Waves, Sound and Light: Light Waves

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Light Waves: Audio Guided Solution

Problem Set LW6, Question 4:

The diagram at the right represents the interference pattern created by two water waves. The waves were created by two vibrating objects which oscillate up and down in phase at the same frequency. Point P on the pattern is a distance of 75.8 cm from S₁ and 47.5 cm from S₂. Determine the wavelength (in cm) of the water waves.

Audio Guided Solution

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Habits of an Effective Problem Solver

An effective problem solver by habit approaches a physics problem in a manner that reflects a collection of disciplined habits. To be an effective problem-solver...

... read the problem carefully and develop a mental picture of the physical situation. If necessary, sketch a simple diagram of the physical situation to help you visualize it.
... identify the known and unknown quantities and record them in an organized manne; often times, they can be recorded on the diagram itself. Equate given values to the symbols used to represent the corresponding quantity (e.g., v = 3.00x10⁸ m/s, λ = 554 nm, f = ???).
... use physics formulas and conceptual reasoning to plot a strategy for solving for the unknown quantity.
... identify the appropriate formula(s) to use.
... perform substitutions and algebraic manipulations in order to solve for the unknown quantity.

Read About It!

Get more information on the topic of Light Waves at The Physics Classroom Tutorial.