The discussion revolves around wave speed calculations in the context of water waves, specifically focusing on determining the speed of a wave given its wavelength and period, as well as calculating the time required for the wave to travel a certain distance and the distance traveled over a set time period.
Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering guidance on checking calculations and using units to verify results. Some have attempted calculations and are seeking confirmation on their correctness, indicating a productive exchange of ideas.
There is a recurring emphasis on ensuring that units are consistent throughout the calculations, and some participants express uncertainty about their approaches to the latter parts of the problem.
The equation says to divide, but you multiplied.Sace Ver said:
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)...
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)...
Sace Ver 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?Sace Ver said:
Sace Ver said:
Not sure if I did this correctly.berkeman said:
Looks good to me. See how carrying units along in the equations helps to keep things straight?Sace Ver said:
Yess thanks for the helpberkeman said:Looks good to me. See how carrying units along in the equations helps to keep things straight?