Can You Determine the Correct Wavelength Measurement in Physics Class?

[bayan]

hi guys, in our physics class today we were trying to get a more accurate length than the one stated on the device ($$2.8 cm$$).

We used a microwave reciever and a device that would detect maxima and minima (there was a aluminiun plate at the back which would reflect some wave.)


We foun the distance to be $$18.5=n\lambda$$ and we know that the wavelength is very close to $$2.8cm$$

what I did is $$n=\frac{18.5}{2.8}$$ which gave an answer of about $$6.61$$.

Now the thing is Maxima accours with Constructive waves so would mean that I have to round it off to $$7$$ right?

My teacher said that we have to make it as $$6.5$$

which should I use? my guts and my brain or my teachers brains?

just for the record this measurement will be used for a written report!

Many thanks

 

[Nate810]

!It really depends on the context of the report. If you are being asked for a precise measurement, you should use your calculation to get the exact answer of 6.61. However, if you are being asked to represent the measurement with a simpler approximation, then you can round it off to 6.5. It is ultimately up to you and your teacher to decide which option is best for your report.

 

[quicknote]

for your question about wave length detection. It sounds like you and your classmates had an interesting and challenging exercise in your physics class today. When it comes to scientific measurements, it is important to use both your intuition and your knowledge of scientific principles. In this case, it seems like your intuition is leading you to round the number to 7, which would make sense since the maxima occur with constructive waves. However, it is also important to consider your teacher's guidance and reasoning. Perhaps they have a specific scientific reason for suggesting to round the number to 6.5. It may be helpful to discuss your reasoning with your teacher and come to a consensus together. Ultimately, for the purposes of your written report, it is important to use the most accurate and scientifically supported measurement. So, I would suggest discussing this with your teacher and coming to a decision together. Thank you for your curiosity and dedication to scientific accuracy.