Determine the wavelength of the wave

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the wavelength of a longitudinal wave with a frequency of 34 Hz that travels through a 2.5 m Slinky in 1.3 seconds. The correct wavelength is determined using the formula λ = v/f, where the wave speed v is calculated as 1.9 m/s. The final wavelength is found to be 0.05 m after performing precise calculations without rounding errors. The initial discrepancies in results were attributed to rounding during calculations.

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Homework Statement


A longitudinal wave with a frequency of 34 Hz takes 1.3 s to travel the length of a 2.5 m Slinky (see Figure 16.3). Determine the wavelength of the wave.
16-3.gif


λ = _______ m

Homework Equations


v = λ f
v = d/t

The Attempt at a Solution


v = d/t
v = 2.5/1.3
v = 1.9

v = λ f
λ = v/f
λ = 1.9/34
λ = .05 m

What did I do wrong?
 
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Try calculating with a little more precision?

I get an answer that is more than 10% from your calculation.
 


LowlyPion said:
Try calculating with a little more precision?

I get an answer that is more than 10% from your calculation.

I guess that was the problem. I did my calculations again without any rounding, and it was marked as correct.

Thank you for your help. It is much appreciated.
 

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