If one end of a heavy rope is attached to one end of a lightweight rope, a wave can move from the heavy rope into the lighter one. (i) What happens to the speed of the wave? (a) It increases. (b) It decreases. (c) It is constant. (d) It changes unpredictably. (ii) What happens to the frequency? Choose from the same possibilities. (iii) What happens to the wavelength? Choose from the same possibilities.
Read moreTable of Contents
Textbook Solutions for Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Volume 1, Technology Update
Question
Why is the following situation impossible? Tsunamis areocean surface waves that have enormous wavelengths(100 to 200 km), and the propagation speed for thesewaves is v < !gdavg, where davg is the average depth ofthe water. An earthquake on the ocean floor in theGulf of Alaska produces a tsunami that reaches Hilo,Hawaii, 4 450 km away, in a time interval of 5.88 h.(This method was used in 1856 to estimate the averagedepth of the Pacific Ocean long before soundings weremade to give a direct determination.)
Solution
The first step in solving 16 problem number 80 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Why is the following situation impossible? Tsunamis areocean surface waves that have enormous wavelengths(100 to 200 km), and the propagation speed for thesewaves is v < !gdavg, where davg is the average depth ofthe water. An earthquake on the ocean floor in theGulf of Alaska produces a tsunami that reaches Hilo,Hawaii, 4 450 km away, in a time interval of 5.88 h.(This method was used in 1856 to estimate the averagedepth of the Pacific Ocean long before soundings weremade to give a direct determination.)
From the textbook chapter Wave Motion you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.
Visible to paid subscribers only
Step 3 of 7)Visible to paid subscribers only
full solution