the wave equation

• Wave speed


  The speed at which the wave moves through the medium, or the speed at which energy is transferred
• Wave speed equation


  Wave speed (m/s) = Frequency (Hz) x Wavelength (m)
• Measuring speed of sound waves in air

  1. Person A clashes cymbals

  2. Person B starts timer when they see the clash

  3. Person B stops timer when they hear the sound

  4. Speed = Distance / Time
• Problems with measuring sound wave speed

  • Reaction time differences between observers
  • Short time between seeing and hearing makes it difficult to time accurately
• Solutions to problems


  • Use multiple observers and take the mean
  • Increase distance between A and B to increase time interval