Difficult to understand a wave.

  • Thread starter bibstha
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Wave
In summary, the conversation discusses the characteristics of a wave, specifically its wavelength and frequency. It also explores the concept of identical light sources emitting waves for different lengths of time and how this affects their energies. The conversation also touches on the idea of quantization and provides resources for further understanding.
  • #1
bibstha
3
0
A wave is characterized by its wavelength or say frequency.

say two identical monochromatic sources (torch1 and 2) are lit.

what happens if the first torch 1 is lit for 5 seconds and the 2 is lit for 10 seconds starting at the same instant. (considering they emit a single wave only).

if the torch 2 produces wave for twice the length of the 1st then are their energies different??

if so then E=hv says that both should have the same energy??
how come??
pls explain!

bs
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If you are emitting light for 5 seconds, you are emitting a lot more than one photon. The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency. If the light sources emit identical photons, then the energy of each photon will be identical.
 
  • #3
well thanks for replying..
then what is the time period for emitting one photon?
 
  • #4
This is an impossible question. A photon either exists, or it doesn't. A lamp emits billions of them per second, but it doesn't take a definite 'time' to emit one.
 
  • #5
The total energy emitted by lamp 2 is twice as much as that emitted by lamp 1, but it is not due to the frequency of the photons, rather due to the luminoscity of the lamp.
 
  • #6
it means that the way i am viewing the wave as a long continuous one is totally wrong?? i guess so, is there a good place to better understand quantization?

that would be really helpful
 

1. What is a wave?

A wave is a disturbance or oscillation that travels through a medium, transferring energy from one point to another without causing any permanent displacement of the medium itself. It can be described by its wavelength, amplitude, and frequency.

2. How does a wave propagate?

A wave propagates by transferring energy from one particle to the next in the medium it travels through, without the particles themselves moving very far. This is known as the principle of superposition, where the individual motions of particles combine to form the overall wave motion.

3. What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves?

Transverse waves are waves in which the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. Examples of transverse waves include water waves and electromagnetic waves. In contrast, longitudinal waves are waves in which the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of wave propagation. Sound waves are an example of longitudinal waves.

4. Why is it difficult to understand a wave?

A wave can be difficult to understand because it is an abstract concept that cannot be seen or touched. Additionally, the behavior of waves can be complex and counterintuitive, leading to confusion and difficulty in understanding their properties and interactions.

5. What are some real-life examples of waves?

Waves are present in many aspects of our daily lives. Some common examples of waves include sound waves, water waves, light waves, and seismic waves. Other less obvious examples include radio waves, microwaves, and X-rays, which are all types of electromagnetic waves.

Similar threads

Replies
22
Views
844
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
764
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
921
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
810
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
977
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
800
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
3K
Replies
15
Views
2K
Back
Top