Why Do Closed Pipes Not Produce Even Numbered Harmonics?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of sound waves in closed pipes, specifically addressing why closed pipes do not produce even-numbered harmonics. The subject area is acoustics within the context of A-level physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between harmonics and the physical arrangement of closed pipes, questioning the absence of even harmonics and discussing the implications of pressure nodes and antinodes.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the fundamental principles governing harmonics in closed pipes, while others express a need for deeper understanding and clarification of the concepts involved. There is a mix of attempts to calculate wavelengths and explore the underlying reasons for the observed phenomena.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of A-level physics, seeking explanations that are suitable for examination contexts. There is mention of prior explanations that participants find insufficient.

nina
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Why can't closed pipes produce even numbered harmonics? I have been given an explanation, but it isn't very detailed. I'm doing A2 (or just A level) physics, so an explanation suitable for this level would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
 
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What explanation have been given to you so far
 
Just that the 1st overtone has a frequency of 3 times the fundamental frequency, therefore the second harmonic is missing.

Is that all I need to know? It doesn't seem much of an explanation to give in an exam.

Thanks for your help...
 
yup it not enough Can u calulate the wavelength in terms of L
 
Yes, I can calculate the wavelength from L. But why is there no second harmonic in a closed pipe?
 
Coz for Even harmonics u need a arrangement like this
2f, 4f which is clearly not possible

And u never get L = even integer * Wavelength
 
Thanks! I will look at that more closely. thanks for the link too.:smile:
 
basically it is due to the fact that there is pressure antinode and node at closed and open ends
 
  • #10
actually, it makes sense now.
thank you so much. i may just get a good grade in my exam now...
:smile:
 
  • #11
Goodluck for exams
 

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