Waves Speed

Physics 4.1

Lesson: Wave Speed
In this lesson, we will learn how to calculate the speed of a
wave from its frequency and wavelength.

Lesson Plan

Objectives
Students will be able to
●

use the formula speed = frequency × wavelength in all
permutations.

Prerequisites

Students should already be familiar with

●

the meaning of the term wavelength,

●

determining the wavelength of a wave from a diagram of a
transverse waveform,

●

the meaning of the term frequency,

●

how to use the formula frequency = #of complete oscillations/time,

●

hertz as a unit of frequency,

●

the fact that wavelengths are measured in units of length,

●

how to use the formula speed =distance/time for waves.

Characteristics

of Waves

Lesson Video

Wave Properties

v - Speed of the wave
(in units of m/s)

f - Frequency of the
wave (in units of hertz)

T - Period of the wave
(in units of seconds)

λ - Wavelength (in
units of meters)

Lesson Worksheet: Wave Speed

Q1: A wave has a wavelength of 2 m,and 48 wavelengths of the wave are
generated. What distance does the wave travel?

Q2: A wave has a frequency of 25 hertz.How many wavelengths of this
wave will be generated in a time of 22 seconds?

Q3: A wave has a wavelength of 2 meters and a speed of 150 meters per
second.What is the frequency of the wave?

Lesson Worksheet: Wave Speed

Q4: A wave has a frequency of 125 hertz and a speed of 500 meters per
second.What is the wavelength of the wave?

Q5: A radio wave has a frequency of 1.5×108 hertz and a speed of
3×108 m/s.What is the wavelength of the radio wave?

1.5 m
4 m
3 m
1 m
2 m