Question 1 Multiple Choice
A wave has a frequency of 500 Hz and a wavelength of 0.68 m. What is its speed?
A340 m/s
B735 m/s
C500 m/s
D0.00136 m/s
v = fλ = 500 Hz × 0.68 m = 340 m/s. This is approximately the speed of sound in air.
Question 2 True / False
In the same medium, a wave with a higher frequency has a shorter wavelength.
Answer: True
Since v = fλ and v is constant in the same medium, increasing f requires λ to decrease proportionally.
Question 3 Short Answer
Sound travels at 340 m/s in air. What is the wavelength of a 170 Hz sound wave?
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: 2 meters, because λ = v/f = 340/170 = 2 m.
Rearranging v = fλ gives λ = v/f = 340 m/s ÷ 170 Hz = 2 m.