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

AI Thread Summary
When water waves transition from deep to shallow water, their wavelength changes due to the effects of refraction, which is described by Snell's Law. The initial wavelength is 5.2 cm, and as the waves enter shallower water at an angle of 25 degrees, they refract to an angle of 17 degrees. The new wavelength can be calculated using the relationship between the angles and the wavelengths in both media. The user initially calculated a new wavelength of 3.59 cm but is uncertain about its accuracy. Clarification on the correct application of Snell's Law is needed to confirm the solution.
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:
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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