Everything Science Grade 10

CHAPTER 8. TRANSVERSE WAVES 8.4

λ

λ

Example 2: Wavelength

QUESTION

The total distance between 4 consecutive crests of a transverse wave is 6 m. What

is the wavelength of the wave?

SOLUTION

Step 1:Draw a rough sketch of the situation

6 m

equilibrium

λ λ λ

Step 2:Determine how to approach the problem

From the sketch we see that 4 consecutive crests is equivalent to 3

wavelengths.

Step 3:Solve the problem

Therefore, the wavelength of the wave is:

3 λ = 6m

λ =^63 m

= 2m

Physics: Waves, Sound and Light 145