Waves, Sound and Light: Wave Basics
Wave Basics: Audio Guided Solution
Problem 21:
In a physics demonstration, Mr. H establishes a standing wave pattern in a snakey by vibrating it up and down with 32 vibrations in 10 seconds. Gerald is holding the opposite end of the snakey and is standing 6.2 m from Mr. H's end. There are four equal length sections in the snakey, each occupied by an antinode. Determine the frequency, wavelength and speed of the wave.
Audio Guided Solution
Habits of an Effective Problem Solver
- Read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
- Identify the known and unknown quantities and record in an organized manner, often times they can be recorded on the diagram itself. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity (e.g., v = 12.8 m/s, λ = 4.52 m, f = ???).
- Use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
- Identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
- Perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.
Read About It!
Get more information on the topic of Waves at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.
Return to Problem Set
Return to Overview
View Audio Guided Solution for Problem:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29