Wavelength Physics Example 3

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 3

easy
A water wave has a wavelength of 3 m3 \text{ m} and a period of 1.5 s1.5 \text{ s}. What is the wave speed?

Solution

  1. 1
    Frequency: f=1T=11.5≈0.667 Hzf = \frac{1}{T} = \frac{1}{1.5} \approx 0.667 \text{ Hz}.
  2. 2
    Wave speed: v=fλ=0.667×3=2 m/sv = f\lambda = 0.667 \times 3 = 2 \text{ m/s}

Answer

v=2 m/sv = 2 \text{ m/s}
Wave speed can be found from wavelength and period (or frequency). The period is the time for one complete cycle.

About Wavelength

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive identical points on a wave, such as from one peak to the next peak or one trough to.

Learn more about Wavelength →

More Wavelength Examples

Example 1 easy

A wave has a speed of [formula] and a frequency of [formula]. What is the wavelength?

Example 2 medium

Red light has a wavelength of [formula] in a vacuum. What is its frequency? Use [formula].

Example 4 medium

A sound wave has frequency 440 Hz and travels at 343 m/s. Find the wavelength.

Example 5 medium

A radio station broadcasts at [formula]. What is the wavelength of the signal? Use [formula].

← All Wavelength Examples Wavelength Concept

Related Concepts

WavesFrequencyWave Speed