WAEC 2019 Physics · Question 40

A transverse pulse of frequency 9 Hz traves 4.5m in 0.6 s. Calculate the wavelength of the pulse.

Options

  1. A.3.33 m
  2. B.0.30 m
  3. C.0.83 m
  4. D.1.20 m

Answer: C. 0.83 m

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Analyze the question: A wave pulse has a frequency of 9 Hz and covers 4.5 m in 0.6 s. We need its wavelength.

Concept: The wave equation links speed, frequency and wavelength:

v = fλ, so λ = v / f

Speed is found from distance and time: v = distance / time

Solution:

  1. Speed: v = 4.5 m ÷ 0.6 s = 7.5 m/s
  1. Wavelength: λ = v / f = 7.5 ÷ 9 = 0.833 m ≈ 0.83 m

Check against the options: 0.83 m matches option C.

Tip: For wave problems, first find the speed from distance ÷ time if it isn't given directly. Then use v = fλ. Always check that your units are m, s and Hz before dividing. Also, a wavelength of 3.33 m (option A) would come from a wrong step such as multiplying or dividing the wrong quantities, so be careful with the order of division.

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