Solving Wave Motion: A Water Wave on a Lake

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a wave motion problem involving a water wave described by the equation y(x,t)=(3.75\,\text{cm})\cos(0.450\,\text{cm}^{-1}x+5.40\,\text{s}^{−1}t). The participant correctly calculated the time for one complete wave pattern to pass a stationary observer as t=1.16\,\text{s}. However, they incorrectly derived the wavelength as approximately 1396\,\text{m}, while the correct wavelength is 0.140\,\text{m}. The error stemmed from misinterpreting the wave number conversion from cm-1 to m-1.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave equations and their components
  • Knowledge of angular frequency and wave number
  • Ability to convert units between centimeters and meters
  • Familiarity with the concepts of wavelength and wave speed
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength using the equation v = fλ
  • Learn about unit conversions, specifically between different metric units
  • Explore the implications of wave motion in different mediums
  • Review problem-solving strategies for wave motion in physics textbooks, such as University Physics with Modern Physics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying wave motion in physics, educators teaching wave dynamics, and anyone preparing for physics assessments or exams.

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Homework Statement



A water wave traveling in a straight line on a lake is described by the equation
y(x,t)=(3.75\,\text{cm})\cos(0.450\,\text{cm}^{-1}x+5.40\,\text{s}^{−1}t)
where y is the displacement perpendicular to the undisturbed surface of the lake.

How much time does it take for one complete wave pattern to go past a fisherman in a boat at anchor?

What horizontal distance does the wave crest travel in that time?

Homework Equations



\omega = 2\pi f
k=\frac{2\pi}{\lambda}

The Attempt at a Solution



This is part of an online test we were asked to submit. For the first part I got t=1.16\,\text{s} which was correct. For the second part I got the wavelength as the answer, \lambda = \frac{2\pi}{0.0045} \approx 1396\,\text{m}. However, the online assessment tells me that the correct answer is 0.140\,\text{m}.

Can anyone explain where I went wrong?

(This is also question 15.10 in University Physics with Modern Physics International Edition, 13th Edition, if anyone should happen to have the solution manual to such a thing)
 
Last edited:
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Your error is in converting 0.450cm−1 to m-1. You've handled it as though converting from cm to m.
 

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