Crests of an ocean wave pass a pier every $10.0 \mathrm {~s}$ If the waves are moving at $5.6 \mathrm {~m} / \mathrm { s }$ what is the wavelength of the ocean waves?
A)56 m
B)28 m
C)64 m
D)48 m

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The wavelength can be found using the formula for wave speed: $v = f \lambda$, where $v$ is the wave speed, $f$ is the frequency, and $\lambda$ is the wavelength. Given that waves pass every 10.0 s, the frequency is $f = 1/T = 1/10.0 \, \text{s}^{-1} = 0.1 \, \text{Hz}$. With $v = 5.6 \, \text{m/s}$, solving for $\lambda$ gives $\lambda = v / f = 5.6 \, \text{m/s} / 0.1 \, \text{Hz} = 56 \, \text{m}$.

Crests of an Ocean Wave Pass a Pier Every 10.0 s10.0 \mathrm {~s}10.0 s

Crests of an Ocean Wave Pass a Pier Every $10.0 \mathrm {~s}$