Relationship between temperature and wavelength?

In summary, as the temperature of air increases, the speed of sound increases. This leads to an increase in wavelength due to the inverse relationship between speed and wavelength (c = fλ). This means that at higher temperatures, the particles in the air are more spread out, resulting in a longer wavelength for the sound emitted by the tuning fork.
  • #1
SpicyWassabi101
7
0

Homework Statement


A tuning fork with a frequency of 420 Hz emits sound with a wavelength of 0.82 m in air. If the temperature of the air increases, what will happen to the wavelength and why?

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


I know temperature affects speed but I am not so sure how it affects wavelength.
Maybe:
When the temperature increases the speed will increase, therefore the wavelength will increase because the particles are spread apart? ( Just a thought)

Please explain, any help appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
SpicyWassabi101 said:

Homework Statement


A tuning fork with a frequency of 420 Hz emits sound with a wavelength of 0.82 m in air. If the temperature of the air increases, what will happen to the wavelength and why?

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


I know temperature affects speed but I am not so sure how it affects wavelength.
Maybe:
When the temperature increases the speed will increase, therefore the wavelength will increase because the particles are spread apart? ( Just a thought)

Please explain, any help appreciated!
You did not list the Relevant Equation that relates wave speed, wavelength and frequency. Use the units of the quantities to help you write the equation without looking it up... :smile:
 

1. What is the relationship between temperature and wavelength?

The relationship between temperature and wavelength is known as Wien's displacement law. This law states that as the temperature increases, the wavelength of maximum emission from a blackbody decreases.

2. How does temperature affect the color of light emitted?

The color of light emitted by an object is directly related to its temperature. As the temperature increases, the color of light shifts from red to orange, yellow, white, and finally blue as the temperature continues to rise.

3. Is there a limit to the relationship between temperature and wavelength?

Yes, there is a limit. As the temperature increases, the wavelength of maximum emission decreases, but it cannot go below a certain value. This limit is known as the Wien displacement constant and is equal to approximately 2.898 x 10^-3 meters per Kelvin.

4. How does the relationship between temperature and wavelength apply to other objects besides blackbodies?

The relationship between temperature and wavelength can be applied to all objects, not just blackbodies. However, the relationship is most accurate for objects that behave like ideal blackbodies, meaning they absorb and emit all radiation that comes in contact with them.

5. Can the relationship between temperature and wavelength be used to measure the temperature of an object?

Yes, it is possible to use the relationship between temperature and wavelength to measure the temperature of an object. This is known as spectroscopy and involves analyzing the wavelength of light emitted by an object to determine its temperature.

Similar threads

What happens to wavelength as temperature of air increases?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
6K
How to find the wavelength of the sound of the tuning fork?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
7K
Sound Waves in Different Mediums
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Apparent wavelength in Doppler's effect
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
Area under a frequency vs wavelength graph?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
3K
What is the difference between diffraction and scattering?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Sound Wave Interference and Finding the Path Differences with Diagrams
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
Frequency and wavelength of a wave on a vertical rope
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
Wavelength of the sounds at zero degrees
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
5K
Calculating Wavelength in a Medium with Different Speed of Sound
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top