Final answer:
To find the period of the tsunami waves, divide the distance between waves (90 miles) by their speed (540 mph). The result is 1/6 hour, which is equivalent to 10 minutes for one complete wave cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the time it takes for the waves of a tsunami to complete one period, we can use the information provided: the waves are 90 miles apart and travel at a speed of 540 miles per hour. The period of a wave is the time it takes for a wave to move a distance equal to one wavelength.
The formula to calculate the time (period) is:
Period (T) = Distance (Wavelength) / Speed
First, we need to convert the speed of the wave into the same unit as the distance between the waves. Since the waves are measured in miles and the speed is given in miles per hour, the units are consistent and conversion is not necessary.
We then use the formula with the given values:
Period (T) = 90 miles / 540 miles per hour = 1/6 hour
To convert hours into minutes, we multiply by 60:
Period (T) = (1/6 hour) * 60 minutes/hour = 10 minutes
So, it takes 10 minutes for the tsunami waves to complete one period.