The wave equation ( v = f\lambda ) is essential for studying ocean waves and how they behave.

Here’s what the parts of the equation mean:

• Variables:
  • ( v ): This stands for wave speed. Ocean surface waves usually move at about 1.5 meters per second.
  • ( f ): This is frequency, which shows how often waves happen. For ocean waves, the frequency typically ranges from 0.05 Hz to 0.1 Hz.
  • ( \lambda ): This represents wavelength, or the distance between two wave peaks. Wavelengths can be a few meters long or even hundreds of meters long.

This equation helps us understand how waves move, interact with each other, and lose energy. It's important in figuring out ocean behaviors and what happens along coastal areas.