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AP Physics 2
14.7 Diffraction
14.2 Periodic Waves
IntermediateMCQMathematicalConceptual18.8k
A top-down view of ocean waves approaching a harbor entrance. On the left side, labeled 'Deep Water (speed v_1)', several straight parallel vertical lines represent incoming wave crests of frequency f moving to the right toward a horizontal barrier wall with a central opening of width D. To the right of the wall, labeled 'Shallow Water (speed v_2)', semicircular curved wave fronts emanate outward from the opening into the harbor, spreading over an angle theta relative to the central straight line of propagation. No other labels, lines, text, or axes appear.
Ocean wave fronts diffracting through a breakwater opening of width D.
Ocean swells generated in deep water have frequency \(f\) and travel at speed \(v_1\). As the waves approach a harbor entrance bounded by two breakwater walls separated by an opening of width \(D\), they enter a shallow region where their speed decreases to \(v_2\) while their frequency remains unchanged. Assuming the small-angle approximation \(\sin\theta \approx \theta\), which of the following expressions correctly represents the angle \(\theta\) from the central maximum to the first diffraction minimum of the waves entering the harbor?

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