Wave Speed Physics Example 5

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Example 5

medium
A sound wave has frequency 440 Hz and wavelength 0.773 m. Calculate the speed of sound.

Solution

  1. 1
    Recall the wave equation: v=fλv = f \lambda, where vv is wave speed, ff is frequency, and λ\lambda is wavelength.
  2. 2
    Substitute the given values: v=440×0.773v = 440 \times 0.773.
  3. 3
    Calculate: v=440×0.773=340.12 m/sv = 440 \times 0.773 = 340.12 \text{ m/s}.
  4. 4
    Round appropriately: v340 m/sv \approx 340 \text{ m/s}, which is consistent with the speed of sound in air at room temperature.

Answer

v340 m/sv \approx 340 \text{ m/s}
The wave equation v=fλv = f\lambda connects wave speed, frequency, and wavelength. This relationship holds for all types of waves — sound, light, and water waves. The frequency of 440 Hz corresponds to the musical note A4.

About Wave Speed

Wave speed is the distance a wave pattern travels each second through a medium.

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