What is the fundamental frequency of an aluminum rod?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on determining the fundamental frequency of a longitudinal standing wave in an aluminum rod, created by stroking it. Participants highlight the need to find the speed of sound in aluminum, which is crucial for calculating frequency using the formula f1 = v/2L. Various sources provide differing values for the speed of sound in aluminum, with some suggesting around 4877 m/s and others citing 5000 m/s. It is noted that Young's modulus should be used for calculating the speed of sound in thin rods, rather than bulk modulus. Ultimately, accurate values can be found in textbooks or reliable online resources.
mcnealymt
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Homework Statement


A longitudinal standing wave can be created in a long, thin aluminum rod by stroking the rod with very dry fingers. This is often done as a physics demonstration, creating a high-pitched, very annoying whine. From a wave perspective, the standing wave is equivalent to a sound standing wave in an open-open tube. In particular, both ends of the rod are anti-nodes. (Figure 1)

Homework Equations


http://session.masteringphysics.com/problemAsset/1074200/4/knight_Figure_21_55.jpg

The Attempt at a Solution



I know:

f1= v/2L


The problem is that I don't know how to calculate the speed of sound in an aluminum rod. I've ran across only one similar problem where they used:

f = v / 2 L ; where v = speed of sound

So we need to find the speed of sound in aluminum. See second web site.

f = (4877 m/s) / (2∙1.90m)
f = 128.2 s^-1 = 128.2 Hz

they then used this link to find the speed of sound in a aluminum rod
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/sound-speed-solids-d_713.html



ANy ideas?



 
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Hello.

mcnealymt said:
So we need to find the speed of sound in aluminum. See second web site.

f = (4877 m/s) / (2∙1.90m)
f = 128.2 s^-1 = 128.2 Hz

Where did you get that value for the speed of sound in aluminum? It's not the value given in your link.
 
This information I found on yahoo answers:

So we need to find the speed of sound in aluminum. See second web site.

f = (4877 m/s) / (2∙1.90m)
f = 128.2 s^-1 = 128.2 Hz
 
How did you get the length of the rod?
 
The length was given. It is 2m. My question is how do I find the speed of sound in an aluminum rod.
 
Are you using a textbook? It might have a table of speeds of sound for different materials. You can also calculate the speed from the density and bulk modulus of the material.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/sound/souspe2.html

[EDIT: From links given by SteamKing in post #10 below, it's Young's modulus and not the bulk modulus that should be used for the speed of sound in thin rods. Sorry for the error.]
 
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Use this equation that you have. "f1= v/2L You know the length. Now if you know the frequency you can find the velocity, and if you know the velocity, from your second link, you can find the frequency.
 
Does anyone know what the speed of sound in aluminum rod is??!
 
Why not use the value in your link?

The problem with getting a value from a web search is that different sites will give somewhat different values.

That's why it would be best to get a value from your text if you can find it there.
 
  • #10
mcnealymt said:
Does anyone know what the speed of sound in aluminum rod is??!

According to this link: http://www.rfcafe.com/references/general/velocity-sound-media.htm

the speed of sound in an Al rod for long. extensional waves is 5000 m/s

This link: http://www.physics.umd.edu/lecdem/services/demos/demosh1/h1-23.htm

gives similar results.

Good old wiki confirms:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speeds_of_sound_of_the_elements_(data_page)

Probably the last word in singing Al rods:
http://www.dougdelamatter.com/website1/science/physics/Longitudinally_Vibrating_Singing_Rod.pdf
 
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