View Full Version : What is the general relationship between wavelength and wave speed? How does water mo
Kiyarika
Oct 11, 2008, 01:36 PM
What is the general relationship between wavelength and wave speed? How does water movement in a wave change with depth?
Capuchin
Oct 11, 2008, 01:38 PM
Do you have any ideas? I'd love to hear those first.
Kiyarika
Oct 11, 2008, 01:46 PM
Do you have any ideas? I'd love to hear those first.
Speed of a wave is a property of the medium. Changing the speed actually requires a change in the medium itself. If medium does not change as a wave travels, the wave speed is constant.
Wavelength is the distance between identical points
That's about it, id appreciate any help
Capuchin
Oct 11, 2008, 03:02 PM
speed of a wave is a property of the medium. changing the speed actually requires a change in the medium itself. if medium does not change as a wave travels, the wave speed is constant.
wavelength is the distance between identical points
thats about it, id appreciate any help
What you've said is correct, however there are situations where the wavespeed might change, for instance if light enters from air into a glass block, or if a sound wave moves upwards in our atmosphere where it is less dense. If the wave slowed down, what would you expect to happen to the wavelength?
The water wave question is a little more involved. Have you been taught about the way that water molecules move to create water waves? How do you expect a single water molecule on the surface to move when waves are propagating through a pool?