Answer to Question #206242 in Physics for Lethu

Question

Q1 Ocean tides are waves that have a period of 12 hours, and a speed of 50 km/h. What is the distance between adjacent crests of these waves?

a.

23 km

b.

4.2 km

c.

45 km

d.

600 km

e.

454 km

Answer 1

The distance between adjacent crests is the wavelength of the wave. We can find the wavelength of the wave from the wave-speed formula:

$$v=f\lambda=\dfrac{\lambda}{T},$$ $$\lambda=vT=50\ \dfrac{km}{h}\cdot12\ h=600\ km.$$

Therefore, the correct answer is (d) 600 km.