Dealing with wavelengths, frequencies and speed

[msimard8]

Ok, I am working with problems dealing with Speed=(lambda) (frequency).
I have a question in determining whether I am solving these correctly. I sometimes get confused as what the wavelength is.

1. A longitudinal wave with a frequency of 25.0Hz travels along a coil spring. If the distance between successive compressions is 0.500m, what is the speed of the wave.

This is how i solved it. There is no need to show the steps because my question comes just when i frame the problem.

frequency=25.0hz
speed is unknown
wavelength is 0.500m

My question is would the wavelength be twice as much as the distance between successive compressions, not 0.500m.



2. Twenty five water waves pass your anchored boat in 1.0 min. If the separation between waves is 2.0m, what is the speed of the waves?

This is how I would set up the problem

N=25
t=1 min x 60 seconds = 60 seconds
v = unknown
wavelength is 2.0m

Same question as the first, would the wavelength be 2.0 m or 4.0 m. Because wouldn't the separation between the waves just be a loop.

Thanks

 

[emptymaximum]

wavelength is the distance between 2 successive points on a wave.
i think what is confusing you is the different types of waves. is that right?

you are right about the first one. the distance between compressions is every half wavelength. do you know why?

for the second one, a wavelength is the distance bewteen crests (actually any two successive points on a wave). do you know why?

 

[msimard8]

Thanks a lot

 

[emptymaximum]

if you don't understand the difference you're going to have this problem again. and again. and probably some more after that.

 

[DaveC426913]

You're saying that the wavelength of the compression wave is 1.0m? Not 0.5m?