Physics
NAME:
Wave Equation Homework Problems
Objective:
Introduce frequency and the wave equation and become familiar with solving word
problems.
If a pendulum makes ONE complete cycle (swings back and forth) in ONE second,
we say its frequency is 1 cycle per second or 1 hertz (1 Hz).
1. If a pendulum swings twice as fast (so it
makes TWO cycles in ONE second), its
frequency is
cycles per second
or
hertz.
5. If the f=
true:
1 second = 2 cycles
2 seconds = 4 cycles
3 seconds = 6 cycles
2. If the f= 4 Hz, how many complete cycles
does it make in:
1 second
2 seconds
10 seconds = 20 cycles
6. f=
Hz
1 s = 3 cycles
3 seconds
2 s = 6 cycles
10 seconds
3 s = 9 cycles
3. If the f= 400 Hz, how many complete cycles
does it make in:
1 second
Hz, the following is
10 s = 30 cycles
7. f=
Hz
2 seconds
7s=
3 seconds
12 s = 48 cycles
10 seconds
18 s =
4. If the f= 1/2 Hz, how many complete
cycles does it make in:
121 s =
1 second
2 seconds
3 seconds
10 seconds
TURN OVER 
Physics
NAME:
8. A wave is traveling with a frequency of 200 Hz. and at a speed of 25 m/s (meters
per second). What is the wavelength of the wave?
Want:
Given:
Solve:
Formula:
Check:
9. Calculate the speed of a wave in water that are 0.5 m apart and have a frequency of
6 Hz.
Want:
Given:
Solve:
Formula:
Check:
10. A sound wave in air has a frequency of 262 Hz and travels with a speed of 330
m/s. How far apart are the compressions?
Want:
Solve:
Given:
Formula:
Check:
TURN OVER 
11. A fisherman notices that wave crests pass the bow of his anchored boat every 5
seconds. He measures the distance between two crests to be 12 m. How fast are
the waves traveling?
Want:
Given:
Solve:
Formula:
Check:
12.  Radio waves are electromagnetic waves that travel at the speed of light,
which is 300,000,000 meters per second (the ultimate speed limit!). What is the
wavelength of the FM radio waves that the Ms. Newton listens to when she’s
listening to 101.7 WFNX (101.7 Megahertz)? (Hint: Remember that Megahertz
needs to be converted!)
Want:
Solve:
Given:
Formula:
Check: