Final answer:
The period of the wave is 4.0 seconds and the frequency is 0.25 Hz. The amplitude is given as 0.20 m. To calculate velocity, the wavelength is needed from a y vs. x graph, then use the formula v = fλ.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to determining the characteristics of a periodic mechanical wave using a graphical representation. Given the description, the period (T) of the wave is 4.0 seconds, as indicated by the graph where it shows the medium oscillates back and forth from +0.20 m to -0.20 m every 4.00 seconds. To determine the frequency (f) of the wave, we use the relationship between the period and frequency which is f = 1/T. Therefore, for a wave with a period of 4.0 s, the frequency is f = 1/4.0 s = 0.25 Hz.
The amplitude of the wave is the maximum absolute value of the displacement, which in this case is 0.20 m. The velocity (v) of the wave can be calculated if we have the wavelength (λ), which can be found in a different graph of y vs. x. Given the wavelength, the velocity is then calculated using v = fλ.