Tsunamis are fast-moving waves often generated by underwater earthquakes. In the

Question

Tsunamis are fast-moving waves often generated by underwater earthquakes. In the deep ocean their amplitude is barely noticable, but upon reaching shore, they can rise up to the astonishing height of a six-story building. One tsunami, generated off the Aleutian islands in Alaska, had a wavelength of 676 km and traveled a distance of 3990 km in 6.32 h. (a) What was the speed (in m/s) of the wave? For reference, the speed of a 747 jetliner is about 250 m/s. Find the wave's (b) frequency and (c) period.

Explanation / Answer

a) speed = distance / time

v = x / t

= 3990 * 10^3 / (6.32 * 3600)

= 175.37 m/s

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b) f = v / lambda

f = 175.37 / 676000

f = 2.59 * 10-4 Hz

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c) T = 1 / f

T = 1 / (2.59 * 10-4)

T = 3861 s

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