Increase Dipper Frequency - Wave Velocity & Pattern Changes

In summary: or this one: http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/9092/what-is-the-velocity-of-a-water-wave-independent-of-frequency
  • #1
Kyoma
97
0

Homework Statement


A dipper moving up and down makes waves in a ripple tank.
What will happen when the dipper frequency is increased?

(a) The waves will be closer together.
(b) The waves will move more quickly across the tank.

2. The attempt at a solution

From the equation, velocity of wave = frequency of wave multiply by the wavelength, I choose (b) since when frequency is increased, so will the velocity. However, the answer is (a). Why? Why is velocity held constant?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Good question Kyoma, this is a topic that is rarely explained well in intro physics classes. In situations like this (but not necessarily always) the velocity of propagation of a wave is a property of the material itself. I.e. the type/features of the wave don't matter, the velocity is always the same---because the water is the same. The wave-speed is a property of the water (for the record, this would be called a "non-dispersive" medium, because of this feature).

In your proposed solution you said that the, "frequency is increased"--you're right of course, and this is just another way of saying 'a'! Higher frequency means smaller wavelength (because of that equation---with constant velocity), and thus closer together wave-peaks.

Does that make sense?
 
  • #3
So, there are some situations in which the velocity depends on the property of the material, then what kind of situations? Common sense?
 
  • #4
Kyoma said:
So, there are some situations in which the velocity depends on the property of the material, then what kind of situations? Common sense?

The velocity always depends on the material, for example the velocity of soundwaves in air is slower than the velocity of soundwaves in water, which is slower than the velocity in a solid. However, there are situations where the velocity also depends on the frequency. When this is the case we speak of a dispersive medium. An example of this is the breaking of light in a prism, where the velocity of the lightwaves moving through the prism depends on the frequency, thus leading to the refractive index depending on frequency, which, along with the geometry of the prism, leads to the spatial sparation of the components of white light.
 
  • #5
I still don't understand, really.

I have checked a couple of physics forums. Some claimed that velocity of a wave will increase when frequency increases, while others claimed that velocity will always be held constant in a particular medium... :l
 
  • #6
In the cases that you will discuss in an introductory physics class, the velocity will remain constant independent of frequency. This is exactly true in some cases and only a (usually pretty good) approximation in others.
However, statement (a) of your original question is always true, whether you treat things exactly with more messy math or take the easy approximation.
If you want to see a more complete discussions of water waves, you can check out this Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dispersion_(water_waves [Broken])
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is the relationship between dipper frequency and wave velocity?

The dipper frequency and wave velocity are inversely related. This means that as dipper frequency increases, wave velocity decreases, and vice versa.

2. Can dipper frequency affect pattern changes in waves?

Yes, changes in dipper frequency can lead to changes in wave patterns. For example, an increase in dipper frequency can result in shorter wavelengths and a shift towards higher frequency waves.

3. How is dipper frequency measured?

Dipper frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz), which represents the number of waves passing a fixed point in one second.

4. What factors can cause an increase in dipper frequency?

Changes in the source of the wave, such as an increase in frequency from a vibrating object, can cause an increase in dipper frequency. Other factors, such as changes in the medium through which the wave travels, can also affect dipper frequency.

5. How is an increase in dipper frequency important in scientific research?

An increase in dipper frequency can provide valuable insights into the properties of waves and the behaviors of materials or systems. It is often used in a variety of scientific fields, including acoustics, optics, and oceanography, to study and understand wave phenomena.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
955
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
750
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
33
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
Back
Top