Water Wave Problem: Calculating Fraction, Period & Frequency

[metalmagik]

The time needed for a water wave to change from the equilibrium level to the crest is 0.18 secs
a. What fraction of a wavelength is this?
b. What is the period of the wave?
c. What is the frequency of the wave?

This is more advanced than anything we've learned with waves as of yet. And it's for homework. Any hints and advice to get this started would be GREATLY appreciated.

 

[Doc Al]

Start by reading this: http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/waves/U10L2a.html.

 

[kyle8921]

I would approach this problem by first defining the terms involved. A water wave is a disturbance in the surface of water that travels through the medium. The wavelength of a wave is the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs. The period of a wave is the time it takes for one complete wavelength to pass a fixed point. The frequency of a wave is the number of complete wavelengths passing a fixed point in one second.

a. To calculate the fraction of a wavelength, we need to know the wavelength of the wave. This information is not provided in the given problem, so we cannot determine the fraction at this time.

b. The period of the wave can be calculated using the given information. We know that the time taken for one complete wavelength is 0.18 seconds. Therefore, the period can be calculated as 0.18 seconds.

c. The frequency of the wave can also be calculated using the given information. We know that the time taken for one complete wavelength is 0.18 seconds. This means that in one second, there will be 1/0.18 = 5.56 complete wavelengths passing a fixed point. Therefore, the frequency of the wave is 5.56 Hz (Hertz).

To further solve this problem, we would need to have more information, such as the speed of the wave or the wavelength. Without this additional information, we cannot fully determine the properties of the wave. In general, it is important to have all the necessary information before attempting to solve a scientific problem. I would suggest conducting further research or consulting with a teacher or mentor for guidance on how to approach this problem.