What does Wavelength/degree mean?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the meaning of the term "Wavelength/degree" in the context of angular measurements and their relationship to frequency and wavelength. Participants explore the connections between angular measures, time, and mathematical expressions related to these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that the formula involving frequency and the number "6" relates to degrees, suggesting that "6" is an approximation of 2π.
  • Another participant insists that "6" is correct, asserting that it is based on the idea that 6 degrees equals 1 second.
  • Several participants emphasize the need for clarity in the original problem description, indicating that the context is not well-defined.
  • There is a suggestion that the discussion may relate to the motion of a clock's arms, specifically the second hand, but this connection is challenged by others who argue that wavelength is not relevant in this context.
  • Some participants critique the mathematical expressions used, pointing out issues with validity and suggesting the use of proper terminology for angular measures, such as "arcseconds" and "arcminutes."
  • Concerns are raised about unit consistency and the importance of using complete units in mathematical expressions to avoid confusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the meaning of "Wavelength/degree" or the correctness of the mathematical expressions presented. Multiple competing views remain regarding the interpretation of the number "6" and its relevance to angular measures.

Contextual Notes

Some mathematical expressions are noted to be invalid, and there are discussions about the proper use of units and terminology, but these issues remain unresolved within the conversation.

bitencrypt
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Hi

If c(velocity)/f(frequency) = wavelength
and 1/f(frequency) * 6 = degrees
What does Wavelength/degree mean??

Regards
 
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bitencrypt said:
... and 1/f(frequency) * 6 = degrees ...
I suspect that "6" is an approximation of 2π.
 
No

I think 6 is the right number to find the degree. It's based on 6 degrees is 1 second.

regards
 
Last edited:
You could write the full problem or description rather that expecting people to guess what are you talking about.
 
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bitencrypt said:
No

I think 6 is the right number to find the degree. It's based on 6 degrees is 1 second.

regards
Hi bitencrypt. That's a novel connection indeed! Full marks for originality, at least. Can I guess you are in early high school?

There are 60 seconds in a minute, and 60 minutes in a degree, these all being angular measures. Not to be confused with time measures co-incidently bearing the same name. .:oldcool:
 
Hi

360 degrees / 60 = 60 seconds / 60 = 1 second.
therefore, there are 6 degrees in 1 second (6 * 60 = 360)
1/f(frequency) = cycle time * 6 = degrees.
And c(velocity)/f = wavelength

regards
 
You may be talking about the motion of a clock's arms. Maybe the second arm. But in this case the wavelength has no connection.
You should start by describing the system you are talking about before you throw some random formulas. It is really unreasonable to expect people to read your mind.
 
bitencrypt said:
360 degrees / 60 = 60 seconds / 60 = 1 second.
Unfortunately, some of your mathematical expressions will mean nothing to anyone here; they are invalid. There is a basic universal restriction to only one equals sign in an algebraic equation. There is no such thing as a progressive equation, or whatever it is you seem to have invented. Please rewrite your expressions so they are valid equations. Observing sound mathematical rigor is a good habit to get into earlier rather than later---I presume you have at least some interest in science, anyway, to have found your way to this forum.

Also, I suggest using the words "arcseconds" and "arcminutes" when referring to angular measures, so there is no temptation to equate them to measures of time.
 
Also, use complete units. The 360 deg / 60 should probably be (360 deg/rev) / (60 sec/rev), for example. Then you won't end up with unitless numbers and unit mismatches.
 
  • #10
I'm also wondering what the OP is talking about.

Standard angular measurements in degrees:
360 degrees / 60 = 6 degrees.
1 degree / 60 = 1 arcminute
1 arcminute / 60 = 1 arcsecond. (1/3,600th of a degree)

The fact that a clock's second hand moves 6 degrees per second has no bearing on angular units.
 

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