Chapter 16: Problem 14
Find the wavelength of a wave traveling at \(2.68 \times 10^{6} \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\) with a period of \(0.0125 \mathrm{~s} .\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The wavelength is \(3.35 \times 10^{4} \; \text{m}\).
Step by step solution
01
Write out known values
First, identify the given information in the exercise. The speed of the wave is given as \(v = 2.68 \times 10^{6} \; \text{m/s}\) and the period is \(T = 0.0125\; \text{s}\).
02
Recall the relationship between speed, wavelength, and period
The relationship between the speed \(v\), wavelength \(\lambda\), and period \(T\) of a wave is given by the formula: \[ v = \lambda \times f \]where \(f\) is the frequency. Since \(f = \frac{1}{T}\), substituting for \(f\) gives us:\[ v = \lambda \times \frac{1}{T} \] or equivalently \[ \lambda = v \times T \].
03
Calculate wavelength using the formula
Substitute the known values into the wavelength formula to find \(\lambda\):\[ \lambda = (2.68 \times 10^{6} \; \text{m/s}) \times 0.0125 \; \text{s} \].Perform the multiplication:\[ \lambda = 3.35 \times 10^{4} \; \text{m} \].
04
Write the final result
Conclude that the wavelength of the wave is \(3.35 \times 10^{4} \; \text{m}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Wave Speed
Wave speed is a key concept when studying how waves travel through different mediums. It tells us how fast a wave propagates through a medium and is usually measured in meters per second (m/s).
To calculate wave speed, you need to consider two aspects: the frequency of the wave and its wavelength. The basic formula connecting these is:
In our exercise, the wave speed is given as \(2.68 imes 10^{6} ext{ m/s}\). This information will help us find other properties of the wave, such as its wavelength.
To calculate wave speed, you need to consider two aspects: the frequency of the wave and its wavelength. The basic formula connecting these is:
- \[ v = ext{wavelength} ( \lambda) imes ext{frequency} (f) \]
In our exercise, the wave speed is given as \(2.68 imes 10^{6} ext{ m/s}\). This information will help us find other properties of the wave, such as its wavelength.
Wave Period
The wave period, denoted as \(T\), is the time it takes for a single cycle of the wave to pass a given point. It is often measured in seconds.
The period is closely related to frequency since frequency represents how many waves pass through a point in one second. The two are inversely related:
In our case, the period is given as \(0.0125 ext{ s}\). This will help us calculate the frequency, which is then used to find the wavelength.
The period is closely related to frequency since frequency represents how many waves pass through a point in one second. The two are inversely related:
- The formula to express this relationship is: \[ f = \frac{1}{T} \]
In our case, the period is given as \(0.0125 ext{ s}\). This will help us calculate the frequency, which is then used to find the wavelength.
Frequency Calculation
Calculating the frequency is crucial for solving wave-related physics problems. Frequency, represented by \(f\), tells us how many wave cycles pass through a point in one second. It's measured in Hertz (Hz).
We can calculate frequency if we know the period using the formula:
Knowing frequency allows us to explore and understand more characteristics of the wave, like determining its wavelength using the speed of the wave and the formula \( v = \lambda \times f \).
We can calculate frequency if we know the period using the formula:
- \[ f = \frac{1}{T} \]
Knowing frequency allows us to explore and understand more characteristics of the wave, like determining its wavelength using the speed of the wave and the formula \( v = \lambda \times f \).
Physics Problem Solving
Solving physics problems often requires understanding a few key principles related to the concepts involved. For wave problems, it is often about understanding the interplay between wave speed, period, and frequency.
Here’s a step-by-step strategy for solving these problems:
Here’s a step-by-step strategy for solving these problems:
- Identify what is known:
- Extract given values like speed, period, or frequency from the problem.
- Understand the relationships:
- Recall the core formulas such as \(v = \lambda \times f\) and \(f = \frac{1}{T}\).
- Substitute values:
- Insert the known values into these equations to find unknowns.
- Calculate and conclude:
- Perform calculations step-by-step to arrive at the solution.