Calculating Wave Frequency in 1 min: 8.0m & 2.0m/s

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the frequency of water waves given a wavelength of 8.0m and a speed of 2.0m/s, specifically determining how many waves pass a fixed point in one minute.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength, with some attempting to clarify how to calculate frequency and the number of waves over a specified time.

Discussion Status

Several participants have offered insights into the calculation of frequency and the conversion of time units, while others express confusion regarding the correct values to use in their calculations. The discussion is ongoing with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply.

BarCode
Messages
12
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



The wavelength of a water wave is 8.0m and its speed is 2.0m/s. How many waves will pass a pixed point in the water in 1.0min?

Homework Equations



V =f(lambda)

The Attempt at a Solution



As far as I got was that 1.0 min = 60 seconds. From there, I am totally lost.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Frequency measures the number of waves that pass a fixed point per unit time. Does that help any?
 
F = 1/T, which is all I know.
 
Well if you can work out the frequency which tells you how many waves pass a point per second then you can use that to work out how many waves pass in a certain number of seconds.
 
I get confused as to how to know which number to use for the denominator.
 
What is the frequency first of all?
 
F = 1/T
T = P = 8.0m / 2.0s = 4s

F = 1/4
 
so if one quarter of a wave passes a fixed point every second, how many pass that fixed point in 60 seconds?
 
60/4
= 15 waves in 60 seconds.
 
  • #10
That looks fine to me.
 

Similar threads

Frequency of Reflected Underwater Sound Wave
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
I'm getting two possible uncertainties for frequency
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Frequency and wavelength of a wave on a vertical rope
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Frequency and wavelength of vertical string wave
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
What is the frequency of a longitudinal wave in terms of distance and speed?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Resonant Lengths in open air column question
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Frequency of a wave at resonance
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Find two lowest frequencies standing wave
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K
Find wavelength, frequency and speed of a wave,
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
Superposition of two one-dimensional harmonic waves
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K