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Waves, Sound, and Light: Wave Basics

Wave Basics: Audio Guided Solution

Problem Set WM8, Question 4:

A wave with a frequency of 17.3 Hz is traveling in the positive x direction as pictured in the diagram at the right. The horizontal distance from point A to point B is 37.5 cm. The vertical distance from point C to point D is 17.7 cm. Calculate the …
a.  … amplitude (in centimeters) of the wave.
b.  … the wavelength (in centimeters) of the wave.
c.  … the period (in milliseconds) of the wave.
d.  … the speed (in centimeters/second) of the wave.
 



 

Audio Guided Solution

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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.


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