Newbie Questions About Light & Resonance - Get Answers Here!

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Bob Busby
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interaction of light with prisms and the concept of resonance. When light passes through a prism, it splits into multiple wavelengths, indicating that incoming light comprises various frequencies. The relationship between speed, frequency, and wavelength is defined by the equation c = frequency * wavelength, allowing for multiple frequencies corresponding to different wavelengths. Additionally, the phenomenon of resonance is explored, particularly how certain frequencies can amplify sound, as experienced by the user when singing near a fan.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light behavior and properties, specifically light refraction.
  • Familiarity with the equation c = frequency * wavelength.
  • Basic knowledge of sound waves and resonance principles.
  • Experience with practical applications of physics in everyday scenarios.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of light refraction and dispersion in optics.
  • Study the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and the speed of light in different media.
  • Explore the concept of resonance in acoustics and its applications in sound engineering.
  • Investigate the effects of sound waves in enclosed spaces and their interaction with objects.
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators in optics and acoustics, and anyone interested in the practical applications of light and sound phenomena.

Bob Busby
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Excuse my noobness but I can't find answers to these from searching.

When lights interacts with a prism it splits off into multiple wavelengths. Doesn't that imply that the incoming light consists of multiple wavelengths? My question is, since the speed of light in a given medium is constant (c = frequency * wavelength) how can there many different frequencies?

Secondly, and this is a little vague, I noticed when I was in my bathroom and was running the fan, whenever I sang a certain note it was like I could hear the fan louder (as if my head were vibrating). I think this has to do with something called resonance but I don't know that topic very well. What is happening?

If you don't want to answer my questions at least direct to somewhere that I can read about them. Thanks!
 
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Bob Busby said:
When lights interacts with a prism it splits off into multiple wavelengths. Doesn't that imply that the incoming light consists of multiple wavelengths? My question is, since the speed of light in a given medium is constant (c = frequency * wavelength) how can there many different frequencies?

Because there are many different wavelengths.
 
But doesn't frequency determine wavelength or vice versa? I understand how there are infinite ways to make the product of the two = c but isn't there only one wavelength associated with one frequency?
 
Yes, each wavelength is associated with a frequency. However, since there are many wavelengths, there are many frequencies.
 

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