What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

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In summary, the conversation discusses how to determine the wavelength of a longitudinal wave with a frequency of 6 Hz and a velocity of 2.5 m/s. The formula \lambda \nu = v is used and the relationship between frequency and wavelength is explained. The solution is found to be 0.4167 m using dimensional analysis.
  • #1
coey
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heya,

i'm trying to solve this problem for a prelab question of mine, i think the problem that I've been noticing is that i can't find the right formula which involves all the variables listed... anyway here's the question.

A longitudinal wave with a frequency of 6 Hz takes 1.0 s to travel the length of a 2.5-m Slinky (see Figure). Determine the wavelength of the wave in meters.
m

thanks for your help
 
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  • #2
I think just use dimensional analysis.

The wave travels 2.5 m in 1.0 s so its velocity is 2.5 m/s. Divide this by 6 Hz (s^-1) and get 0.4167 m.

Formula might be [itex]\lambda \nu = v [/itex] .
 
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  • #3
Do you know the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

hint: -----> http://hubblesite.org/reference_desk/faq/answer.php.id=72&cat=light

it may not be clear but their equation actually reads: [tex] \lambda\nu = v [/tex] the [tex] \nu [/tex] is the greek letter nu.

Once you know the relationship, you have all the elements to find the wavelength..

edit: looks like QM already posted a solution. I was trying to help you figure it out yourself.
 
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