Speed of refracted waves in different mediums

  • Thread starter taylorboss_k
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In summary, two vibrating sources emit waves in the same elastic medium with frequencies of 25 hz and 75hz respectively. The waves from the first source have a wavelength of 6.9 m and reflect from a barrier with an angle of reflection of 25 degrees. The waves from the second source refract into a different medium with an angle of incidence of 35 degrees and an observed speed of 96 m/s. The problem asks for the speed of the waves from the second source in the original medium. Without any other given information, the speed of the waves cannot be determined and it is assumed that the two wave speeds are the same.
  • #1
taylorboss_k
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Homework Statement


two vibrating sources emit waves in the same elastic medium. the first source has a frequency of 25 hz, while the frequency of the second source is 75hz. waves from the first source have a wavelength of 6.9 m. they reflect from a barrier back into the original medium, with an angle of relfection of 25 degrees. waves from the second source refreact into a different medium with an angle of incidence of 35 degrees. the speed of the refracted waves is observed to be 96 m/s.




Homework Equations


wat is the is the speed of the reflected waves from the first source in the orignal medium?



The Attempt at a Solution


you cannot tell since it has most likely changed speed after refraction?


Im doing a correspondance course and learning out of a book is retarded.
Can someone explain this to me please?
 
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  • #2


Welcome to Physics Forums. :smile:

There seems to be a lot of unnecessary information given here. But they do tell us what the first wave's frequency and wavelength are. What equation can you use to get the speed?
 
Last edited:
  • #3


Darn it. I posted the right problem but the wrong question. the right question is...

what is the speed of the waves from the second source in the original medium?
 
  • #4


It appears there is not enough information to solve this problem, unless we assume the same speed for the two frequencies.

I fail to see the relevance of the 25 degree angle of reflection for the first wave.

Was there a figure accompanying this problem? Perhaps it contains other information, or a better description of the situation.
 
  • #5


Thats all the information given.
No figures.

Its got me all confused.
 
  • #6


It seems we should assume the two wave speeds are the same, which is generally true anyway. In that case, my comment in post #2 applies.
 

1. What is the speed of refracted waves in different mediums?

The speed of refracted waves in different mediums is dependent on the density and elasticity of the medium. For example, the speed of sound waves in air is approximately 343 meters per second, while the speed of sound waves in water is about 1,500 meters per second.

2. How does the density of a medium affect the speed of refracted waves?

The denser the medium, the slower the speed of refracted waves. This is because the molecules of a denser medium are closer together, making it more difficult for the waves to pass through.

3. Why do refracted waves change direction when passing through different mediums?

Refracted waves change direction when passing through different mediums because the speed of the wave changes depending on the density and elasticity of the medium. This change in speed causes the wave to bend as it moves from one medium to another.

4. Is the speed of refracted waves the same in all directions?

No, the speed of refracted waves can vary depending on the direction in which the wave is traveling. This is due to the differences in density and elasticity of the medium in different directions.

5. How does the angle of incidence affect the speed of refracted waves?

The angle of incidence refers to the angle at which the wave enters the new medium. The speed of refracted waves is affected by this angle, as a larger angle of incidence can result in a greater change in direction and a slower speed of the wave in the new medium.

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