Everything Science Grade 10

8.7 CHAPTER 8. TRANSVERSE WAVES

We call this equation thewave equation. To summarise, we have thatv=λ·fwhere

• v=speed in m·s−^1


• λ=wavelength in m


• f=frequency in Hz

Wave equation

v=f·λ or v=Tλ

Example 4: Speed of a transverse wave I

QUESTION

When a particular string is vibrated at a frequency of 10 Hz, a transverse wave of

wavelength 0,25 m is produced. Determine the speed of the wave as it travels along

the string.

SOLUTION

Step 1:Determine what is given and what is required

• frequency of wave:f=10 Hz


• wavelength of wave:λ=0,25 m

We are required to calculate the speed of the wave as it travels along

the string.

All quantities are in SI units.

Step 2:Determine how to approach the problem

We know that the speed of a wave is:

v=f·λ

and we are given all the necessary quantities.

Step 3:Substituting in the values

150 Physics: Waves, Sound and Light