The nature of waves and Periodic waves

In summary, a water-skier is moving at a speed of 13.3 m/s and springs upward every 6.2 s when skiing in the same direction as a traveling wave and every 3.5 s when skiing in the opposite direction. The speed of the skier is greater than the speed of the wave. To determine the speed of the wave, we can use the equation v=f*(lamda) and the fact that in 6.2 seconds, the skier completes one cycle. Therefore, the distance the skier covers is 6.2*13.3 = 82.46m, which is equal to one wavelength. To solve for the speed of the wave, we can use the equation
  • #1
harkkam
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Homework Statement



A water-skier is moving at a speed of 13.3 m/s. When she skis in the same direction as a traveling wave, she springs upward every 6.2 s because of the wave crests. When she skis in the direction opposite to the direction in which the wave moves, she springs upward every 3.5 s in response to the crests. The speed of the skier is greater than the speed of the wave.

Determine Speed of the wave

Determine Wavelength of wave

Homework Equations



v=f*(lamda)
v=d*t
f= 1/t



The Attempt at a Solution



I know that in 6.2 seconds that he is going from crest to crest of a wave. Which means in 6.2 seconds he is completing one cycle. 6.2 seconds is the Period of the wave. His skier moves at 13.3.

That means that the distance he covers is 6.2*13.3 = 82.46m
This 82.46 m is the distance between two crests or equal to one wavelength.

I get stuck here and I get marked wrong by the online HW website. Plz help
 
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  • #2
Very tricky business! At least it is motion at constant speed, so we must use
d = vt for the water skier.
In the first case, going from crest to crest, I would say the distance is
λ + 6.2*v, the velocity 13.3 and the time 6.2. Here v is the speed of the wave crests.
If you write another d=vt for the second case, perhaps you can solve the system of two equations for λ and v.
 
  • #3
But how did you know that the distance the skier covers is (lamda + 6.2*v) Not just lamda. Why is he going something extra.
 

What is a wave?

A wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium, transferring energy from one point to another without permanently displacing the medium itself. Waves can take many forms, such as sound waves, light waves, water waves, and seismic waves.

What is the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves?

Longitudinal waves are waves in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave's motion. Examples include sound waves and seismic waves. Transverse waves are waves in which the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave's motion. Examples include light waves and water waves.

How is the speed of a wave determined?

The speed of a wave is determined by the properties of the medium through which it is traveling. In general, waves travel faster through denser mediums and slower through less dense mediums. The speed of a wave is also affected by the frequency and wavelength of the wave.

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Frequency and wavelength are inversely proportional to each other. This means that as the frequency of a wave increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the wave equation: v = fλ, where v is the wave speed, f is the frequency, and λ is the wavelength.

What is a periodic wave?

A periodic wave is a type of wave that repeats itself over a certain period of time. This means that the waveform looks the same at regular intervals, and the frequency and wavelength remain constant. Examples of periodic waves include sound waves, light waves, and water waves.

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