Why Are Certain Physics Concepts So Challenging to Understand?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the challenges of understanding certain physics concepts, particularly the phenomenon of standing waves on a two-dimensional surface. Participants highlight that the frequency of vibrations causes erratic movement of rice grains, which settle only on non-vibrating nodes. The conversation also touches on the complexity of sound frequencies involved, suggesting that lower frequencies, which are inaudible to humans, contribute to the observed effects. The mention of similar experiments with corn-starch and sand reinforces the practical applications of these concepts in physics education.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of standing waves in physics
  • Basic knowledge of sound frequency and pitch
  • Familiarity with experimental physics techniques
  • Experience with visual demonstrations of physical phenomena
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  • Research the principles of standing waves in two-dimensional surfaces
  • Explore the relationship between frequency and sound perception
  • Investigate experimental setups for demonstrating wave phenomena
  • Learn about the effects of low-frequency sound waves on physical materials
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Students studying physics, educators looking for engaging demonstrations, and anyone interested in the practical applications of wave theory in physical experiments.

alexk307
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why does something like this happen?



I have some physics knowledge, but I am not that advanced...
 
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That's a very neat video. Here's what I think is happening:

It has nothing to do with the rice. Basically the frequency is creating a standing wave on the 2-d surface which has nodes in the shape given so the rice will bounce around erratically unless it settles on a point on the surface that isn't vibrating and then it'll just stay there. The one thing that confuses me is that the sound you hear in the video seems to be only one pitch and far too high. I'd think there's actually a lot more complicated signal going on in the low frequencies (below human hearing) to create this effect.
 
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I agree with Starstrider. We did this with grains of sand on an aluminum plate in freshman physics.
 

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