How do I determine the wavespeed from given frequency and wavelenght?

The wavelenght of a periodic wave is 0,5m. If the frequency of this wave is s^{-1} , determine the wavespeed.

I'm having trouble with this question :)

2 Answers
Feb 24, 2018

v = 0.5 m/s

Explanation:

The formula that relates wavespeed, frequency, and wavelength is
v = lambda*f
where v is wavespeed, lambda is wavelength, and f is frequency.

lambda is in units of meters and frequency is typically in units of Hz. (But Hz is equivalent to s^-1 or 1/s.) So v is in units of m/s.

When you gave the data, did you mean that the frequency of this wave is 1 s^-1 (which would be equivalent to saying frequency is 1 Hz). I will assume that.

v = lambda*f = 0.5 m*1 s^-1 = 0.5 m/s
I hope this helps,
Steve

Feb 25, 2018

v=flamda

Explanation:

You forgot to put a value for the frequency; I'm working with f=1Hz

The Wave Equation is:

v=flamda

Where:

v is velocity m s^-1
f is the frequency in Hz
lamda (pronounced "lamda") is the wavelength in m

Therefore;

v=flamda
v=0.5xx1

v=0.5ms^-1

Where the Wave Equation Comes from

Not essential, but it might help to know where the equation comes from.

v=s/t" " speed=distance/time

Since lamda is the distance travelled, and 1/f is the time it takes to travel there;

v=lamda*1/("1/f")

v=flamda