Question
upstudy study bank question image url

2.4.2 The speed of the wave
2.2 A certain transverse wave travels at a speed of . The distance between
7 consecutive crests on the wave is 12 cm .
2.2 .1 Define the term wavelength of a wave.
2.2 .2 Determine the wavelength of the wave in metres.
2.2 .3 Calculate the frequency of the wave.

Ask by Cox Erickson. in South Africa
Mar 19,2025

Upstudy AI Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

Wavelength: 0.02 meters
Frequency: 20 Hz

Solution

Let’s solve the problem step by step.

2.2.1 Define the term wavelength of a wave.

Wavelength is defined as the distance between two consecutive points that are in phase on a wave, such as the distance between two consecutive crests or troughs. It is usually denoted by the symbol and is measured in meters (m).

2.2.2 Determine the wavelength of the wave in metres.

We are given that the distance between 7 consecutive crests is 12 cm. To find the wavelength, we need to determine the distance between one crest and the next (which is the wavelength).
Since there are 7 crests, there are 6 wavelengths between them. Therefore, we can calculate the wavelength as follows:
First, we need to convert 12 cm to meters:
Now we can calculate the wavelength:
Let’s calculate this value.
Calculate the value by following steps:
  • step0: Calculate:
  • step1: Convert the expressions:
  • step2: Multiply by the reciprocal:
  • step3: Reduce the numbers:
  • step4: Multiply the fractions:
  • step5: Multiply:

    The wavelength of the wave is:

2.2.3 Calculate the frequency of the wave.

To calculate the frequency of the wave, we can use the wave speed formula:
Where:
  • is the speed of the wave (given as ),
  • is the frequency (which we need to find),
  • is the wavelength (calculated as ).
Rearranging the formula to solve for frequency gives us:
Now we can substitute the known values into the equation:
Let’s calculate the frequency.
Calculate the value by following steps:
  • step0: Calculate:
  • step1: Convert the expressions:
  • step2: Multiply by the reciprocal:
  • step3: Reduce the numbers:
  • step4: Multiply the numbers:

    The frequency of the wave is:

Summary of Results:

  • Wavelength:
  • Frequency:

Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor

error msg
Explain
Simplify this solution

Beyond the Answer

The wavelength of a wave is the distance between two consecutive identical points on the wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough. It’s the measure of the length of one complete wave cycle, giving us crucial information about how the wave behaves as it travels through space.
To find the wavelength, you can divide the total distance between the crests by the number of crests minus one (since you have 7 crests, it’s actually 6 wavelengths). In your case, 12 cm divided by 6 gives you 2 cm. Converting this to meters, the wavelength is 0.02 m. Now, to calculate the frequency, use the formula . With a speed and , the frequency comes out to be 20 Hz!

Related Questions

Latest Physics Questions

Try Premium now!
Try Premium and ask Thoth AI unlimited math questions now!
Maybe later Go Premium
Study can be a real struggle
Why not UpStudy it?
Select your plan below
Premium

You can enjoy

Start now
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • 24/7 expert live tutors
  • Unlimited number of questions
  • No interruptions
  • Full access to Answer and Solution
  • Full Access to PDF Chat, UpStudy Chat, Browsing Chat
Basic

Totally free but limited

  • Limited Solution
Welcome to UpStudy!
Please sign in to continue the Thoth AI Chat journey
Continue with Email
Or continue with
By clicking “Sign in”, you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy