Fourier Series and Absorbtion questions?

[arianna1012]

I have to do a science fair, and I am really interested in physics. I spent forever trying to think of a topic, and I got myself stuck doing something with waves. After weeks of thinking of an expirement that will compete well without being extremely difficult, I came up with one.

Does using the Fourier Series effect a wave's ability to penetrate objects?

I know that has to be worded differently.

But my questions are,

- Can you use the Fourier series on light waves, or just sound?
-If I test this with light waves, I have easy access to a spectrometer and other instruments needed.

I was planning on comparing the spectrometer results with the original light and the light going through the material, but I don't know if that would provide accurate results.

-If I work with sound waves, I know the Fourier Series can be easily done, but can I measure the absorbtion of the material?

I know this is all over the place, I just really need guidance. Thank you so much

 

[jbsteele]

for your help!For your science fair project, you could investigate how the Fourier series affects the ability of a wave to penetrate objects. Depending on the type of wave you choose, there are different techniques that can be used to measure and compare the results. If you choose to work with light waves, you have access to a spectrometer which will allow you to measure the intensity of the light before and after it passes through the material. This will allow you to compare the absorbtion of the material.If you choose to work with sound waves, you can measure the amplitude of the wave before and after it passes through the material. As the Fourier series decomposes a sound wave into its individual frequencies, you can measure the absorbtion of the material at each frequency.In either case, you can start by setting up a control experiment, where you pass a wave through an object without using the Fourier series. Then, you can use the Fourier series to decompose the wave and measure the results as mentioned above. Finally, you can compare the results between the control and the experiment with the Fourier series to see if there is any difference in the wave's ability to penetrate the object.Good luck with your project!