Wavelength & Frequency: No Change

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the observation of a wave with a wavelength of 1.5 cm and a frequency of 8 Hz when viewed through a stroboscope operating at 6 Hz. The conclusion is that there is no change in the wavelength observed; it remains at 1.5 cm. However, the apparent frequency changes due to the strobe frequency not being synchronized with the wave frequency, resulting in an observed frequency of 2 Hz instead of 8 Hz. The textbook answer confirms that the observed wavelength is 0.75 cm, which is half of the original wavelength.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave properties, specifically wavelength and frequency.
  • Knowledge of stroboscopic effects and synchronization in wave observation.
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts related to wave motion.
  • Ability to interpret wave equations and their implications in practical scenarios.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of wave interference and stroboscopic effects.
  • Learn about the Doppler effect and its relation to frequency changes.
  • Study the mathematical relationships between wavelength, frequency, and wave speed.
  • Explore practical applications of stroboscopes in physics experiments.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in wave mechanics and the effects of observation on wave properties.

primarygun
Messages
233
Reaction score
0
If a wave with wavelength 1.5 cm and frequency 8Hz, is viewed through a stroboscope with 6Hz, what's the change of its wavelength?
My answer is not identical to what in my textbook.
My thought is :there is no change of the wavelength, as the time given is enough for the wave to move over one wavelength.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
anyone helps?" Need to help my friend
 
primarygun said:
If a wave with wavelength 1.5 cm and frequency 8Hz, is viewed through a stroboscope with 6Hz, what's the change of its wavelength?
My answer is not identical to what in my textbook.
My thought is :there is no change of the wavelength, as the time given is enough for the wave to move over one wavelength.
are you sure the problem requests the change in apparent wavelength, and not the change in apparent frequency or apparent velocity?
btw, what answer does the textbook give?
 
Thanks for kind response.
It is the observed wavelength and the answer is 0.75 cm, half of the wavelength.
 
primarygun said:
If a wave with wavelength 1.5 cm and frequency 8Hz, is viewed through a stroboscope with 6Hz, what's the change of its wavelength?
My answer is not identical to what in my textbook.
My thought is :there is no change of the wavelength, as the time given is enough for the wave to move over one wavelength.
from the stated problem, it seems you'd perceive an apparent change in frequency, not in wavelength. it seems like you'd be able to see the physical extent of the wave and be able to measure the wavelength directly during each strobe pulse. thus, you'd not detect any apparent change in wavelength.

on the other hand, the frequency would appear to change. because the strobe frequency of 6 Hz is not aligned (or "synced") with the wave frequency of 8 Hz, the viewer would only see a wave peak return to a given position every 1/2 second (= 3 strobes @ 6 Hz = 4 wave cycles @ 8 Hz). that's the shortest elapsed time for which the 6 Hz strobe can coincide with the 8 Hz wave's peak returning to a given position:
Code:
strobe     wave peak @ given position
 (sec)         (sec)
   0 **       ** 0
  1/6           1/8
  2/6           2/8
   ...          3/8
  3/6 **     ** 4/8  ---- wave period would appear to be 1/2 sec
wave period would appear to be 1/2 sec, so freq would appear to be f=(1/Period)=(2 Hz).
thus, problem answer seems to be:
wave frequency would appear to change from 8 Hz to 2 Hz .
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
815
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
5K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K