What term describes a progressive wave free of the forces that formed it?

What term describes a progressive wave free of the forces that formed it?

• A. Free Wave
• B. Forced Wave
• C. Group Velocity
• D. Interference

Answer: (A)

Progressive wave free of the forces that formed it describes a wave that was created by a disturbance but is no longer being actively driven by an external source. This is called a free wave. Once the driving force stops, the wave can continue to propagate because it carries its own energy, though its amplitude may decay due to damping. A forced or driven wave, in contrast, is continually sustained by an external input like wind or a vibrating source. Group velocity and interference are important concepts for wave behavior, but they don’t define whether a wave is free or forced—the statement specifically refers to the presence or absence of ongoing external forcing.

Progressive wave free of the forces that formed it describes a wave that was created by a disturbance but is no longer being actively driven by an external source. This is called a free wave. Once the driving force stops, the wave can continue to propagate because it carries its own energy, though its amplitude may decay due to damping. A forced or driven wave, in contrast, is continually sustained by an external input like wind or a vibrating source. Group velocity and interference are important concepts for wave behavior, but they don’t define whether a wave is free or forced—the statement specifically refers to the presence or absence of ongoing external forcing.