Speed of Light: Wave Frequency & Wavelength Explained

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and velocity in electromagnetic waves. It explains that if the frequency of wave A is twice that of wave B, their wavelengths will have a ratio of 1/2, assuming both waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum. The key point is that since velocity is constant for both waves, an increase in frequency necessitates a decrease in wavelength. This relationship is summarized by the equation frequency multiplied by wavelength equals velocity. The explanation clarifies the confusion regarding how two waves can have the same speed despite differing frequencies.
BoogieL80
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I was having a little trouble understanding a concept in my book. My book asked the following question:

The frequency of electromagnetic wave A is twice that of electromagnetic wave B. For these two waves, which is the ratio wavelengthA/wavelengthB of the wavelengths in a a vacuum?

The answer turned out to be that the ratio would equal 1/2 because both waves have the same speed. I was able to calculate the 1/2 in my ratio, but I didn't understand how both waves would have the same velocity. I know frequency * wavelenth = velocity. If frequency is twice as large in one wave, how can they have the same speed?
 
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Frequency * wavelength = velocity.

If velocity is fixed, then doubling frequency requires halving wavelength. That's what the question wanted you to realize.

- Warren
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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