a) When the boat is at anchor, the frequency at which the waves hit the boat is the same as the frequency of the waves themselves. So, we can use the formula:
frequency = velocity/distance = 4 m/s / 20 m = 0.2 Hz
b) When the boat is moving westward at 1 m/s, the relative velocity between the boat and the waves increases to 5 m/s. So, we can use the formula:
frequency = relative_velocity/distance = 5 m/s / 20 m = 0.25 Hz
Ocean waves are traveling to the east at 4 m/s with a distance of 20m between crests. With what frequency do the waves hit the front of a boat (a) when the boat is at anchor and (b) when the boat is moving westward at 1 m/s?
frequency= distance/velocity
For the second, the relative veloicty is faster, 5 m/s.
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