How Do You Calculate Wave Speed and Frequency in Water and Sound Waves?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating wave speed and frequency for water and sound waves using specific equations. For water waves traveling 4.4 meters in 1.8 seconds, the speed is determined to be 2.4 m/s, with a period of 0.83 Hz calculated from a 1.2-second oscillation. In a separate scenario, the speed of waves with a wavelength of 6 meters and 14 crests passing in 20 seconds is found to be 4.2 m/s. Additionally, a tuning fork vibrating 192 times in 1.5 seconds yields a frequency of 128 Hz and a period of 0.00781 seconds.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics
  • Familiarity with the equations v = wavelength x frequency and frequency = 1/T
  • Basic knowledge of oscillation periods
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength in different mediums
  • Explore advanced wave phenomena, such as interference and diffraction
  • Learn about sound wave properties and their applications in acoustics
  • Investigate the effects of temperature and pressure on wave speed in water
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching wave mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of wave behavior in various mediums.

ahrog
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Homework Statement


1. Water waves in a lake travel 4.4m in 1.8s. The period of oscillation is 1.2 s.
a) What is the speed of the water waves?
b) What is the period of the water waves?
2. A group of swimmers is resting in the sun on an off-shore raft. They estimate that 2.0m separates a trough and an adjacent crest of the surface waves on the lake. They count 14 crests that pass by the raft in 20s. How fast are the waves moving?
3. a) A tuning fork vibrates 192 times in 1.50 s. What is its frequency?
b) What is it's period?


Homework Equations



v=wavelength x frequency
frequency=1/ T

The Attempt at a Solution


1. a) v=d/t
4.4m/1.8s
=2.4m/s

b) f=1/T
=1/1.2s
=0.83 Hz

2.) v= wf
=(6m)(14 crests/20s)
=4.2m/s

3. a) f=1/T =1/(1.5s/192) = 128Hz
b) T=192vibrations/1.50 seconds
=0.00781 s

I just need someone to check these over, as they are worth a portion of my grade, and I don't want to make stupid mistakes.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Question 1b
They ask for a period.

Question 2
Fourteen crests corresponds to how many wavelengths?
 

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