As ocean waves approach the shore, friction with the ocean bottom causes them to slow down. If the frequency is the same, how will this affect the wavelength of the waves?

1 Answer
Oct 22, 2016

I would say it decreases as well.

Explanation:

The wave velocity will depends upon frequency and wavelength.
If the velocity decreases to maintain the same frequency the wavelength should also decrease.

For example:
let's say that we have a velocity of #100m/s# and frequency #10Hz# (I invented "easy" numbers for clarity).
We can say that:
#"velocity"="wavelength"xx"frequency"#
in our case:
#100=lambdaxx10#
or a wavelength: #lambda=100/10=10m#

Now, imagine a decrease to a velocity of, say, #50m/s#. But the frequency must remain #10Hz#.
Using again our expression:
#50=lambda_1xx10#
and the new wavelength: #lambda_1=50/10=5m#