropped into a pond of still water, it creates a disturbance that propagates outward from the point of impact. This disturbance takes the form of waves moving across the surface of the water. These waves are what we commonly refer to as ripples.

Explanation:
1. Conservation of Energy:
When the pebble is dropped into the still water, it displaces a small amount of water, causing a temporary increase in the water's potential energy. According to the principle of conservation of energy, this potential energy must be converted into another form. In the case of the pebble dropping into the water, the potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy, which is then transferred to the water molecules.

2. Formation of Waves:
As the pebble sinks into the water, it creates a depression in the water surface. This depression is quickly filled by surrounding water rushing in to occupy the empty space. This displacement of water molecules creates a disturbance that propagates outward from the point of impact. These disturbances are what we perceive as waves.

3. Ripple Effect:
The waves created by the pebble dropping into the water are known as surface or capillary waves. These waves spread out in concentric circles from the point of impact, similar to the ripples caused by throwing a stone into a pond. The waves move across the water surface, carrying energy away from the point of impact.

4. Wave Characteristics:
The waves produced by the pebble dropping into the water have several key characteristics:
- Amplitude: The height of the wave, which is determined by the energy transferred from the pebble to the water.
- Frequency: The number of waves passing a given point per unit of time, which is determined by the rate at which the pebble displaces the water.
- Wavelength: The distance between two consecutive wave crests or troughs, which is determined by the speed of the waves and their frequency.

Conclusion:
In summary, when a pebble is dropped into a pond of still water, waves are created as a result of the disturbance caused by the pebble displacing the water. These waves propagate outward from the point of impact, carrying energy away from the disturbance. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B' - waves move.
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When a pebble is dropped into a pond of still water, what happens?a)Particles moveb)Waves movec)The pebble movesd)Water movesCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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