Formula for the Speed of Ocean Waves

[Charles W]

Homework Statement

Which formula could be correct for the speed v of ocean waves in terms of the density ρ of sea-water, the acceleration of free fall g, the depth h of the ocean and the wavelength λ?

The possible answers listed are:

1. [itex]v = \sqrt{gλ}[/itex]
2. [itex]v = \sqrt{g/h}[/itex]
3. [itex]v = \sqrt{ρgh}[/itex]
4.[itex]v = \sqrt{g/ρ}[/itex]

Homework Equations

[itex]v = fλ[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution

I seem to think that [itex]v = fλ[/itex] is relevant to this question, and I have tried to apply it but haven't ended up with any of the possible answer

 

[Orodruin]

Have you considered that the question may be much more basic than that? Which is the only answer that is a velocity?

 

[Charles W]

Have you considered that the question may be much more basic than that? Which is the only answer that is a velocity?

I hadn't realized that before, no, and now I can see why A is the only possible answer.

However, is there a more conceptual reason for this, which could be used to work out the answer without the given options?

Thanks! :)

 

[Orodruin]

However, is there a more conceptual reason for this, which could be used to work out the answer without the given options?

Google is your friend here: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/waves/watwav2.html