Physics
Sound Waves Solutions
5. Ocean waves result from the wind blowing over an area of a fluid surface. Waves in the
oceans can travel thousands of miles before reaching land. These waves on Earth range in size
from small ripples, to waves over 100 ft. (30 m) high,
Ocean waves represent the type of wave known as transverse waves. Another type of wave is
called a longitudinal wave.
The size, speed, and frequency of the waves are determined by factors such as wind speed,
duration of the wind, affected area and water depth. The diagram below shows a cross section
of an ocean wave.
PARTS OF A WAVE
WAVE CREST
WAVE LENGTH -
AMPLITUDE
WAVE
SEA LEVEL -
HEIGHT
T WAVE TROUGH
SECOORA
5a. If the distance between successive wave crests is 8.0 meters, and one wave passes a
point every 4 seconds, how fast is the wave moving? Show your work. (2 points)
Formula
Variables
Equation
Wave Speed
m/s
Distance of the wave
length =
Wave speed=
distance of the
wavelength/time
of one wave length
Time of the wave length =
