Calculating Wave Frequency for Boat Moving Westward

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the frequency of ocean waves impacting a boat moving westward, with the waves traveling eastward at a specified speed and distance between crests.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss whether to add or subtract the speeds of the waves and the boat. They explore relative motion through analogies involving cars traveling towards or away from each other.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the concepts of relative speed and motion. Some have provided guidance on how to approach the problem, while others are questioning their understanding of the relationships between the speeds involved.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the application of relative speed concepts, particularly in the context of waves and moving observers. The discussion reflects a mix of correct and uncertain reasoning.

tommyhakinen
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Homework Statement


Ocean waves traveling to the east at speed of 4 m/s. the distance between the crests is 20 m. With what frequency do the waves hit the front of a boat moving westward at a speed of 1 m/s?

2. The attempt at a solution
Does the speed of the wave is added or subtracted from the speed of boat?
 
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tommyhakinen said:
Does the speed of the wave is added or subtracted from the speed of boat?
You're traveling down the road in a car at 30mph, your mate is following in his car and is also traveling at 30mph. What is his speed relative to you?

Now, imagine the same scenario, but this time your mate is driving towards you. Will his speed appear faster or slower to you?
 
in that case, it does not seems to move for me. am i right?
I see.. so, the answer is faster. am i right?
thank you very much..
 
tommyhakinen said:
in that case, it does not seems to move for me. am i right?
I see.. so, the answer is faster. am i right?
thank you very much..
Correct, so if something is moving towards you do you add or subtract the objects speed from yours?
 
i would add it to my speed. so if let say i am not moving, and the object is moving towards me with 1 m/s, it's speed appears to be 1 m/s to me as i am not moving. right?
 
tommyhakinen said:
i would add it to my speed. so if let say i am not moving, and the object is moving towards me with 1 m/s, it's speed appears to be 1 m/s to me as i am not moving. right?
Correct.

So if you are moving at 1m/s and the waves are traveling towards you at 4m/s, what is the waves' speed relative to you?
 
5m/s..
 
tommyhakinen said:
5m/s..
Spot on :approve:
 

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