How Does Wavelength Change When Water Waves Cross from Deep to Shallow Water?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of water waves as they transition from deep to shallow water, specifically focusing on the change in wavelength associated with this transition. The original poster presents a scenario involving specific angles and an initial wavelength of 5.2 cm.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of Snell's Law in the context of wave behavior at boundaries. The original poster expresses confusion about how to begin solving the problem, while another participant attempts to calculate a new wavelength but seeks validation for their answer.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing hints and references to relevant concepts, but no consensus or resolution has been reached regarding the correctness of the calculations or the approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of familiarity with Snell's Law among participants, which may impact their ability to engage with the problem effectively. The original poster expresses significant uncertainty about how to proceed.

chester89
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The question reads:

"Water waves in the deep part of a ripple tank have a wavelength of 5.2cm. They approach the boundary where the shallow part begins with an angle of 25degrees between the waves and the boundary, but after they have crossed the boundary, this angle has dropped to 17degrees. What is their new wavelength"

I just have no idea where to start. Could someone please help me or atleast give me a hint to how I should start this question? I'm so lost. :confused:
 
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HINT: Have you ever heard of Snell's Law?
 
No I haven't but I searched it up in google and it didn't seem to help me very much with this question. I managed to come up with an answer of 3.59cm but I don't know if it's right or not. Could someone please solve this question and confirm that my answer is correct?

Thanks.
 
PLEASE, I really need help! :cry:
 

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