Calculating frequency and wavelength off of a graph

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating frequency and wavelength from a provided graph depicting wave behavior. Participants are exploring the relationship between the number of waves, time, frequency, and wavelength in the context of wave mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss counting waves and dividing by time to find frequency, with one suggesting a calculation of 4 waves over 10 seconds yielding a frequency of 0.4 Hz. There is also an exploration of using known wave velocity to find wavelength, leading to questions about the plausibility of the resulting values.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing calculations and questioning the validity of the results. There is an acknowledgment of the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and wave velocity, but no consensus has been reached regarding the accuracy of the calculated wavelength.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the graph's representation of waves at a single location and the velocity of the wave as 12 m/s, which influences their calculations and interpretations.

Havenater23
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Homework Statement



http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc285/havenater23/RIP.jpg?t=1301441030

I've been trying out things on this problem, I really need some help. I tried finding the frequency by counting the waves and dividing it by the seconds it takes through the waves. EX : 4 (Waves)/ 11.2 (Secs). Then after that using the period to find frequency, then with the solved for I can find the wavelength. I don't know if I am right though, please help
-Thanks

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Havenater23 said:

Homework Statement



http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc285/havenater23/RIP.jpg?t=1301441030

I've been trying out things on this problem, I really need some help. I tried finding the frequency by counting the waves and dividing it by the seconds it takes through the waves. EX : 4 (Waves)/ 11.2 (Secs). Then after that using the period to find frequency, then with the solved for I can find the wavelength. I don't know if I am right though, please help
-Thanks
On that graph, 4 "waves" (or full periods) takes about 10 seconds. Dividing 4 by that time will give you frequency, as you said.

After you get frequency, I don't know if you are doing it correctly unless you show your calculations.
 
Okay, well if you take 4/10 you get like 0.4 hz then.
Since you know the velocity = 12 m/s and you know the frequency then you can find the wavelength. The only thing is , you get an answer of like 30 m. If you look at that graph I find that almost impossible to correspond.
 
Havenater23 said:
Okay, well if you take 4/10 you get like 0.4 hz then.
Since you know the velocity = 12 m/s and you know the frequency then you can find the wavelength. The only thing is , you get an answer of like 30 m. If you look at that graph I find that almost impossible to correspond.
Why?

The graph is at a single location.

The wave velocity is 12m/s., so in a time of 10 seconds, a wave travels 120 meters.

The graph tells you that 4 waves pass by in a time of 10 seconds.

Put those together, and 4 waves span a distance of 120 meters.
 

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