What is the phase difference between points P and R in Figure 4?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the phase difference between points P and R in a wave scenario, using the formula for phase difference in radians: phase difference = 2 x Pi x d/λ. The user correctly determined the distance (d = 24.5mm) and wavelength (λ = 47mm), resulting in a phase difference of approximately 3.2757 radians. However, when converting this value to degrees, the user encountered discrepancies with the expected answer of 180 degrees, leading to questions about rounding conventions for exam purposes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave properties, specifically amplitude and wavelength.
  • Familiarity with the formula for phase difference in waves.
  • Knowledge of unit conversion between radians and degrees.
  • Basic arithmetic skills for calculations involving Pi.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of phase difference in wave interference patterns.
  • Study the significance of rounding in scientific calculations, particularly in physics exams.
  • Learn about the relationship between phase difference and constructive/destructive interference.
  • Explore additional examples of phase difference calculations in different wave scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying wave mechanics, physics educators, and anyone preparing for exams involving wave properties and phase differences.

PhysicsAShelp
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Phase Difference - Waves! Help! URGENT

Homework Statement


Firstly, can I add that this question is second part of a question , the first part asked me to find the amplitude and wavelength of a wave from a picture, I got these to be a) Amplitude = 8mm - b) Wavelength = 47mm <<<<These two are 100% correct values, I checked the answers at the back of the book.

So, the question I'm stuck on is "For the waves in figure 4: - determine the phase difference between P and R." I've measured this and the distance between the two is 100% 24.5mm. From this I use the equation:
the phase difference in radians = 2 x Pi x d/\lambda

Homework Equations


the phase difference in radians = 2 x Pi x d/\lambda

The Attempt at a Solution


From the phase difference in radians = 2 x Pi x d/\lambda
I do, 2 x Pi x 0.0245/0.047 = 3.2757... This gives my answer in rads, but, from here one, do you convert it too degrees, secondly is this correct.
The correct answer at the back of the book is 180degrees.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


i can only tell you that the last arithmetic is correct

if you convert it into degrees (3.27*180/pi) you get 187 deg which is 7 deg off by your book result
 


Hmmm, I wonder if maybe you do it to the nearest 90? Because on another question I get 268 the answer is 270 though...?

EDIT:: For the C1 exam do you guys reckon if it asked for the phase difference in degrees I'd round it to the 180,270 etc or just the normal 3sigfig?
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K