What is a characteristic property of waves when they pass through different media?

When waves pass from one medium to another, their speed typically changes due to the different physical properties of the media, such as density and elasticity. As a result of this change in speed, the wavelength of the wave also alters. This is described by the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength, given by the equation:

[ v = f \lambda ]

where ( v ) is the wave speed, ( f ) is the frequency, and ( \lambda ) is the wavelength. When a wave enters a medium in which it travels faster or slower, with the frequency remaining constant, the wavelength must adjust to accommodate the new speed.

This means that while the frequency of the wave remains unchanged when it moves into a new medium, the wavelength will change. Therefore, the alteration of wavelength is the characteristic property of waves as they transition between different media.

In contrast, it is not correct to say that their speed remains constant, as it varies with media. The frequency of the wave does not change as it crosses into different media; this remains constant. Lastly, while energy conservation applies broadly, the mere passing of waves from one medium to another does not guarantee that energy is conserved in a way that is particularly relevant to