Question

The formula for the speed of a tsunami in deep water is v = √gh, where g is acceleration due to gravity, 9.8 m/s2, and h is the depth of the ocean in meters.Use this formula to estimate the speed at which the tsunami that started with an earthquake in Sumatra struck Sri Lanka about 1550 km away.The Bay of Bengal is 4 km (4000 m) deep.Enter your answer, rounded to the nearest whole number, in the box.v = m/s

Answer 1

Explanation

We are required to determine the speed at which the tsunami that started with an earthquake in Sumatra struck Sri Lanka about 1550 km away.

The formula given is:

`\begin{gathered} v=√(gh) \\ where \\ g=acceleration\text{ due to gravity} \\ h=depth\text{ of the ocean } \end{gathered}`

Therefore, we have:

`\begin{gathered} v=√(gh) \\ where \\ g=9.8\text{ m/s}^2 \\ h=4000m \\ \\ \therefore v=√(9.8*4000) \\ v\approx198\text{ m/s} \end{gathered}`

Hence, the answer is:

`v\approx198\text{ m/s}`