Question

Wind gusts create ripples on the ocean that have a wavelength of 3.03 cm and propagate at 3.37 m/s. What is their frequency (in Hz)?

Answer 1

Their frequency is 111.22 Hz

Step-by-step explanation:

Wavelength is the minimum distance between two successive points on the wave that are in the same state of vibration and is expressed in units of length (m).

Frequency is the number of vibrations that occur in a unit of time. Its unit is s⁻¹ or hertz (Hz).

The propagation speed of a wave is the quantity that measures the speed at which the wave's disturbance propagates throughout its displacement. The speed at which the wave propagates depends on both the type of wave and the medium through which it propagates. Relate wavelength (λ) and frequency (f) inversely proportional using the following equation:

v = f * λ.

Then the frequency can be calculated as: f=v÷λ

In this case:

• λ=3.03 cm=0.0303 m (1m=100 cm)
• v= 3.37 m/s

Replacing:

`f=(3.37 (m)/(s) )/(0.0303 m)`

Solving:

f=111.22 Hz

Their frequency is 111.22 Hz