Final answer:
The frequency of a periodic wave with a wavelength of 0.500 m and a speed of 20.0 m/s is 40 Hz.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the frequency of a periodic wave, we can use the formula:
frequency (f) = speed (v) / wavelength (λ).
Given that the wavelength is 0.500 m and the speed of the wave is 20.0 m/s, we can plug these values into the formula to find the frequency:
f = 20.0 m/s / 0.500 m = 40 Hz.
Therefore, the frequency of the wave is 40 Hz. The frequency of a periodic wave refers to the number of complete cycles it undergoes in one second. It is a fundamental property of waves and is typically measured in hertz (Hz). In the formula, f is the frequency, v is the speed of the wave, and lambda is the wavelength. As per the formula, an increase in speed or a decrease in wavelength leads to a higher frequency. Understanding the frequency of a periodic wave is crucial in various scientific and technological applications, including telecommunications, acoustics, and electromagnetic radiation analysis.