Question

What is the period of a water wave if 4.0

complete waves pass a fixed point in 10. seconds?
(1) 0.25 s (3) 2.5 s
(2) 0.40 s (4) 4.0 s

Answer 1

We are told that 4.0 complete waves pass a fixed point in 10 seconds. Using these data, we can find the frequency of the wave, which is given by the number of complete cycles per second:

`f=(N)/(t)=(4)/(10 s)=0.4 Hz`

Now we can find the period of the wave, which is the reciprocal of the frequency:

`T=(1)/(f)=(1)/(0.4 s)=2.5 Hz`

So, the correct answer is (3) 2.5 s.

Answer 2

Period = 10 seconds / 4 waves

Period = 2.5 seconds