Waves and light (conceptual questions)

In summary, the conversation discusses two conceptual questions related to waves and light. The first question asks about the ratio of thickness between crown glass and water that would contain the same number of wavelengths of light. The second question asks about the interference pattern produced by the two headlights of a car. It is suggested that the frequency and speed of light make the pattern too small to be visible and that the light coming from the lamps is not in phase. The questions have been resolved with the help of a solution text.
  • #1
Jbum
18
0
[SOLVED] waves and light (conceptual questions)

hey, i have a few conceptual questions related to waves and light.

1. what is the ratio of thickness of crown glass and water that would contain the same number of wavelength of light? (index of refraction for glass = 1.52, and for water, it's 1.33)

i have no idea what this question is asking and even less of an idea of what to do or say. so help in clarifying the question itself is greatly appreciated.


2. explain why light from the two headlights of a car does not produce an interference pattern?

is this a trick question? wouldn't they produce a pattern? however, since the frequency and speed of light is so high and the wavelength so short, the pattern would not be visible?

thanks for the help in advance.
 
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  • #2
Jbum said:
2. explain why light from the two headlights of a car does not produce an interference pattern?

is this a trick question? wouldn't they produce a pattern? however, since the frequency and speed of light is so high and the wavelength so short, the pattern would not be visible?

You could also discuss the fact that the light coming from the lamps is not in phase. Also could discuss gap width and significant diffraction.
 
  • #3
yes thank you. i consulted a solution text for those two problems so they are now solved.
 

Related to Waves and light (conceptual questions)

What are waves?

Waves are a form of energy that travels through space or a medium. They can be described as a disturbance that moves through a medium, without transporting matter, and transfers energy from one place to another.

What are the properties of waves?

Waves have several important properties, including amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and speed. Amplitude is the maximum displacement of a wave from its resting position. Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive points on a wave that are in phase. Frequency is the number of complete waves that pass a given point in a certain amount of time. Speed is the rate at which a wave travels through a medium.

How is light related to waves?

Light is a type of electromagnetic wave, which means that it is a form of energy that is created by the movement of electrically charged particles. Like other waves, light has properties such as wavelength and frequency. However, unlike other waves, light can also behave like a particle, known as a photon.

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. This includes all types of electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. Each type of wave has a different wavelength and frequency, and therefore different properties and uses.

How does light interact with matter?

Light can interact with matter in several ways, including absorption, reflection, and refraction. When light is absorbed, it is converted into another form of energy, such as heat. When light is reflected, it bounces off the surface of an object. Refraction occurs when light passes through a medium and changes direction due to a change in the medium's density.

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