The nature of waves and Periodic waves

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the speed and wavelength of a wave based on the motion of a water-skier. The skier moves at 13.3 m/s and experiences wave crests every 6.2 seconds when moving with the wave and every 3.5 seconds when moving against it. The period of the wave is established as 6.2 seconds, leading to the conclusion that the distance between crests, or wavelength (λ), can be calculated using the equations of motion. The solution involves setting up a system of equations to solve for both the wave speed (v) and wavelength (λ).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and periodic waves
  • Familiarity with the equations of motion: v = f * λ, v = d/t
  • Knowledge of frequency and period relationships in wave physics
  • Ability to solve systems of equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study wave speed calculations using the formula v = f * λ
  • Learn how to derive wavelength from wave period and speed
  • Explore the concept of relative motion in wave mechanics
  • Practice solving systems of equations in physics problems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to periodic waves and motion.

harkkam
Messages
25
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A water-skier is moving at a speed of 13.3 m/s. When she skis in the same direction as a traveling wave, she springs upward every 6.2 s because of the wave crests. When she skis in the direction opposite to the direction in which the wave moves, she springs upward every 3.5 s in response to the crests. The speed of the skier is greater than the speed of the wave.

Determine Speed of the wave

Determine Wavelength of wave

Homework Equations



v=f*(lamda)
v=d*t
f= 1/t



The Attempt at a Solution



I know that in 6.2 seconds that he is going from crest to crest of a wave. Which means in 6.2 seconds he is completing one cycle. 6.2 seconds is the Period of the wave. His skier moves at 13.3.

That means that the distance he covers is 6.2*13.3 = 82.46m
This 82.46 m is the distance between two crests or equal to one wavelength.

I get stuck here and I get marked wrong by the online HW website. Plz help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Very tricky business! At least it is motion at constant speed, so we must use
d = vt for the water skier.
In the first case, going from crest to crest, I would say the distance is
λ + 6.2*v, the velocity 13.3 and the time 6.2. Here v is the speed of the wave crests.
If you write another d=vt for the second case, perhaps you can solve the system of two equations for λ and v.
 
But how did you know that the distance the skier covers is (lamda + 6.2*v) Not just lamda. Why is he going something extra.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
31K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K