3.2.3 Wave Speed

• What is the formula for wave speed?

  $v =$$f \lambda$
• What is the purpose of measuring the time taken for waves to pass a certain point?

  To calculate frequency
• What should be discussed in a practical assessment on wave speed?

  Sources of error
• A metre ruler is used to measure the frequency of waves.

  False
• Steps for measuring wave speed in a practical assessment

  1️⃣ Gather necessary equipment

  2️⃣ Generate waves with a specific frequency

  3️⃣ Measure the wavelength using a metre ruler

  4️⃣ Measure the time taken for a number of waves to pass a certain point

  5️⃣ Calculate the frequency

  6️⃣ Substitute values into the wave speed formula
• What unit is used to measure wave speed?

  m/s
• What is the definition of frequency?

  Wave cycles per second
• Match the variable with its definition and unit:

  Wave speed ↔️ The speed at which the wave propagates (m/s)

  Frequency ↔️ The number of wave cycles per second (Hz)

  Wavelength ↔️ The distance between consecutive wave peaks or troughs (m)
• Wave speed is measured in meters per second
• To measure the wavelength accurately, align the metre ruler with consecutive wave peaks or troughs
• Starting the oscillator begins wave generation.
• Sound waves have wavelengths that typically range from a few centimeters to a few meters.
• What does the variable $v$ represent in the wave speed formula?


  Wave speed
• Match the wave variables with their definitions and units:

  Wave speed ↔️ Speed at which the wave propagates (m/s)

  Frequency ↔️ Wave cycles per second (Hz)

  Wavelength ↔️ Distance between wave peaks (m)
• What three pieces of equipment are needed to conduct the wave speed experiment?

  Metre ruler, stopwatch, oscillator
• What formula is used to calculate the frequency of a wave when given the number of waves and time taken?

  f = \frac{\text{number of waves}}{\text{time}}</latex>
• Steps to measure the time for waves to pass a point

  1️⃣ Choose a reference point

  2️⃣ Start the stopwatch when the first wave reaches the reference point

  3️⃣ Count and time a specific number of waves

  4️⃣ Stop the stopwatch when the last counted wave passes

  5️⃣ Calculate the frequency
• The formula for calculating wave speed is v = f λ
• Wavelength is the distance between consecutive wave peaks or troughs
• The wavelength of a wave is measured in meters
• Steps to use the wave speed formula:

  1️⃣ Identify the values of frequency and wavelength

  2️⃣ Substitute the values into the formula $v =$$f λ$

  3️⃣ Calculate the wave speed
• Wave speed, frequency, and wavelength are essential for understanding how waves move through a medium
• To generate waves with a specific frequency, you can use an oscillator or signal generator
• Measuring the wavelength is important for calculating wave speed using the formula v = f λ
• The frequency of a wave is measured in hertz
• When measuring wavelength, identify two consecutive crests or troughs
• Ocean waves can reach wavelengths of tens of meters
• Frequency is measured in Hertz
• What is the formula to calculate wave speed?

  $v =$$f \lambda$
• What are two common sources of error in wave speed measurements?

  Inaccurate wavelength and timing
• What happens to wavelength if frequency doubles and wave speed stays constant?

  Halved
• In the wave speed formula, $f$ represents the frequency
• Frequency is calculated using the formula $f =$$\frac{number\ of\ waves}{time\ taken}$, where the time taken is measured in seconds
• The relationship between frequency, wavelength, and wave speed is linear.
• Wave speed is measured in hertz.

  False
• Frequency is measured in meters per second.

  False
• Steps for generating waves with a specific frequency

  1️⃣ Set the desired frequency on the oscillator

  2️⃣ Connect the oscillator to the wave medium

  3️⃣ Start the oscillator to begin wave generation
• To generate waves with a specific frequency, you must first set the desired frequency on the oscillator.
• Steps to measure the wavelength of a wave using a metre ruler

  1️⃣ Identify two consecutive crests or troughs

  2️⃣ Place the metre ruler along the wave

  3️⃣ Measure the distance between the points

  4️⃣ Record the measurement in meters
• The wave speed formula is $v =$$f \lambda$