What was the point of this prelab i just did?

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In summary, the conversation is about a homework problem involving finding the frequency of a monochromatic light source and the importance of this topic in understanding waves and their behavior in different media. The person explains that the experiment involving finding the frequency will be helpful in understanding this concept in more detail in the future. They also clarify that while the velocity of light may change in different media, the frequency remains constant.
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Homework Statement



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The Attempt at a Solution


It seems like i was just trying to figure out the frequency by finding the slope, but what exactly is this of importance for?
 

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It looks like they are trying to teach you some of the basics of waves, as well as a little bit of techniques on making graphs from a few data points to determine linear relationships, etc. ## \\ ## When working with light waves from a given source, the frequency of a monochromatic (single color) source is fixed, but when it travels through different media, (e.g. air, water, glass), the speed (of light) will change, depending on the index of refraction of the material, so that the wavelength changes. What you did in this experiment should help give you a good introduction that topic, when you encounter it.
 
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Charles Link said:
It looks like they are trying to teach you some of the basics of waves, as well as a little bit of techniques on making graphs from a few data points to determine linear relationships, etc. ## \\ ## When working with light waves from a given source, the frequency of a monochromatic (single color) source is fixed, but when it travels through different media, (e.g. air, water, glass), the speed (of light) will change, depending on the index of refraction of the material, so that the wavelength changes. What you did in this experiment should help give you a good introduction that topic, when you encounter it.

Oh i see. So, contrary to saying the velocity of speed stays constant in a certain medium, it would change when the medium changes except that the frequency stays constant.
 
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FAQ: What was the point of this prelab i just did?

1. What is the purpose of a prelab?

A prelab is a preparation activity that is done before conducting an experiment or lab. It helps the scientist understand the purpose of the experiment, the materials and procedures involved, and any potential hazards or safety precautions.

2. Why do we need to do a prelab?

Doing a prelab helps ensure that the scientist has a clear understanding of the experiment and can plan and conduct it effectively. It also helps identify any potential issues or sources of error that may arise during the experiment.

3. What information should be included in a prelab?

A prelab should include the title and purpose of the experiment, a list of materials and equipment needed, a detailed procedure, safety precautions and potential hazards, and any calculations or data analysis that will be done during the experiment.

4. How long should a prelab take to complete?

The time it takes to complete a prelab will vary depending on the complexity of the experiment and the scientist's familiarity with the topic. On average, a prelab can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

5. Can a prelab be skipped or done quickly?

Sometimes scientists may be tempted to skip or rush through a prelab in order to save time. However, this can lead to mistakes or confusion during the actual experiment. It is important to take the time to thoroughly complete a prelab in order to ensure a successful and safe experiment.

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