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
We can say that:
in our case:
or a wavelength:
Now, imagine a decrease to a velocity of, say,
Using again our expression:
and the new wavelength: