Question

A transverse wave is traveling through a canal. If the distance between two successive crests is 2.37 m and four crests of the wave pass a buoy along the direction of travel every 22.6 s, determine the following.

(a) frequency of the wave. Hz
(b) speed at which the wave is traveling through the canal. m/s

Answer 1

(a) 0.0885 Hz

(b) 0.21 m/s

Step-by-step explanation:

(a) Frequency: This can be defined as the number of cycle completed in one seconds.

From the question,

Note: 2 crest = one cycle,

If four crest = 22.6 s,

Then two crest = (22.6/2) s

= 11.3 s.

T = 11.3 s

But,

F = 1/T

F = 1/11.3

F = 0.0885 Hz.

(b)

Using,

V = λF...................... Equation 1

Where V = speed of wave, F = Frequency of wave, λ = wave length.

Given: F = 0.0885 Hz, λ = 2.37 m.

Substitute these values into equation 1

V = 2.37(0.0885)

V = 0.21 m/s.