The discussion centers on the frequency ratio of sections A and B of a composite cord connected to a vibrating source. Participants confirm that both sections vibrate at the same frequency of 100 Hz, leading to a frequency ratio of 1. The conversation also touches on the distinction between frequency and wavelength, emphasizing that while frequencies remain constant, wave speeds and wavelengths differ across sections. This highlights the importance of conceptual understanding in physics.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, educators teaching wave mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of wave behavior in composite materials.
Either it is a trick question or they meant to ask for the ratio of wavelengths.songoku said:
I would not call it a trick question. Realising that something conceptual does not change or when something is trivial is a very important skill in understanding a subject. For example, I keep asking relativity students a question where a muon travels a certain distance in the lab frame before decaying and I want them to tell me how far it travels in its rest frame. I keep asking because I have seen people get it wrong so many times and it illustrates something fundamental.haruspex said: