Looking at this simple light problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a question regarding the differences in how light and sound interact with obstacles, specifically in the context of a pillar blocking the view in a concert hall. The subject area includes wave properties, specifically comparing electromagnetic waves (light) and mechanical waves (sound).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to identify the correct reasoning behind why light is blocked while sound is not, considering various properties of waves. Some participants introduce the concept of diffraction and question how wavelength affects this phenomenon.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the relationship between wavelength and diffraction, with some suggesting that longer wavelengths diffract more. There is an ongoing examination of the properties of light and sound, but no consensus has been reached on the correct answer to the original question.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about the properties of light and sound, specifically regarding their wavelengths and how these relate to diffraction. There is an indication of imposed homework rules that may limit the type of guidance provided.

qazxsw11111
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Homework Statement


Hi everyone! This question is very simple, but I just cannot think of anything to explain it.

The question is: A pillar in a concert hall can block the view of the audience but it has little effect on their hearing. Why?

1)Light is a transverse wave while sound is a longitudinal wave.
2)Light is a EM wave but sound is a pressure wave.
3)Light has a smaller/larger (cant remember) wavelength compared to sound.
4)Light travels faster than sound.


All the options are tricky for me but I still put 2 as it is instinct (somewhat, but still no sense whatsoever). However, the answer is wrong and I still do not know the answer.

Anyone help?

Thanks.:blushing:
 
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What determines how light--or any other wave--bends around an obstacle? (Look up diffraction.)
 
Ok...So diffraction. The longer the wavelength, the more it diffracts right? So sound has a longer wavelength?
 
qazxsw11111 said:
The longer the wavelength, the more it diffracts right?
Right.
So sound has a longer wavelength?
I'm not telling! Look up the typical wavelengths for visible light and for sound. Compare.
 

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