What is the scale of lengths on diagrams for a ripple tank?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the scale of lengths depicted in diagrams for a ripple tank, specifically addressing the representations in two figures and their implications for real-world dimensions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of the scale indicated in the diagrams, questioning how the representation differs from actual dimensions. There is discussion about the specific measurements indicated and the nature of the scale as a reduction scale.

Discussion Status

Participants have provided observations regarding the scales in the diagrams, noting that one figure explicitly states it is "not to scale," while the other includes a scale that indicates actual distances. There is an ongoing exploration of how these scales affect the understanding of the ripple tank's dimensions.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific measurements, such as the width of the top of the page and the representation of 4 cm, which may influence the interpretation of the diagrams. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing the difference between representation and reality in the context of the ripple tank.

ellieee
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Homework Statement
does the scale mean that 2cm on paper = 4cm in real life / as answer ? I measured the yellow line to be 2cm, which would mean 4cm as answer right?
but then for question ci, when asked to calculate wavelength, answer is 2cm.
Relevant Equations
measuring wavelength only
Question 05-04-2021 20.50_edit_28400261148791.jpg
 
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The scale (circled in orange) is not part of Fig 1.1 (top).

Fig 1.1 specifically says "not to scale".

The scale (circled in orange) is part of Fig 1.2 (bottom).
 
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The scale shown applies to the lower diagram only. Any distance in the lower diagram that matches the distance between the two tick marks on the scale would represent an actual distance of 4 cm.
 
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The scale means that the representation on paper of the ripple tank is smaller than its real dimensions.

The top of the page is about 20 cm wide and that segment of line representing 4 cm can be placed more than five times along that edge of the sheet; therefore, this scale is a reduction scale, which proportion is the length of that represented segment divided by the actual length of 4 cm.

The real life ripple tank and the distances among valleys of the waves are bigger in real life than represented on paper.
 

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