A speaker emits a sound wave through a metallic block, with a speed of 0.42 km/s, and a frequency of 16kHz. Calculate the wavelength to 3.s.f. Describe the characteristics of a longitudinal wave.

Firstly the values should be converted into more comfortable units. 0.42km/s = 420m/s, and 16kHz = 16,000Hz. Next, use the equation wavelength = speed/frequency This gives wavelength = 420m/s over 16,000/s = 0.02625, which gives 0.0263m, to 3.s.f. In longitudinal waves, particles propagate (travel) in the same direction as the wave. Longitudinal waves create areas of high and low density, called compressions and rarefactions respectively.

JB
Answered by Joseph B. Physics tutor

3635 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A rollercoaster carriage of mass 100kg has 45kJ of Kinetic Energy at the lowest point of its ride. Ignoring air resistance and friction between the wheels and the tracks, what is the maximum height above this point it could reach? [Take g as 10m/s/s)


I throw a ball straight up with an initial velocity of 2m/s. How high is it after a fifth of a second?


Explain the role of the moderator in a fission reaction.


The time taken for a wave to pass a point is 2.5 seconds. What is the frequency of the wave?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences