Speed of Water Wave: Frequency & Wavelength

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength in water waves as the depth of water changes. It is established that when the depth of water increases, the speed of the wave also increases, while the frequency remains largely unchanged. Consequently, the wavelength increases as a result of the increased speed. This relationship is crucial for understanding wave behavior in varying water depths.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics
  • Knowledge of the wave equation: speed = frequency × wavelength
  • Familiarity with concepts of water wave propagation
  • Basic physics principles related to fluid dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of water depth on wave speed in different mediums
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of the wave equation
  • Study the transition of waves from deep to shallow water
  • Investigate real-world applications of wave behavior in oceanography
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Students and professionals in physics, oceanography, and engineering who are interested in the dynamics of water waves and their properties in varying conditions.

Frasch
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If the depth of water increases, and it's speed of a wave in that water also increases as a result, what happens to the frequency and wavelength of that wave? Would the frequency remain the same and the wavelength increase?
 
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Would the frequency remain the same and the wavelength increase?
Yes.

... here the ripples are moving from deep to shallow water for the opposite effect.
(On reflection this is a poor example - I'll look for a better one.)
You can clearly see that the wavelength changes - a bit more effort should verify that the frequency is pretty-much unchanged.


... this guy is boring and a bit lax so just skip forward to 3:54
 
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