Peoples Physics Concepts

11.2 Wave Equation

11.2 Wave Equation

• Use the wave equation to solve problems.

Students will learn how to use the wave equation to solve problems.

Key Equations

T=^1 f Wave period

v=λf Wave velocity

Watch this Explanation

MEDIA

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Guidance

The wave equation is analogous todistance equals rate multiplied by timeequation for one cycle. Here the distance

is a wavelength and the time is the period. We simply divide both sides by the period, to get speed of the wave equals

the wavelength multiplied by one over the period. This is equivalent to wavelength multiplied by frequency, since

frequency equals one of the period by definition.

Example 1

While on vacation in Hawaii you observe waves at the Banzai Pipeline approaching the shore at 6.0 m/s. You also

note that the distance between waves is 28 m. Calculate (a) the frequency of the waves and (b) the period.

Questiona: f=?[Hz]

Given:v= 6. 0 m/s

λ= 28 m

Equation: v=f·λthereforef=vλ

Plug n’ Chug: f=λv=^628.^0 mm/s= 0. 21 Hz

Answer:

0 .21 Hz