Earthquakes produce transverse waves. If a secondary wave of an earthquake is measured from crest to crest to be 23000 m and it travels at 4500 m/s, calculate the wave's frequency.

0.196 Hz

Explanation:

Parameters given:

Wavelength = 23000 m

Velocity = 4500 m/s

(the wavelength is the measurement from one crest to the next crest or from one trough to the next trough)

Velocity of wave is given as:

Velocity = Wavelength * frequency

Frequency can then be given as:

Frequency = velocity/wavelength

Frequency = 4500/23000 = 0.196 Hz

0.196 Hz

Explanation:

Frequency: This can be defined as the number of revolution covered by a wave in one seconds. The S. I unit of frequency is Hertz (Hz)

Using

v = λf ... Equation 1

Where v = velocity of wave, λ = wave length, f = frequency.

Note: Distance from crest to crest of a wave is it's wave length.

Make f the subject of the equation

f = v/λ ... Equation 2

Given: v = 4500 m/s, λ = 23000 m

Substitute into equation 2

f = 4500/23000

f = 0.196 Hz

Hence the wave frequency = 0.196 Hz