Wavelength with P/Q exponent equation-solve for P/Q

In summary, the problem is asking to solve for the exponents P and Q in the equation v = \LambdaPgQ, where v represents the speed of ocean waves, \Lambda represents the wavelength, and g represents the gravitational field strength. The constant K is dimensionless and can be disregarded. To solve for P and Q, the problem suggests taking the log of both sides and using dimensional analysis.
  • #1
afg_91320
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Homework Statement


Speed of an ocean wave depends on the wavelength [tex]\lambda[/tex] in meters and
gravitational field. (see equation below). Find values of P and Q. K is a constant and has no dimensions


Homework Equations



V = K[tex]\lambda[/tex]PgQ

The Attempt at a Solution



V=velocity, which is m/s
and i can disregard K because it is a constant which has no dimensions.
g = m/s2
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = m
plugging in the numbers; i get:

m/s = mP(m/s2)Q

here is where i get lost. i don't know how to bring the exponents down so i can solve for it
 
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  • #2
You have V = K LPgQ
(I used L in place of lambda.)
So LP = V/[K gQ]

To solve for P, take the log of both sides, then divide both sides by log L.

To solve for the other exponent Q, first solve for gQ in a way similar to how I solved for LP, then take the log of both sides, and divide both sides by log g.
 
  • #3
are you sure? i was workin on this with my prof and he told me not to take the log; that's what i thought of doing initially
and i have no numerical values for the equations; its all dimension analysis
 
  • #4
OK, what's the exact statement of the problem? As you have it in post 1, it appears that you need to solve for P and Q.
 
  • #5
The speed of ocean waves depend on their wavelength [tex]\Lambda[/tex] (measured in meters) and the gravitational field strength g (measured in m/s^2) in this way:

v = [tex]\Lambda[/tex]PgQ

where K is a dimensionless constant. Find the values of the exponents P and Q
 

FAQ: Wavelength with P/Q exponent equation-solve for P/Q

What is the wavelength with P/Q exponent equation?

The wavelength with P/Q exponent equation is a mathematical formula used to calculate the wavelength of a wave in terms of the power (P) and the exponent (Q).

How do you solve for P/Q in the wavelength equation?

To solve for P/Q in the wavelength equation, you can rearrange the equation to isolate P/Q on one side. This can be done by dividing both sides of the equation by the other factors and then taking the Qth root of both sides.

What does the P/Q exponent represent in the wavelength equation?

The P/Q exponent in the wavelength equation represents the power of the wave, which is a measure of the amplitude or intensity of the wave. It is typically represented by the letter P and can be any real number.

Can the P/Q exponent be a negative number?

Yes, the P/Q exponent can be a negative number in the wavelength equation. This indicates that the wave is inverted or inverted and reflected compared to a wave with a positive P/Q exponent.

What are some real-world applications of the wavelength with P/Q exponent equation?

The wavelength with P/Q exponent equation is used in various fields, such as physics, engineering, and telecommunications, to calculate the wavelength of different types of waves, including electromagnetic waves and sound waves. It can also be used to determine the frequency and energy of a wave.

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