Water tank and wave interference question?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving wave interference in a water tank experiment. The correct position to stand for minimal wave action is confirmed to be 1.25 meters from the perpendicular bisector of the openings, as this distance corresponds to a path length difference of half the wavelength. A participant initially calculated 0.94 meters, which was identified as incorrect due to an algebra error. The consensus reached is that standing at 1.25 meters effectively minimizes wave interference.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave interference principles
  • Knowledge of wavelength and path length difference
  • Basic algebra for solving physics problems
  • Familiarity with experimental setups involving water waves
NEXT STEPS
  • Study wave interference patterns in physics
  • Learn about calculating path length differences in wave phenomena
  • Explore practical experiments with water waves and interference
  • Review algebraic techniques for solving physics equations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, educators teaching wave interference concepts, and anyone involved in experimental physics related to wave phenomena.

Kratos321
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Homework Statement



In a large water tank experiment, water waves are generated with straight, parallel wave fronts, 3.0m apart. The wave fronts pass through two openings 5.0m apart in a long board. The end of the tank is 3.0m beyond the board. Where should you stand, relative to the perpendicular bisector of the line between the openings, if you want to receive little or not wave action?


Ok, so I tried to do this problem and got 0.94 m as my answer. Can someone please confirm this because the answer book says 1.25m.
 
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1.25 m is about right. At that point, the path length difference is 1.5 m, which is half the wavelength. Maybe you made an algebra error somewhere?
 
Kratos321 said:
Ok, so I tried to do this problem and got 0.94 m as my answer. Can someone please confirm this because the answer book says 1.25m.

How did you get that result?

ehild
 

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