Captain Ahab notices that the waves passing the anchored Pequod are 10 feet from crest to crest, and that each minute 4 crests pass. The wave speed is
A) 80 feet per minute.
B) 40 feet per minute.
C) 20 feet per minute.
D) 5 feet per minute.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The wave speed can be calculated by multiplying the distance between crests (wavelength) by the number of crests passing per minute (frequency). Here, 10 feet (distance between crests) * 4 crests/minute (frequency) = 40 feet/minute.

Captain Ahab Notices That the Waves Passing the Anchored Pequod