Sound Exp: Find Frequency of Sound Wave

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods to experimentally determine the frequency of a sound wave. Participants explore various experimental approaches, including the use of resonance and technology, as well as the theoretical framework involving the speed of sound.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests calculating the speed of sound by hitting sticks and measuring the echo, then using the formula v = f*lambda to find frequency, but questions how to measure the wavelength.
  • Another participant proposes a method involving letting water fall to find resonance points, marking the water level at these points to average results and establish error bounds.
  • Some participants consider the use of a microphone and spectrum analyzer as a potential method, questioning whether this approach would be considered "cheating" if it yields valid results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express different views on the appropriateness of various methods for measuring frequency, with no consensus on the best approach or whether certain methods are acceptable.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not resolve the question of how to accurately measure wavelength, and there are differing opinions on the validity of using technology in experiments.

Cheman
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Sound Experiment...

What experiment could you perform to find the frequency of a sound wave? I thought that you could calculate the speed of sound though hitting sticks and hearing echo, etc, and then using the v = f*lambda formula to find frequency - but how would you find the wavelength to calculate the frquency?

Thanks.
 
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Cheman said:
What experiment could you perform to find the frequency of a sound wave? I thought that you could calculate the speed of sound though hitting sticks and hearing echo, etc, and then using the v = f*lambda formula to find frequency - but how would you find the wavelength to calculate the frquency?

Thanks.

http://physics.nku.edu/GeneralLab/211 Speed of sound -tube.html

Zz.
 
I found that rather then slowly and painstakingly searching for a resonance point it may be best to simply let the water fall. As the water level drops through a resonance it will be quite noticeable make a quick mark to indicate the level of the water. Repeat this process several times. you will have a group of marks which indicate a resonance, this gives you a average and error bounds. What more could you ask for.

This can be a very quick experiment, done my way, so do lots of repetitions listening to a locating resonances.

We replaced the tunning fork with a small speaker and a signal generator, so we had a continuous source of sound.
 
Would it be cheating to use a microphone and send the signal to a spectrum analyzer ? :smile:
 
Gokul43201 said:
Would it be cheating to use a microphone and send the signal to a spectrum analyzer ? :smile:

Thats the way I'd do it.

Can you 'cheat' if you get a valid result?
 

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