Understanding the Relationship
* Frequency (f): How many wave cycles pass a point in one second (measured in Hertz, Hz).
* Wavelength (λ): The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs (measured in meters, m).
* Speed (v): How fast the wave travels (measured in meters per second, m/s).
The Formula
The relationship between these three is:
v = fλ
Solving for Frequency
1. Convert Units: Make sure your units are consistent. The wavelength is given in centimeters (cm), so convert it to meters (m):
* 20 cm = 0.2 m
2. Rearrange the Formula: Solve the formula for frequency (f):
* f = v / λ
3. Plug in the Values:
* f = (10 m/s) / (0.2 m)
4. Calculate:
* f = 50 Hz
Therefore, the frequency of the wave is 50 Hz.