17. A sound wave travels at a speed of \( 340 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s} \) and has a wavelength of 0.85 meters. What is the frequency of the wave? (Use the wave equation: speed \( = \) frequency \( \times \) wavelength)

To find the frequency of the wave, we can rearrange the wave equation \( \text{speed} = \text{frequency} \times \text{wavelength} \). So, frequency can be calculated as follows: \[ \text{frequency} = \frac{\text{speed}}{\text{wavelength}} \] Substituting the given values: \[ \text{frequency} = \frac{340 \, \text{m/s}}{0.85 \, \text{m}} \approx 400 \, \text{Hz} \] So, the frequency of the wave is approximately 400 Hz. Fun Fact: The human ear can typically hear frequencies between 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. So, a sound wave with a frequency of 400 Hz is well within our hearing range! In real-world applications, this frequency range plays a crucial role in audio technology. For instance, musical notes correspond to specific frequencies, which means the 400 Hz wave is often heard in musical instruments, especially those tuned to certain notes. You might even find it in your favorite songs!