Maximizing Diffraction of Water Waves through a Single-Slit Barrier

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on maximizing the diffraction of water waves as they pass through a single-slit barrier in a water tank. Participants agree that increasing the depth of the water in the entire tank (option 1) enhances the wavelength, thereby increasing diffraction. The effects of making only one side deeper (options 2 and 3) are debated, with uncertainty regarding their impact on diffraction. The consensus is that deeper water correlates with longer wavelengths, which directly influences the degree of diffraction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and properties, specifically wavelength and diffraction.
  • Familiarity with the concept of water waves and their behavior in different depths.
  • Basic knowledge of experimental setups involving barriers and wave interactions.
  • Ability to visualize wave behavior in a confined medium, such as a water tank.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between wavelength and depth in fluid dynamics.
  • Explore the principles of wave diffraction and its mathematical modeling.
  • Investigate the effects of varying barrier configurations on wave behavior.
  • Learn about experimental methods to measure diffraction patterns in water waves.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, educators teaching fluid dynamics, and researchers interested in wave behavior in confined environments.

Deathnote777
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Homework Statement


Suppose a water wave is moving from left to right in a water tank. The water tank is divided to two region (left and right) by an one-slit plastic plate. Which of the following(s) adjustment can increase the degree of diffraction of the wave ?

(1) Make the water of the whole tank deeper.
(2) Make the water in the right side deeper only.
(3) Make the water in the left side deeper only.


Homework Equations


Nil


The Attempt at a Solution


I know (1) must be correct as it can increase wavelength. But I am not sure whether (2) and (3) is correct or not, please explain. Thanks
 
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Imagine you're a bit of the water just past the slit. Over time, what are you aware of wrt the movement of the water in the first half of the tank?
 
haruspex said:
Imagine you're a bit of the water just past the slit. Over time, what are you aware of wrt the movement of the water in the first half of the tank?

As far as I know, wavelength in deeper region will be longer. My teacher told me that the degree of diffraction will increase with the wavelength of waves. However, I don't know what will happen when making only 1 side deeper while another side remains unchanged.
 
you are right about the wavelength in deeper water being longer.
 
Deathnote777 said:
As far as I know, wavelength in deeper region will be longer. My teacher told me that the degree of diffraction will increase with the wavelength of waves. However, I don't know what will happen when making only 1 side deeper while another side remains unchanged.
Yes, I understand that. Did you try to answer my question?
 
haruspex said:
Yes, I understand that. Did you try to answer my question?

I don't really understand your question exactly. If I am a bit of the water and am passing through the slit, I will be diffracted, move away from the central line after passing through the slit
 
Deathnote777 said:
I don't really understand your question exactly. If I am a bit of the water and am passing through the slit, I will be diffracted, move away from the central line after passing through the slit
No, you're not passing through the slit, you're sitting on the surface just after the slit. (The wave moves, not the water.). What can you determine about the wave?
 
haruspex said:
No, you're not passing through the slit, you're sitting on the surface just after the slit. (The wave moves, not the water.). What can you determine about the wave?

The wave will diffract
 
No, you're thinking like an external observer able to see the whole thing. I'm asking you to be a microscopic observer only able to see what's going on immediately after the slit. What do you experience? What can you tell about the wave wrt frequency, amplitude and wavelength?
 

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