Question

A scientist makes new observations and learns that water waves of shorter wavelengths spread in all directions not only because they scatter off piers but also because they interact with previously scattered short water waves. Drawing upon the analogy between water waves and light waves, we might hypothesize which of the following? (A) Blue light waves act like ripples that other blue light waves meet and scatter from. (B) Red light waves will be scattered by blue light waves like incoming long water waves are scattered by outgoing ripples. (C) Red light waves can scatter blue light waves, but blue light waves cannot scatter red. (D) The analogy between water and light waves cannot be extended to include the way in which short water waves become ripples and scatter one another. (E) The scattering effect of blue light waves is canceled by that of red.

Short answer

(A) Blue light waves act like ripples that other blue light waves meet and scatter from.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Observation

The observation states that short water waves scatter in all directions, not just from obstacles like piers, but also through interaction with previously scattered waves. This is a key point showing self-interaction and scattering among similar waves.

Analyze the Hypothesis Using Analogy

The hypothesis needs to draw an analogy between water waves and light waves. Since the shorter water waves interact with other similarly scattered waves, we need to figure out what similar behavior might be expected of light waves, especially the shorter wavelengths like blue light.

Consider Characteristics of Light Waves

Light waves, specifically shorter ones like blue light, are known to scatter more than longer wavelengths (such as red light). This is why the sky appears blue, due to Rayleigh scattering which influences shorter wavelengths heavily. Hence, blue light interacts with other blue light waves.

Evaluate Each Option Based on the Analogy

With the understanding that short light waves scatter and interact with similar types, evaluate the options: - (A) suggests blue light waves act like ripples, which aligns with short waves interacting. - (B) suggests red is scattered by blue like long waves are by ripples. This doesn't fit as red is less scattered. - (C) is incorrect as red doesn't scatter blue, rather blue is more interactive with itself. - (D) discounts the analogy but the question assumes it extends to light. - (E) implies cancellation which isn't about self-interaction.

Select the Correct Hypothesis

Considering water and light wave behavior, option (A), stating that blue light waves act like ripples that other blue light waves meet and scatter from, is the correct analogy. It reflects self-interaction and scattering like the short water waves in the observation.

Key concepts

Analogical Reasoning

Analogical reasoning is a powerful tool in problem-solving and understanding new concepts. It's like drawing a map using known territories to explore unfamiliar areas. This method involves comparing two entities based on shared properties and drawing conclusions for the less known entity. In our case, we use water waves to understand light waves.

This type of reasoning relies on similarities between the behavioral patterns of two different phenomena. Here, the scattering of short water waves is akin to the scattering of short wavelength blue light waves. By using this analogy, we can infer possible behaviors of light waves from known behaviors of water waves.

• Analogies help in visualizing and predicting outcomes.
• They simplify complex phenomena by relating them to more familiar ones.
• Understanding one part of the analogy can illuminate insights into the other part.

Wavelength Interaction

Wavelength interaction refers to how waves behave when they meet each other or different mediums. Different wavelengths of light interact in various ways, just like water waves of different lengths.

For instance, shorter wavelengths, like blue light, are more likely to scatter and interact with similar waves than longer ones like red light. This interaction leads to phenomena such as constructive and destructive interference, where waves align or cancel each other, respectively.

• Shorter wavelengths have higher energy, facilitating more interactions.
• These interactions help explain why the sky is blue—blue light is scattered in many directions.
• Understanding interactions can predict wave behaviors in different environments.

Light Wave Scattering

Light wave scattering is a concept that explains how light waves change direction when they collide with particles or other waves. This scattering is more significant for shorter wavelengths, like blue light.

In the Earth's atmosphere, molecules scatter shorter wavelengths more efficiently, leading phenomena like the blue color of the sky. This is similar to water waves that spread when encountering obstacles or other waves.

• Rayleigh scattering is a common type, affecting shorter wavelengths significantly.
• Scattering differs between wavelengths—shorter ones are scattered more.
• This concept helps in various applications, from understanding natural light patterns to designing optical devices.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze and evaluate information or situations with clarity and logic. When solving problems, especially involving analogies like in physics, critical thinking sharpens our focus.

We used critical thinking to evaluate which hypothesis best fits the analogy between water and light waves. This involves dissecting each option, considering past knowledge, and applying logical reasoning.

• Critical thinking requires questioning assumptions and assessing evidence.
• It aids in making informed decisions based on detailed analysis.
• Mastery of this skill enhances problem-solving capabilities across various domains.