What is the relationship between wave speed and frequency?

  • Thread starter Fra Ser Mur Chie
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In summary, the speed of the traveling wave represented by the equation y = 5 sin2π(287.6 * t - x / 186.9) is 8560 m/s. This is calculated by first finding the frequency (nU = 45.80) using the equation nU = W/2pi, where W = 287.6 and then plugging it into the formula for speed C = nU * I, where I = 186.9. However, there may be a need to re-evaluate the value of W or I, as suggested in the conversation. Another way to understand this is by considering the perspective of someone running alongside the wave at its speed, with a constant x
  • #1
Fra Ser Mur Chie
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Homework Statement
A travelling wave is represented by the equation

y = 5 sin2π(287.6 * t - x / 186.9)

All the quantities in this equation are in SI units.

What is the value of the speed of the wave, in m/s?
Relevant Equations
Speed C = nU * I
Frequency nU = W / 2 * pi
Frequency nU = W/2pi

= 287.6/6.28
= 45.796 = 45.80

Speed C = nU * I

= 45.80 * 186.9
= 8560 m/s
 
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  • #2
Fra Ser Mur Chie said:
Homework Statement:: A traveling wave is represented by the equation

y = 5 sin2π(287.6 * t - x / 186.9)

All the quantities in this equation are in SI units.

What is the value of the speed of the wave, in m/s?
Relevant Equations:: Speed C = nU * I
Frequency nU = W / 2 * pi

Frequency nU = W/2pi

= 287.6/6.28
= 45.796 = 45.80

Speed C = nU * I

= 45.80 * 186.9
= 8560 m/s

Are you sure? What is the value of ##w## have if you look more closely?
 
  • #3
Or equivalently, rethink what you used for I.
 
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  • #4
There's an easy way to think about this question. Suppose you were to run alongside the wave at the wave's speed, v, so that the height of the wave looks constant to you. What would your x displacement be at time t? What would the height of the wave be at that x and t combination?
 
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1. What is the speed of a traveling wave?

The speed of a traveling wave is the rate at which the wave's energy moves through a medium. It is often measured in meters per second.

2. How is the speed of a traveling wave calculated?

The speed of a traveling wave can be calculated by dividing the wavelength of the wave by the period, or by multiplying the frequency by the wavelength.

3. Does the speed of a traveling wave depend on the medium it is traveling through?

Yes, the speed of a traveling wave is dependent on the properties of the medium it is traveling through, such as density and elasticity.

4. Can the speed of a traveling wave change?

Yes, the speed of a traveling wave can change if the properties of the medium through which it is traveling change. For example, the speed of sound waves can change in different temperatures or altitudes.

5. How does the speed of a traveling wave affect its wavelength and frequency?

The speed of a traveling wave is directly proportional to its wavelength and inversely proportional to its frequency. This means that as the speed increases, the wavelength also increases while the frequency decreases, and vice versa.

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