Finding Wavelength and Velocity of an Ocean Wave.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the wavelength and velocity of an ocean wave using known variables: water depth of 300m, frequency of 8 seconds, and amplitude of 3m. The key equation presented is Wavelength (m) X Frequency (s-1) = Velocity (m/s). To find the wavelength, the relationship λ = v/f can be utilized, where v is the velocity and f is the frequency. However, the solution requires numerical methods due to the presence of two unknowns.

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Homework Statement



Find Wavelength and Velocity of an Ocean Wave.

Known Variables:
Water Depth=300m
Frequency=8secs
Amplitude=3m


Homework Equations


Wavelength (m) X Frequency (s-1) = velocity (m/s)
ocwav.gif

v=velocity

The Attempt at a Solution



I have 2 missing variables for both of the above equations.
Am I missing a variable or equation?

Thanks.
 

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To find the wavelength of an ocean wave you just need to measure from crest to crest.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
cobrastrike said:
To find the wavelength of an ocean wave u just need to measure from crest to crest.

if only that were in the given data
 
If you replace \lambda in your equation according to
\lambda = \frac{v}{f} where f is known
you will have an equation with only one unknown, v.
However this equation cannot be solved analytically but only by numerical methods.
 

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