Quick Question on Frequency (just a theoretical question)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the effect of gravitational acceleration on the frequency of standing waves, specifically in the context of sound waves. The original poster questions whether reduced gravity on the moon would influence the frequency due to changes in wavelength.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the type of standing wave in question and discuss the factors that determine sound wave frequency, including density and pressure. There is a consideration of whether gravitational effects should be factored into these calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the empirical nature of the question, suggesting that gravitational effects may not significantly impact the frequency of sound waves under controlled conditions. Multiple interpretations regarding the relevance of gravity are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the discussion is framed within the context of sound waves and that assumptions about environmental conditions, such as temperature and air composition, are critical to the analysis.

sugarntwiligh
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Does gravitational acceleration have any effect on the frequency of a standing wave? I suppose it does-it probably affects the speed of the wave by hindering wavelength. So, if we went to the moon, and the gravity was considerably less on Earth, would the frequency of a standing wave be greater since the wavelength is smaller? I don't know, does this make sense? Am I right?
 
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What kind of standing wave? Light? Sound? A set of springs?
 
Sound
 
The frequency of a sound wave is determined by density and pressure. Usually, one does not factor in gravitational effects ... I.e., the weight of, say, the air in a container, doesn't factor into the calculation in opposition to the density that is already considered, and the density shouldn't change, unless you are allowing your container to expand. I think this is actually a much more empirical question than theoretical question.
 
The speed of sound in a gas is generally affected by the heat capacity ratio of the gas, the temperature and the its molar mass, none of which is related to the gravitational acceleration. Hence, the frequency of a standing wave should not change if the experiment is carried out on the moon (assuming that you conduct it in Earth-like conditions, i.e. same ambient temperature, same air composition)
 

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