A seismic P-wave propagates horizontally through a layer of granite at a speed of

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Waves · Waves

Problem

A seismic P-wave propagates horizontally through a layer of granite at a speed of 6.0 km/s6.0\,\text{km/s}. The ground at a monitoring station oscillates with a period of 0.80 s0.80\,\text{s} as the wave passes. At the edge of the granite layer the wave enters a layer of basalt in which its speed is 8.0 km/s8.0\,\text{km/s}. Assume the wave is continuous across the boundary. (a) Determine the frequency of the P-wave. (b) Calculate the wavelength of the wave while it travels in granite. (c) Calculate the wavelength of the wave after it has entered the basalt layer.

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