Waves in air, fluids and solids

EasyMedium
123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930313233343536373839
Question 21
Medium

A seismometer on the Earth's surface records the vibrations caused by a P-wave. The trace recorded by the seismometer is shown below:

A seismic wave trace plotted against time. Below the wave trace, a horizontal dimension line with arrows at both ends indicates that the total duration of the recorded signal is 8 seconds. Starting from zero displacement, the wave oscillates through exactly 5 complete sinusoidal cycles before returning to zero displacement at the end of the 8-second mark.

a.

Calculate the frequency of the P-wave.

[2]
b.

State the equation that links frequency, wavelength, and wave speed.

[1]
c.

The P-wave is travelling through the Earth's crust at a speed of 6000 m/s6000\text{ m/s}6000 m/s. Calculate the wavelength of this wave.

[2]

Waves in air, fluids and solids Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /Waves in air, fluids and solids