How do you find frequency given this wave graph?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around interpreting a wave graph to determine frequency and wavelength. Participants express confusion regarding the graph's format, which displays displacement against time rather than the more common displacement against distance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to understand how to extract wavelength from a graph that presents displacement versus time. Questions arise about the relationship between frequency and wavelength, particularly in the absence of wave speed information.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights regarding the relationship between frequency and wavelength, noting that wavelength cannot be determined without knowing the wave speed. Others have started to calculate frequency based on observed time intervals, although there is no consensus on the interpretation of the graph.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of information regarding the speed of the wave, which is crucial for calculating wavelength. Participants are also navigating the implications of the graph's format on their understanding of wave properties.

cmkc109
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Homework Statement



How do you find wavelength given this wave graph? [ignore my title please]

Homework Equations



c= (wavelength)(frequency)

The Attempt at a Solution



I always see displacement (y) vs distance (x) graph, but this one is displacement (x) vs t

I'm kinda confused how you solve for the wavelength

can someone help me with interpreting this graph?

I know the question is asking for frequency, but is it possible to figure out the wavelength given this graph?
 

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cmkc109 said:

Homework Statement



How do you find wavelength given this wave graph? [ignore my title please]

Homework Equations



c= (wavelength)(frequency)

The Attempt at a Solution



I always see displacement (y) vs distance (x) graph, but this one is displacement (x) vs t

I'm kinda confused how you solve for the wavelength

can someone help me with interpreting this graph?

I know the question is asking for frequency, but is it possible to figure out the wavelength given this graph?

The problem asks the frequency. You get the wavelength if you know the speed of the wave in that medium, but it is not given.

ehild
 
ehild said:
The problem asks the frequency. You get the wavelength if you know the speed of the wave in that medium, but it is not given.

ehild



ok thanks
 
cmkc109 said:

Homework Statement



How do you find wavelength given this wave graph? [ignore my title please]


Homework Equations



c= (wavelength)(frequency)


The Attempt at a Solution



I always see displacement (y) vs distance (x) graph, but this one is displacement (x) vs t

I'm kinda confused how you solve for the wavelength

can someone help me with interpreting this graph?

I know the question is asking for frequency, but is it possible to figure out the wavelength given this graph?
attachment.php?attachmentid=58092&d=1366605292.png

You can't solve for wavelength.

The particle moves back and forth periodically. What's the period of that motion?
 
I got the answer.
1 wave is 0.05 sec

frequency is the the number of cycles per sec
so here 1 cycle / 0.05 sec
so 1 sec/ 0.05 = 20
 
cmkc109 said:
I got the answer.
1 wave is 0.05 sec

frequency is the the number of cycles per sec
so here 1 cycle / 0.05 sec
so 1 sec/ 0.05 = 20

What units ?
 

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