Question

In the PhET simulation, select Oscillate, select No End, and scale Damping to none (leave tension at the highest setting since it is a physical property that does not apply to a wave of light, thus we can ignore it as long as it is at the highest setting). Classify each change (can be manipulated within the green box) according to its effect on the wavelength.

Drag the appropriate items to their respective bins.

Decrease frequency

Decrease damping

Decrease amplitude

Increase frequency

Increase amplitude

Increase damping

Shortens wavelength Lengthens wavelength Does not affect wavelength

Answer 1

Shortens wavelength: Increase frequency, Increase amplitude

Lengthens wavelength: Decrease frequency, Increase damping

Does not affect wavelength: Decrease damping, Decrease amplitude

Step-by-step explanation:

Increasing the frequency of the oscillation shortens the wavelength in the context of a wave. This is consistent with the wave equation, where the wavelength is inversely proportional to the frequency.

Additionally, increasing the amplitude, which represents the maximum displacement from equilibrium, also shortens the wavelength.

This can be understood by considering that a higher amplitude leads to more compression and rarefaction within a given distance, resulting in a shorter wavelength.

Conversely, decreasing the frequency lengthens the wavelength, as the oscillations occur less frequently within a given time period.

Moreover, increasing damping, or the dissipation of energy over time, leads to a lengthening of the wavelength. Damping reduces the amplitude of the oscillation, and as a result, the wave spreads out over a longer distance.

Lastly, decreasing amplitude does not affect the wavelength, as it represents the maximum displacement from equilibrium without influencing the number of oscillations or the energy dissipation.

In summary, manipulating frequency and amplitude within the specified parameters in the PhET simulation directly influences the wavelength, while changes in damping have a distinct effect on the wavelength as well. Understanding these relationships is crucial in comprehending the behavior of waves in various physical systems.

Answer 2

The bins are:

• Increase amplitude - Does not affect wavelength.
• Increase damping - Does not affect wavelength.
• Increase frequency - Shortens wavelength.
• Decrease amplitude - Does not affect wavelength.
• Decrease frequency - Lengthens wavelength.
• Decrease damping - Does not affect wavelength.

How to get the correct PheT simulation

The wavelength of light can be said to be the inverse proportion of what is the frequency of light

we have

λ = c /v

λ ∝ 1 / v