HESI A2 Physics Practice Test Related

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Ocean waves build during a storm until there is a vertical distance from the high point to the low point of 6 meters and a horizontal distance of 9 meters between adjacent crests. The waves hit the shore every 5 seconds. What is the speed of the waves?

  • A. 1.2 m/s
  • B. 1.8 m/s
  • C. 2.0 m/s
  • D. 2.4 m/s
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: To find the speed of the waves, we use the formula: speed = wavelength / period. The wavelength is the horizontal distance between adjacent crests, which is 9 meters in this case. The period is the time it takes for one wave to pass a fixed point, given as 5 seconds. Therefore, speed = 9 meters / 5 seconds = 1.8 m/s. Choice A (1.2 m/s) is incorrect because it miscalculates the speed. Choice C (2.0 m/s) and Choice D (2.4 m/s) are incorrect as they do not correctly calculate the speed using the provided data.