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 852 km and traveled a distance of 3620 km in 4.82 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

speed=3620000 m/(4.82*3600 s)

speed=208.6m/s

(b) now wavelength=852 km= 852000 m

speed= 208.6 m/s

frequency=speed/wavelength= 208.6/852000

f=0.000245 Hz

(c) Time period= 1/f

T=1/0.000245

T= 4084 seconds

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