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

In summary, the scale shown on Fig 1.1 is not applicable to the top diagram and only applies to Fig 1.2. The scale represents a reduction in size of the ripple tank and any distance on the lower diagram that matches the distance between the two tick marks on the scale will be equivalent to an actual distance of 4 cm. The top of the page is approximately five times wider than the representation of 4 cm, making it a reduction scale. This means that the real dimensions of the ripple tank and the distances between wave valleys are larger than what is shown on paper.
  • #1
ellieee
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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
 
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  • #2
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).
 
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  • #3
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.
 
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  • #4
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.
 

What is the scale of lengths on a diagram?

The scale of lengths on a diagram refers to the ratio of the size of an object or distance on the diagram to its actual size or distance in the real world. It is typically represented as a fraction or ratio, such as 1:100 or 1 cm = 1 m.

Why is it important to have a scale on a diagram?

A scale on a diagram is important because it allows viewers to accurately interpret the size and distance of objects or features shown on the diagram. Without a scale, the diagram may be misleading and inaccurate.

How do you determine the scale of a diagram?

The scale of a diagram can be determined by measuring a known distance on the diagram and then comparing it to the actual distance in the real world. The ratio of these two distances will give you the scale of the diagram.

Can the scale of a diagram change?

Yes, the scale of a diagram can change depending on the size of the paper or screen it is being viewed on. For example, a diagram printed on a larger piece of paper will have a different scale than the same diagram printed on a smaller piece of paper.

What are some common units of measurement used for scales on diagrams?

Some common units of measurement used for scales on diagrams include centimeters, meters, inches, feet, and miles. The units used will depend on the size and context of the diagram.

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