What is the speed of a water wave with a wavelength of 0.5 m and frequency of 2 hertz?

What is the speed of a water wave with a wavelength of 0.5 m and frequency of 2 hertz?

• A. 4 m/s
• B. 2.5 m/s
• C. 1 m/s
• D. 1.5 m/s

Answer: (C)

To determine the speed of a water wave, the relationship between speed, wavelength, and frequency is utilized. This relationship is expressed through the formula: \[ \text{Speed} = \text{Wavelength} \times \text{Frequency} \] In this scenario, the wavelength is given as 0.5 meters, and the frequency is stated as 2 hertz. Applying the values to the formula: \[ \text{Speed} = 0.5 \, \text{m} \times 2 \, \text{Hz} = 1 \, \text{m/s} \] This calculation reveals that the speed of the water wave is indeed 1 meter per second. Understanding this principle is essential in wave mechanics, as it illustrates how both the wavelength and frequency contribute to the overall speed of a wave. It's important to ensure that the units of measurement are compatible when using this formula, as it directly affects the outcome of the calculation.

To determine the speed of a water wave, the relationship between speed, wavelength, and frequency is utilized. This relationship is expressed through the formula:

[ \text{Speed} = \text{Wavelength} \times \text{Frequency} ]

In this scenario, the wavelength is given as 0.5 meters, and the frequency is stated as 2 hertz. Applying the values to the formula:

[ \text{Speed} = 0.5 , \text{m} \times 2 , \text{Hz} = 1 , \text{m/s} ]

This calculation reveals that the speed of the water wave is indeed 1 meter per second. Understanding this principle is essential in wave mechanics, as it illustrates how both the wavelength and frequency contribute to the overall speed of a wave.

It's important to ensure that the units of measurement are compatible when using this formula, as it directly affects the outcome of the calculation.