Wave Speed & Distance: Solving Wave Problems

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving wave problems involving a water wave with a wavelength of 4.4m and a period of 1.5s. The correct speed of the wave is calculated using the formula v = λ/T, resulting in a speed of 2.93m/s after correcting an initial multiplication error. The time required for the wave to travel 100m is determined to be approximately 34.13s, and the distance traveled by the wave in one minute is calculated to be 175.8m. The importance of using units to verify calculations is emphasized throughout the conversation. Overall, the calculations are confirmed to be correct after adjustments.
Sace Ver
Messages
79
Reaction score
2

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).
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman
Back
Top