What Is the Time Between Waves Hitting the Boat?

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The discussion focuses on calculating the time between waves hitting a boat and the speed of those waves. For Part A, the correct time between two waves is identified as one cycle, which corresponds to the inverse of the frequency. The participant initially miscalculated this time, arriving at 3.3 seconds instead of the correct 1.67 seconds for one wave cycle. In Part B, the speed of the waves is determined to be 18 m/s based on the wavelength of 30 meters and the frequency of 0.60 Hz. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding wave cycles in relation to motion sickness on boats.
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Homework Statement


Low-frequency vertical oscillations are one possible cause of motion sickness, with 0.60hz having the strongest effect. Your boat is bobbing in place at just the right frequency to cause you the maximum discomfort.

Part A -
How much time elapses between two waves hitting the ship?

Part B- If the wave crests appear to be about 30m apart, what would you estimate to be the speed of the waves?

frequency = .60 hz

Homework Equations



Other than v=lambda * frequency I don't know what formulas to use.

The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea how to solve part-A. Even though I didn't think it would work I tried doing...

2 cycles * 1sec/.6 cycles = 3.3 seconds

I also tried...

1/.6z = 1.67sec

1.67 * 2 = 3.3 sec

Which gave me the same answer, but that isn't the correct solution according to MasteringPhysics..

I was able to do part B, which has the solution of 18 m/s.

Any help, even just the first step is appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
time "between 2 waves" means time from the first one until time the 2nd hits ... 1 cycle.
 
And now I feel stupid. 1 cycle is the correct answer...
 
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