Same frequency different wavelength?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter hasankamal007
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Frequency Wavelength
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Waves, such as sound, can exhibit different wavelengths while maintaining the same frequency due to variations in propagation velocity across different media. The velocity of sound waves is influenced by the medium's properties, including elasticity and density. Consequently, when sound travels through air versus a solid, the wavelength changes while the frequency remains constant, as frequency is determined by the source of the wave. This relationship is encapsulated in the formula W = v/f, where W is wavelength, v is velocity, and f is frequency.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave properties, specifically frequency and wavelength
  • Knowledge of sound wave propagation in different media
  • Familiarity with the relationship between velocity, elasticity, and density
  • Basic grasp of wave equations and their applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of elasticity and density on sound wave velocity in various materials
  • Study the mathematical derivation of the wave equation W = v/f
  • Explore the differences in sound propagation in gases, liquids, and solids
  • Investigate real-world applications of wave behavior in different media, such as acoustics engineering
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, acoustics engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of sound waves in various media.

hasankamal007
Messages
42
Reaction score
0
how can waves like sound have different wavelengths with same frequency?(Wα1/frequency)
For eg, in air vel=wav*freq which in solid is more. So, either frequency or wavelength should change. But, since frequency is source dependent, its only the wavelength that changes.

My Doubt is that how can there be different wavelengths on same frequency in different media? (when Wα1/frequency)[considering a graph]

Please Explain...
Thanks a bunch!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You have the things a little backwards.
The wavelength of waves with same frequency is different in different media because the velocity of these waves depends on the medium.
The propagation velocity is a property of the medium. It depends on its elasticity (and also density).
A wave excited in a medium will propagate with this velocity. The wavelength is the distance traveled during a period of the excitation, which is determined by the source of the perturbation.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K