Need help with a question, probably quick to answer

[LukasNZ]

Ok so I am completely lost for this question =/ It's a 5 page paper and this is answer is needed to complete several others.

Homework Statement

A Thumper Truck sends a wave pulse traveling at a speed of 1800 ms-1 through Geological Layer 1.
Using the data from the diagram below calculate the speed of the wave in Geological layer 2.

Homework Equations

The diagram shows two mediums (geological layer 1 and 2) with the normal line going through them at a right angle. The wave at its point when it goes through layer 1 is at 37 degrees to the normal and when it reaches layer 2 it decreases to 15 degrees to the normal. Does this mean that layer 2 is denser? and if so in what equation would you use the angles given and the speed to determine the speed of the wave pulse in layer 2?

Thanks =]

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[Doc Al]

Look up Snell's law of refraction, which describes how waves bend when passing into a medium with a different wave speed.

 

[thomate1]

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out for help with your question. It seems like you are working on a physics or geology problem related to wave propagation. In order to calculate the speed of the wave in Geological layer 2, you will need to use the Snell's Law equation, which states that the ratio of the sines of the angles of incidence and refraction is equal to the ratio of the velocities in the two mediums. In this case, the angles of incidence and refraction are given as 37 degrees and 15 degrees, respectively. You also have the velocity in Geological layer 1, which is 1800 ms-1. Using this information, you can set up the equation and solve for the velocity in Geological layer 2.

I would also like to clarify that the change in angle does not necessarily mean that layer 2 is denser. It could also be due to a change in the properties of the medium, such as its density, elasticity, or composition.

I hope this helps you with your paper. If you have any further questions or need clarification, please do not hesitate to ask. Good luck!