A Periodic Wave With Frequency 30 Hz Has Speed 150 M/s Determine The Wave's Wavelength?
Introduction
In the realm of physics, waves are a fundamental concept that plays a crucial role in understanding various phenomena in the natural world. A periodic wave is a type of wave that oscillates at a fixed frequency, resulting in a repeating pattern of peaks and troughs. In this article, we will delve into the world of periodic waves and explore the relationship between frequency, speed, and wavelength. Specifically, we will determine the wavelength of a periodic wave with a frequency of 30 Hz and a speed of 150 m/s.
The Basics of Periodic Waves
A periodic wave is characterized by its frequency, which is the number of oscillations or cycles per second. The frequency of a wave is typically denoted by the symbol f and is measured in Hertz (Hz). The speed of a wave, on the other hand, is the distance it travels per unit time and is denoted by the symbol v. The speed of a wave is typically measured in meters per second (m/s).
The Relationship Between Frequency, Speed, and Wavelength
The relationship between frequency, speed, and wavelength is governed by the fundamental principle of wave propagation. According to this principle, the speed of a wave is equal to the product of its frequency and wavelength. Mathematically, this can be expressed as:
v = fλ
where v is the speed of the wave, f is its frequency, and λ is its wavelength.
Determining the Wavelength of a Periodic Wave
Now that we have established the relationship between frequency, speed, and wavelength, we can proceed to determine the wavelength of a periodic wave with a frequency of 30 Hz and a speed of 150 m/s. To do this, we can simply rearrange the equation v = fλ to solve for λ:
λ = v / f
Substituting the given values, we get:
λ = 150 m/s / 30 Hz
λ = 5 m
Therefore, the wavelength of the periodic wave is 5 meters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have successfully determined the wavelength of a periodic wave with a frequency of 30 Hz and a speed of 150 m/s. By applying the fundamental principle of wave propagation, we were able to establish the relationship between frequency, speed, and wavelength and solve for the wavelength of the wave. This demonstrates the importance of understanding the relationships between these fundamental physical quantities in the study of wave propagation.
Applications of Wavelength in Real-World Scenarios
The concept of wavelength has numerous applications in real-world scenarios. For instance, in telecommunications, wavelength is a critical parameter in the design of optical communication systems. In medicine, wavelength is used to diagnose and treat various medical conditions, such as cancer. In environmental science, wavelength is used to study the properties of light and its interaction with matter.
Types of Waves and Their Wavelengths
There are several types of waves, each with its unique characteristics and properties. Some of the most common types of waves include:
- Mechanical Waves: These are waves that require a physical medium to propagate, such as sound waves and water waves.
- Electromagnetic Waves: These are waves that do not require a physical medium to propagate, such as light waves and radio waves.
- Transverse Waves: These are waves that oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation, such as light waves and water waves.
- Longitudinal Waves: These are waves that oscillate parallel to the direction of propagation, such as sound waves.
Each type of wave has its unique wavelength, which is determined by its frequency and speed.
Measuring Wavelength in the Laboratory
Measuring wavelength in the laboratory requires a variety of techniques and instruments. Some of the most common methods include:
- Spectroscopy: This involves measuring the wavelength of light emitted or absorbed by a substance.
- Interferometry: This involves measuring the wavelength of light using an interferometer, which splits light into two or more beams that are then recombined to form an interference pattern.
- Diffraction: This involves measuring the wavelength of light using a diffraction grating, which splits light into its component wavelengths.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have explored the concept of wavelength and its relationship to frequency and speed in periodic waves. We have also discussed the various types of waves and their wavelengths, as well as the techniques and instruments used to measure wavelength in the laboratory. By understanding the fundamental principles of wave propagation, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex and fascinating world of waves.
References
- Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2013). Fundamentals of Physics (10th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
- Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for Scientists and Engineers (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Tipler, P. A. (2015). Physics for Scientists and Engineers (6th ed.). W.H. Freeman and Company.
Introduction
In our previous article, we explored the concept of wavelength and its relationship to frequency and speed in periodic waves. We also discussed the various types of waves and their wavelengths, as well as the techniques and instruments used to measure wavelength in the laboratory. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions related to periodic waves and wavelength.
Q&A
Q: What is the relationship between frequency, speed, and wavelength?
A: The relationship between frequency, speed, and wavelength is governed by the fundamental principle of wave propagation. According to this principle, the speed of a wave is equal to the product of its frequency and wavelength. Mathematically, this can be expressed as:
v = fλ
where v is the speed of the wave, f is its frequency, and λ is its wavelength.
Q: How do I determine the wavelength of a periodic wave?
A: To determine the wavelength of a periodic wave, you can use the equation:
λ = v / f
where v is the speed of the wave, f is its frequency, and λ is its wavelength.
Q: What is the difference between wavelength and frequency?
A: Wavelength and frequency are two related but distinct properties of a wave. Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave, while frequency is the number of oscillations or cycles per second.
Q: Can you give an example of how to calculate the wavelength of a periodic wave?
A: Let's say we have a periodic wave with a frequency of 30 Hz and a speed of 150 m/s. To calculate the wavelength, we can use the equation:
λ = v / f
Substituting the given values, we get:
λ = 150 m/s / 30 Hz
λ = 5 m
Therefore, the wavelength of the periodic wave is 5 meters.
Q: What are some common applications of wavelength in real-world scenarios?
A: Wavelength has numerous applications in real-world scenarios, including:
- Telecommunications: Wavelength is a critical parameter in the design of optical communication systems.
- Medicine: Wavelength is used to diagnose and treat various medical conditions, such as cancer.
- Environmental Science: Wavelength is used to study the properties of light and its interaction with matter.
Q: What are some common types of waves and their wavelengths?
A: Some common types of waves and their wavelengths include:
- Mechanical Waves: These are waves that require a physical medium to propagate, such as sound waves and water waves. Wavelengths for mechanical waves can range from a few millimeters to several kilometers.
- Electromagnetic Waves: These are waves that do not require a physical medium to propagate, such as light waves and radio waves. Wavelengths for electromagnetic waves can range from a few nanometers to several meters.
- Transverse Waves: These are waves that oscillate perpendicular to the direction of propagation, such as light waves and water waves. Wavelengths for transverse waves can range from a few millimeters to several kilometers.
- Longitudinal Waves: These are waves that oscillate parallel to the direction of propagation, such as sound waves. Wavelengths for longitudinal waves can range from a few millimeters to several kilometers.
Q: How do I measure wavelength in the laboratory?
A: Measuring wavelength in the laboratory requires a variety of techniques and instruments, including:
- Spectroscopy: This involves measuring the wavelength of light emitted or absorbed by a substance.
- Interferometry: This involves measuring the wavelength of light using an interferometer, which splits light into two or more beams that are then recombined to form an interference pattern.
- Diffraction: This involves measuring the wavelength of light using a diffraction grating, which splits light into its component wavelengths.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have addressed some of the most frequently asked questions related to periodic waves and wavelength. We have discussed the relationship between frequency, speed, and wavelength, as well as the various types of waves and their wavelengths. We have also explored the techniques and instruments used to measure wavelength in the laboratory. By understanding the fundamental principles of wave propagation, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex and fascinating world of waves.
References
- Halliday, D., Resnick, R., & Walker, J. (2013). Fundamentals of Physics (10th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
- Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2018). Physics for Scientists and Engineers (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Tipler, P. A. (2015). Physics for Scientists and Engineers (6th ed.). W.H. Freeman and Company.