Calculating Wave Velocity with Frequency and Amplitude

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To calculate wave velocity, the wave equation v = fλ requires both frequency and wavelength, making it impossible to determine velocity with only frequency and amplitude provided. The discussion highlights confusion between wavelength and period, clarifying that wavelength is a spatial measurement while period is a temporal one, related through wave speed. The specific problem involves a transverse wave with an amplitude of 13 cm and a frequency of 5.00 Hz, but lacks sufficient information for a complete solution. While part a regarding wave velocity cannot be answered, part b concerning the distance traveled by a particle over 3 seconds is deemed solvable. The conversation emphasizes the need for additional details, such as mass density or resonance conditions, to accurately address the problem.
lightfire22000
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Anyone know how to calculate the wave velocity if you know the frecuency, but not the wavelength? We were also given the amplitude.
 
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Wave velocity of what? The wave equation is v = f \lambda, so unless you have other information you won't be able to find the speed. (Amplitude won't help.) What's the exact problem?
 
A transverse wave, with amplitude 13 cm, and frecuency of 5.00 Hz...No wavelength mentioned.
a) Find the velocity of the wave.
b)Find the total distance traveled by a particle on the wave after 3 seconds.

How come the wavelength isn't the period of the function, or the reciporacal of the frecuency?
 
lightfire22000 said:
A transverse wave,
Of what? A wave on a stretched string?
a) Find the velocity of the wave.
b)Find the total distance traveled by a particle on the wave after 3 seconds.
I don't see enough info to answer part a, but b seems doable.

How come the wavelength isn't the period of the function, or the reciporacal of the frecuency?
Wavelength is a length, period is a time. How can they be the same? (They are related by wave speed, given by the wave equation.) Period is the reciprical of frequency.
 
Be more careful in your reading of the problem ...
they're probably trying to ask about (or tell you about)
the maximum speed or acceleration of a PIECE of the STRING.
Do they tell you that the string is in resonance? mass density?
 

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