Wave Speed & Distance: Solving Wave Problems

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving wave problems involving a water wave with a wavelength of 4.4 meters and a period of 1.5 seconds. The correct speed of the wave is calculated using the formula v = λ/T, resulting in a speed of 2.93 m/s after correcting an initial multiplication error. The time required for the wave to travel 100 meters is determined to be 34.13 seconds, and the distance traveled by the wave in one minute is calculated to be 175.8 meters. The importance of unit consistency in calculations is emphasized throughout the discussion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave properties, specifically wavelength and period
  • Familiarity with the formula v = λ/T for wave speed calculation
  • Basic knowledge of distance, speed, and time relationships
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and dimensional analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between wave speed, wavelength, and frequency
  • Learn how to apply the distance formula d = vt in various contexts
  • Explore the concept of wave energy and its dependence on speed and wavelength
  • Investigate real-world applications of wave mechanics in physics and engineering
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching wave mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of wave behavior and calculations.

Sace Ver
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Homework Statement


The wavelength of a water wave is 4.4m and it's period is 1.5s.
(a) what is the speed of the wave.
(b) the time required for the wave to travel 100m.
(c) the distance traveled by the wave in 1min.

Homework Equations


v=λ/T

The Attempt at a Solution


(a) v=λ/T
v= 4.4m x 1.5s
v= 6.6m/s

Not sure how to complete questions (a) and (b).
 
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Sace Ver said:

Homework Statement


The wavelength of a water wave is 4.4m and it's period is 1.5s.
(a) what is the speed of the wave.
(b) the time required for the wave to travel 100m.
(c) the distance traveled by the wave in 1min.

Homework Equations


v=λ/T

The Attempt at a Solution


(a) v=λ/T
v= 4.4m x 1.5s
v= 6.6m/s

Not sure how to complete questions (a) and (b).
The equation says to divide, but you multiplied.

Use the units to check your calculations. velocity is in m/s, wavelength is in m, and the period is in units of seconds. The units have to work out, or you have made a math error (like multiplying instead of dividing)... :smile:
 
berkeman said:
The equation says to divide, but you multiplied.

Use the units to check your calculations. velocity is in m/s, wavelength is in m, and the period is in units of seconds. The units have to work out, or you have made a math error (like multiplying instead of dividing)... :smile:
Oops will fix right now.
 
berkeman said:
The equation says to divide, but you multiplied.

Use the units to check your calculations. velocity is in m/s, wavelength is in m, and the period is in units of seconds. The units have to work out, or you have made a math error (like multiplying instead of dividing)... :smile:

Okay I got 2.93m/s. What I me
Sace Ver said:

Homework Statement


The wavelength of a water wave is 4.4m and it's period is 1.5s.
(a) what is the speed of the wave.
(b) the time required for the wave to travel 100m.
(c) the distance traveled by the wave in 1min.

Homework Equations


v=λ/T

The Attempt at a Solution


(a) v=λ/T
v= 4.4m x 1.5s
v= 6.6m/s

Not sure how to complete questions (a) and (b).

I meant to say not sure how to solve (b) and (c).
 
Sace Ver said:
I meant to say not sure how to solve (b) and (c).
You just need the equation relating distance, speed and time. Use units to help you figure out the equation. What are the units of distance, speed and time? What equations can you write with those quantities so that the units are the same on both sides of the = sign?
 
Sace Ver said:

Homework Statement


The wavelength of a water wave is 4.4m and it's period is 1.5s.
(a) what is the speed of the wave.
(b) the time required for the wave to travel 100m.
(c) the distance traveled by the wave in 1min.

Homework Equations


v=λ/T

The Attempt at a Solution


(a) v=λ/T
v= 4.4m x 1.5s
v= 6.6m/s

Not sure how to complete questions (a) and (b).

If I'm walking down a road at 2 m/s, how long does it take me to walk 100 m? How far do I walk in 1 minute?
 
berkeman said:
You just need the equation relating distance, speed and time. Use units to help you figure out the equation. What are the units of distance, speed and time? What equations can you write with those quantities so that the units are the same on both sides of the = sign?
Not sure if I did this correctly.

(a) v=λ/T
v= 4.4/1.5
v= 2.93m/s

(b)t=d/v
t= 100m/2.93m/s
t= 34.13s

(c) d=vt
d= (2.93m/s)(60s)
d= 175.8m

Did I do it correctly?
 
Sace Ver said:
Not sure if I did this correctly.

(a) v=λ/T
v= 4.4/1.5
v= 2.93m/s

(b)t=d/v
t= 100m/2.93m/s
t= 34.13s

(c) d=vt
d= (2.93m/s)(60s)
d= 175.8m

Did I do it correctly?
Looks good to me. See how carrying units along in the equations helps to keep things straight? :smile:
 
berkeman said:
Looks good to me. See how carrying units along in the equations helps to keep things straight? :smile:
Yess thanks for the help
 
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