Speed of a Wave: Solve for V in 4.6m and 7.4s

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SUMMARY

The speed of a wave can be calculated using the formula v = λf, where λ is the wavelength and f is the frequency. In this discussion, a person fishing from a pier observes five wave crests passing in 7.4 seconds, with a distance of 4.6 meters between successive crests. The correct calculation reveals that there are four wavelengths between the first and fifth crest, leading to a period T of 1.85 seconds. Consequently, the frequency f is calculated as 0.5403 Hz, resulting in a wave speed v of 2.48 m/s.

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  • Understanding of wave properties, including wavelength and frequency
  • Familiarity with the formulas f = 1/T and v = λf
  • Basic knowledge of time measurement in physics
  • Ability to interpret wave diagrams and identify crests
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Homework Statement


A person fishing from a pier observes that five wave crests pass by in 7.4 s and estimates the distance between two successive crests to be 4.6 m. The timing starts with the first crest and ends with the fifth. What is the speed of the wave?



Homework Equations


f=1/T
v=λf

The Attempt at a Solution


I solved for the period first, so in 7.4 sec there was 5 waves. T=1.48
f=1/T=.6757
v=λf=4.6*(.6757)=3.11 m/s

I know my error has to do wit that sentence, "The timing starts with the first crest and ends with the fifth," but I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.
 
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Draw a sketch of a wave and number the crests 1 through 5. How many wavelengths are contained between 1 and 5?
 
There are 4 wavelengths.
 
Good. So what should the period T actually be?
 

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