Liquid Mechanics: Wavelength & Variables

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SUMMARY

The relationship between the wavelength (\lambda) of waves on the surface of water and its influencing variables—surface tension (\sigma), water density (\rho), and frequency of vibration (f)—is expressed through the equation \lambda = k \sigma^a \rho^b f^c. The Buckingham-Pi theorem is applicable for dimensional analysis to derive the constants a, b, and c. This relationship remains valid regardless of the gravitational conditions, such as those on the moon, as the fundamental properties of the variables do not change.

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Homework Statement


The wavelength of [tex]\lambda[/tex] of waves on the surface of a water on a cup has three variables:
surface tension of the water [tex]\sigma[/tex], water density [tex]\rho[/tex], and frequency of vibration f. Deduce the relationship of these three variable to the wavelength.

Would the same relationship hold if you were on the moon?

Homework Equations


[tex]\lambda[/tex] = [tex]\lambda[/tex]([tex]\sigma[/tex], [tex]\rho[/tex], f)


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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I think you can use the Buckingham-pi theorem here but I don't quite know how it works

But normally I'd do this

[tex]\lambda = k \sigma^a \rho^b f^c[/tex]

then write everything in tersm of the fundamental units and equate the units on the LHS and RHS
 

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