What Happens to Wavelength and Wave Speed if Oscillator Period Doubles?

[sphouxay]

Traveling Waves

Homework Statement

If the period of the oscillator doubles, what happens to the wavelength and wave speed?
The wavelength is halved but the wave speed is unchanged.
The wavelength is unchanged but the wave speed doubles.
The wavelength doubles but the wave speed is unchanged.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I believe the wavelength is cut in half but the wave speed is unchanged. Any flaws here guys let me know what anyone thinks. If I was to draw a graph of this the wavelength is the highest point from one to another, or the lowest point from one to another if the period doubles in a frame the wavelength would become narrower indicating it is cut in half. Right?

 

[cepheid]

Write down some mathematical expressions! What is the relationship between wavelength, period, and wave speed? That will determine the answer to your problem.

 

[sphouxay]

Doh, i just needed some basic math for that one thanks for the help, what's the equation for the amplitude using wavelength and wave speed, any ideas?

 

[Adjuster]

The length of a wave is measured out in space, as it advances. It is therefore measured in units of distance.

You are correct to assume that typically, wave speed isn't much dependent on wave length. Such variation can occur, for instance it does explain things like the formation of rainbows, but usually it's on a fairly small scale, not doubling or halving.

The wavelength represents how far the wave advances during its own period. If the period gets longer the wave has more time to advance.

Are you still sure of that answer?

 

[sphouxay]

Yeah, thanks guys the wavelength would double but the speed remains unchanged. That was a duh moment for me. It was just a matter of finding the right equation (speed= wavelength/period) and plugging numbers and formulating. Thanks to everyone who helped me out. I've got more to come some please I am not a physics guru.