What is the Relationship Between Interference and Wavelengths?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of wave speed and its relationship to interference and wavelengths. Participants explore definitions, clarify terms, and seek to understand the underlying principles of wave behavior, including phase and group velocity, as well as path difference in wave interference.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion regarding the definition of wave speed, specifically the phrase "how fast a point moves on the wave."
  • There is a distinction made between "phase velocity" and "group velocity," with one participant suggesting that understanding these concepts could clarify the definition of wave speed.
  • Participants note that "how fast a point on the wave moves" can refer to different motions, such as the forward movement of wave crests or the vertical motion of points on a transverse wave.
  • One participant mentions that wave speed is related to wavelength and suggests that this relationship applies to all types of waves, not just light.
  • A participant expresses interest in the relationship between interference and wavelengths, specifically questioning how the formulas for path difference are derived.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for clarification regarding wave speed and its definitions, but there is no consensus on the derivation of the path difference formulas or their relationship to wavelengths.

Contextual Notes

Some participants indicate that the definitions and concepts discussed may require additional context for a complete understanding, particularly regarding the nuances of wave motion and interference.

Theudius
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Hi could someone please explain to me what is meant by the term wave speed because I am confused by the definition which states "how fast a point moves on the wave".
 
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Theudius said:
Hi could someone please explain to me what is mean by the term wave speed because I am confused by the definition which states "how fast a point moves on the wave".
Welcome to the PF.

Are you familiar with the difference between the "phase velocity" and the "group velocity" in a wave? Have you read about this at Wikipedia yet? :smile: That might be a good start -- you could post links to the parts of the explanation that you aren't understanding yet.
 
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Theudius said:
"how fast a point moves on the wave".
BTW, that quote can imply other things as well.

The topics I mentioned in my last reply (phase velocity and group veloticy) have to do with how fast the crests of a wave move forward. But "how fast a point on the wave moves" can also imply how fast a point on a transverse wave moves "up and down" as the wave moves "left to right".

So in your reading about waves, also include some reading about "transverse waves" and "longitudinal waves". You will start to see how the quote you posted is not really defined well enough to give you a good answer without more context and details.

Enjoy the learning. Post if you need help finding good links to read, or if you have questions about the reading you are doing at the links. :smile:
 
Hi thanks for your replies, I have been reading further into waves and I'm starting to understand the term wave speed in more detail.

I have also started reading into interference and path difference but one thing I'm uncertain about is how it is related to wavelengths and how the formulae path difference = nλ and path difference = (n+ 1/2)λ are derived.
 

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