Refraction of Water Waves
-Since the frequency remains constant, and the wavelength decreases as waves
head into shallow water, the velocity of the wave would also decrease
This relationship can be
expressed as:
If the boundary is at an
angle to the direction of the
waves, diffraction also occurs.
Example:
1. A water wave has a wavelength of 2.0cm in the deep section of a tank and
1.5cm in the shallow section. If the speed of the waves in the shallow
water is 12cm/s, what is the speed in the deep water?
2. The speed and wavelength of a water wave in deep water is 18.0cm/s and
20.cm respectively. If the speed in shallow water is 10.0cm/s, what is the
corresponding wavelength?
Refraction problems:
1. A water wave is approaching a beach from deep water. The wavelength
of the waves in deep water is 2.0m while the velocity of the wave is 20
m/s. If the wavelength of the wave in the shallow water is 1.75m, what is
it’s velocity in the shallow water?
2. A ski boat passes a beach in deep water. The wavelength of the waves
produced in deep water is 2.5m. If the wavelength & velocity of the waves
when they hit the beach is 1.8m & 2.2m/s, what is the original velocity of
the wave?