How to find wavelength of wave?

In summary, Sally creates waves in a backyard pool with a length of 14.5 m at a speed of 6.2 m/s. When she moves the board up and down every 0.64s, Susan observes a wavelength of 3.968 m. When Sally sets up a standing wave with four peaks along the length of the pool, the wavelength is 15.872 m. However, since the pool is only 14.5 m long, this is not possible and the wavelength must be 14.5 m. The period of the standing wave is then calculated to be 2.56s.
  • #1
songminho
10
0

Homework Statement


A backyard pool is 14.5 m long. For fun Sally uses a board to create waves. Sally investigates the effect these waves have on Susan who is floating on another board near the middle of the pool. Sally notices that the waves travel with a speed 6.2 m/s.

a) If Sally moves the board up and down (ie. through one complete oscillation) every 0.64s what wavelength does Susan observe?

b) Sally sets up a standing wave with four peaks along the length of the pool (there is no movement at the two ends of the pool). The wave speed remains the same, what period is Sally moving the board with now?

Homework Equations


f = 1/T
λ = v/f

The Attempt at a Solution


a) λ = v/ 1/T
= 6.2 1/0.64
= 3.968 m (which is correct)
b) Four peaks would mean λ = 3.968 x 4
= 15.872 m
f = 1/T, then T = 1/f
v = fλ and f = v/λ
then T = 1/ v/λ
so, T = 1/ 6.2/15.872
= 2.56s

Would this be correct? Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
songminho said:
b) Four peaks would mean λ = 3.968 x 4
= 15.872 m

..but pool is only 14.5m long. Try drawing the pool and standing wave as described... "four peaks along the length of the pool (there is no movement at the two ends of the pool)"
 
  • #3
Does that mean λ = 14.5m?
 
  • #4
songminho said:
Does that mean λ = 14.5m?
No. That would mean only one peak.
 
  • #5
songminho said:
Does that mean λ = 14.5m?

What does one wavelength look like? A diagram may help shed some light.
 

1. What is a wavelength?

A wavelength is a measure of the distance between two consecutive points on a wave that are in phase, meaning they have the same position in the wave cycle.

2. How is wavelength measured?

Wavelength is typically measured in either meters, centimeters, or nanometers, depending on the scale of the wave. It can be measured using specialized tools such as a spectrometer or by using mathematical equations.

3. What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

The wavelength and frequency of a wave are inversely proportional. This means that as wavelength increases, frequency decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation: wavelength = speed of light / frequency.

4. How does the medium affect the wavelength of a wave?

The medium, or substance, through which a wave travels can affect its wavelength. For example, in denser mediums, such as water, the wavelength of a wave will be shorter compared to in less dense mediums, such as air. This is due to changes in the speed of the wave as it travels through different mediums.

5. What is the significance of finding the wavelength of a wave?

Knowing the wavelength of a wave can provide valuable information about its properties and behavior. It can help determine the type of wave, its speed, and its energy. It is also a crucial factor in many scientific fields such as optics, acoustics, and geology.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
980
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
924
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
882
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
Back
Top