Question

Ocean waves of wavelength 26 m are moving directly toward a concrete barrier wall at 4.0 m/s . The waves reflect from the wall, and the incoming and reflected waves overlap to make a lovely standing wave with an antinode at the wall. (Such waves are a common occurrence in certain places.) A kayaker is bobbing up and down with the water at the first antinode out from the wall.
Required:
How far from the wall is she? What is the period of her up-and-down motion?

Answer 1

Answer:

a) the distance between her and the wall is 13 m

b) the period of her up-and-down motion is 6.5 s

Explanation:

Given the data in the question;

wavelength λ = 26 m

velocity v = 4.0 m/s

a) How far from the wall is she?

Now, The first antinode is formed at a distance λ/2 from the wall, since the separation distance between the person and wall is;

x = λ/2

we substitute

x = 26 m / 2

x = 13 m

Therefore, the distance between her and the wall is 13 m

b) What is the period of her up-and-down motion?

we know that the relationship between frequency, wavelength and wave speed is;

v = fλ

hence, f = v/λ

we also know that frequency is expressed as the reciprocal of the time period;

f = 1/T

Hence

1/T = v/λ

solve for T

Tv = λ

T = λ/v

we substitute

T = 26 m / 4 m/s

T = 6.5 s

Therefore, the period of her up-and-down motion is 6.5 s