Plane waves, phase difference question

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the shortest distance between two points on a light wave with a phase difference of 30 degrees, given a phase velocity of 3 x 108 m/s and a frequency of 6 x 1014 Hz. The wavelength is determined to be 5000 m using the formula velocity = frequency x wavelength. The user seeks assistance in deriving the distance corresponding to a phase difference of π/6 and understanding the phase shift over 1 microsecond.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and phase velocity
  • Familiarity with the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and velocity
  • Knowledge of phase difference in wave phenomena
  • Basic proficiency in solving equations involving trigonometric functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the distance corresponding to a phase difference of 30 degrees using the wavelength of 5000 m
  • Explore the concept of phase shift over time in wave mechanics
  • Learn about the implications of phase differences in interference patterns
  • Investigate the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and wave speed in different mediums
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding light wave behavior and phase relationships.

goldilocks
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Homework Statement



Consider a lightwave having a phase velocity of 3 x 10^8 m/s and a frequency of 6 x 10^14 hz. What is the shortest distance along the wave between any two points that have a phase difference of 30 degrees ? What phase shift occurs at a given point in 1 microsecond and how many waves have passed by in that time ?

Homework Equations



velocity = frequency x wavelength

The Attempt at a Solution



have calculated that the wavelength is 5000m, by dividing speed of light by the frequency, but am stuck and don't know how to proceec. any help would be amazing, thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
When the distance between the two points is equal to the wavelength, the phase difference between the points is 2π. So when the phase difference between the two points is π/6, the distance between the two points is...
 

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