Wave speed, wavelength, & frequency

Front

What is wave speed?

Back

Wave speed is the distance traveled by a wave in a given amount of time, typically measured in meters per second (m/s).

Front

What is the formula to calculate wave speed?

Back

Wave speed (v) = Wavelength (λ) × Frequency (f).

Front

Define wavelength.

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points in phase on a wave, such as crest to crest or trough to trough, usually measured in meters.

Front

Define frequency.

Back

Frequency is the number of complete waves that pass a given point in one second, measured in hertz (Hz).

Front

How does the density of a medium affect wave speed?

Back

Mechanical waves travel faster in more dense media because the particles are closer together, allowing for quicker energy transfer.

Front

What happens to wavelength when frequency increases?

Back

As frequency increases, wavelength decreases, demonstrating an indirect relationship.

Front

Calculate the speed of a wave with a frequency of 50 Hz and a wavelength of 10 m.

Back

Speed = Frequency × Wavelength = 50 Hz × 10 m = 500 m/s.

Front

What is the speed of a sound wave with a frequency of 250 Hz and a wavelength of 8 m?

Back

Speed = Frequency × Wavelength = 250 Hz × 8 m = 2000 m/s.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

Back

Frequency and wavelength are inversely related; as one increases, the other decreases.

Front

If a wave has a frequency of 600 Hz, what is its wavelength if the speed is 12 m/s?

Back

Wavelength = Speed / Frequency = 12 m/s / 600 Hz = 0.02 m.