Waves, Sound, and Light: Wave Basics

Wave Basics: Audio Guided Solution

Extra Problem 5:

A harmonic wave is traveling along a rope. It is observed that the oscillator that generates the wave completes 46 vibrations in 53.5 s. Also, any given crest travels 601 cm along the rope in 10 s. What is the wavelength (in centimeters)?

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 Wave Basics at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.

• The Anatomy of a Wave
• Frequency and Period of a Wave
• The Speed of a Wave
• The Wave Equation
• Harmonics and Patterns
• Mathematics of Standing Waves
• Interference of Waves
• Boundary Behavior

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