2007-05-08 22:00:07 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The wavelength of light is shorter in water, but the wavelength of sound is longer. The frequecies when going from one medium to another is the same, but the speed is different. Speed of light is slower, but speed of sound is much larger, in water.
2007-05-08 22:08:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd disagree, but maybe I'm just a negative person. I'm not sure we have all the facts, like are the waves the same frequency? if they are, then since sound travels faster in water, the wave length is longer, since wavelength is velocity/frequency. To this your friend can object on the grounds that, that "presumes facts not in evidence", then you can have a discussion about the speed of sound in water.
2007-05-08 22:14:31 · answer #2 · answered by tinkertailorcandlestickmaker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Disagree for mechanical waves like sound. The mechanical wave travels much faster in denser medium. Since the speed = wave length * Frequency (constant), the wave length of mechanical waves is proportional to the speed.
For electromagnetic waves, the speed is lower denser medium like water and glass, In that case the wave length becomes smaller - Agreed for electromagnetic waves like light.
2007-05-09 01:01:35 · answer #3 · answered by dipakrashmi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I agree if the waves both of you are discussing are light waves. Since the velocity of light in water is less than that in air, the wavelength will be less, since frequency remains unaffected and these are related to each other by the equation: V = f X Lambda where V is the velocity, f the frequency and lambda the wavelength. If V is less, lambda will be less, because Lambda = V / f
For sound waves, the situation is opposite since velocity in water is more than in air.
2007-05-08 22:21:18 · answer #4 · answered by Swamy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Disagree. The formula for calculating wavelength is V=F x L where V=velocity, F=frequency and L=wavelength.
The velocity of sound in water is approx 3 times faster than the velocity through air due to the closeness of the water molecules. So for the same frequency to travel through water its wavelength has to be three times that of the same frequency through air.
2007-05-11 04:45:37 · answer #5 · answered by soundmancan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree.Only frequency remains the same when the medium changes. wave velocity=frequencyXwavelength.
Both velocity and wavelength decrease in denser medium.
2007-05-08 22:07:29 · answer #6 · answered by alien 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
disagree. It's a nonsense sort of statement - needs lots more definition before you can see whether you are actually comparing apples with oranges or not ; what sort of wave ?
2007-05-08 22:30:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
agree! it travels slower through a denser medium, such as water
2007-05-08 22:05:39 · answer #8 · answered by rahrahblank 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋