What is the scale of lengths on diagrams for a ripple tank?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ellieee
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Diagrams Scale
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the scale representation in diagrams of a ripple tank, specifically addressing Figures 1.1 and 1.2. Figure 1.1 is explicitly labeled "not to scale," while Figure 1.2 includes a scale indicating that a distance matching the tick marks represents an actual length of 4 cm. The top edge of the diagram measures approximately 20 cm, allowing the 4 cm scale to fit over five times along that edge, confirming that the diagram is a reduction scale. This indicates that the actual dimensions of the ripple tank and the wave valleys are larger than depicted.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of scale representation in diagrams
  • Familiarity with ripple tank experiments
  • Basic knowledge of wave physics
  • Ability to interpret graphical data
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of scale modeling in physics
  • Explore the design and function of ripple tanks in wave experiments
  • Learn about graphical representation of scientific data
  • Investigate the effects of scale on experimental accuracy
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, researchers conducting wave experiments, and anyone involved in the design or analysis of scientific diagrams.

ellieee
Messages
78
Reaction score
6
Homework Statement
does the scale mean that 2cm on paper = 4cm in real life / as answer ? I measured the yellow line to be 2cm, which would mean 4cm as answer right?
but then for question ci, when asked to calculate wavelength, answer is 2cm.
Relevant Equations
measuring wavelength only
Question 05-04-2021 20.50_edit_28400261148791.jpg
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The scale (circled in orange) is not part of Fig 1.1 (top).

Fig 1.1 specifically says "not to scale".

The scale (circled in orange) is part of Fig 1.2 (bottom).
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: ellieee
The scale shown applies to the lower diagram only. Any distance in the lower diagram that matches the distance between the two tick marks on the scale would represent an actual distance of 4 cm.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Lnewqban, DaveC426913 and ellieee
The scale means that the representation on paper of the ripple tank is smaller than its real dimensions.

The top of the page is about 20 cm wide and that segment of line representing 4 cm can be placed more than five times along that edge of the sheet; therefore, this scale is a reduction scale, which proportion is the length of that represented segment divided by the actual length of 4 cm.

The real life ripple tank and the distances among valleys of the waves are bigger in real life than represented on paper.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
993
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
693
Replies
60
Views
6K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K