How the Pattern Changes
Part of the Optics, Waves and Modern Physics section of Coddy's Physics journey. Lesson 27 of 53.
A wider gap or a shorter wavelength: more nodal lines, closer together.
When d is a whole number of wavelengths:
N = 2d / λ
A higher frequency means a shorter λ, so more lines.
Challenge
Two sources 6 cm apart make ripples 2 cm long. How many nodal lines N are there in all?
Try it yourself
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Optics, Waves and Modern Physics
1Reflection and Refraction
Reflection of LightThe Refractive IndexSnell's LawTotal Internal ReflectionDispersionApparent DepthRecap - Optical Fiber4Mechanical Waves
What a Wave IsTwo Graphs of a WaveWhen Pulses MeetInterferenceStanding WavesHarmonicsRecap - Guitar String