Sinusoidal water waves are generated in a large ripple tank. The waves travel at 20 cm/s and their adjacent crests are 5.0 cm apart. The time required for each new whole cycle to be generated is:
Correct answer: D. 0.25 s
- A. 100 s
- B. 2.0 s
- C. 4.0 s
- D. 0.25 s
Explanation
The time period (T) of a wave is calculated using the formula T = λ/v, where λ is the wavelength and v is the wave speed. Given that the wave speed is 20 cm/s and the distance between adjacent crests (wavelength) is 5.0 cm, the time period is calculated as T = 5.0 cm / 20 cm/s = 0.25 s. Therefore, the correct answer is 0.25 s. The other options are incorrect because they do not match the result of this calculation.
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Progressive waves transfer energy through oscillations, with wavelength, frequency, amplitude and wave speed related by v = fλ; sound speed depends on the medium. Superposition produces interference and stationary waves in strings and organ pipes, while simple harmonic motion describes the oscillation itself and must be distinguished from wave propagation.
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