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

 

[member 553083]

!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.