Question

Ocean waves are observed to travel along the surface during a developing storm. A coast guard weather station observes that there is a vertical distance from the high point of$4.6m$ and a horizontal distance of $8.6m$ between adjacent crests. The waves splash into the station once every $6.2s$. Determine the frequency and the speed of these

Answer 1

Step1: Analyze the given situation and extract the given information

It is given that the Ocean Waves crash onto the shore after every$6.2seconds$ . That means, we are given a time-period of ocean waves, which is $T=6.2s$.

We are also given that displacement between two consecutive troughs is measured as$8.6$ meters. It means that the wavelength is given to be$8.6meters$.

So, $\lambda =8.6m$

Step2: Find the frequency

Since $T=6.2s$, we know that $f=\frac{1}{T}$.

So, $f=\frac{1}{1.62}=0.16Hz$

Step3: Find the velocity

We know that relation between Wavelength, Velocity and frequency,

$\nu =\lambda f=(8.6)(0.16)=1.38m/s.$

Hence,

The frequency of the wave is$0.16Hz$ and the velocity is $1.38m/s.$