Chapter 14, Problem 57A

To determine

The difference between wave frequency and wave velocity.

Answer to Problem 57A

Wave frequency and wave velocity are two different characteristics of the waves. Frequency refers to the number of cycles per unit time, whereas wave velocity refers to the speed and direction involved in the propagation of the wave.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Wave velocity is basically the travelling speed of the wave. The velocity of the wave is equal to the product of wavelengthand also the frequency but it is independent of its intensity. It is given by the formula $\lambda =\frac{v}{f}$ .

The number of waves that passes through a given fixed point in unit time is called as the wave frequency. It can be calculated by counting the number of crests that passes in one second or other period of time.

The frequency of wave is defined as the number of waves which are produced in a given period of time. The wave has a series of crest and troughs which repeat themselves and from a wave. The number of such crest and trough formed in unit time is called the frequency of the wave.Frequency of a wave is calculated by counting the number of crest and troughs that passes through a given point in per second.

The wave velocity is defined as the distance which is traveled by a periodic motion in per unit time.The velocity of a wave is equal to the product of wavelength and is not dependent on its intensity.

Conclusion:

Wave velocity is the directional speed of the wave and frequency is the number of periodic cycles completed in unit time.