An ultrasonic wave has a frequency of 33 kHz. What will be the speed of this wave if its wavelength is 0.01 m?
- AOption (a)
3.3 m/s
- BOption (b)
330 m/s
- COption (c)
0.33 m/s
- DOption (d)
33 m/s
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Correct answer
330 m/s
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is 330 m/s.
Key Points
- The speed of an ultrasonic wave (or any wave) is determined by the relationship between its frequency and its wavelength, defined by the formula: Speed (v) = Frequency (f) × Wavelength (λ).
- The frequency provided is 33 kHz. In physics calculations, frequencies must be converted to the SI unit Hertz (Hz). Since 1 kHz = 103 Hz, 33 kHz is equal to 33,000 Hz.
- The wavelength of the wave is given as 0.01 m. This value is already in the standard SI unit (meters) required for the calculation.
- By substituting the known values into the equation: v = 33,000 Hz × 0.01 m.
- The product of these two values results in a wave speed of 330 m/s.
Additional Information
- Ultrasonic Waves:
- These are longitudinal mechanical waves with frequencies higher than 20,000 Hz (20 kHz), which is the upper threshold of human hearing.
- They possess high energy and shorter wavelengths, allowing them to penetrate deep into materials, making them useful for medical imaging (ultrasonography) and industrial cleaning.
- Animals like bats and dolphins use these waves for echolocation to navigate and hunt.
- Frequency and Period:
- Frequency (f) is the number of cycles per second. It is the reciprocal of the Time Period (T), where f = 1/T.
- Higher frequency waves carry more energy compared to lower frequency waves of the same amplitude.
- Speed of Sound:
- The speed of sound varies depending on the medium (fastest in solids, slowest in gases) and factors like temperature and humidity.
- At 0°C, the speed of sound in dry air is approximately 331 m/s, and at 20°C, it increases to about 343 m/s.