Calculating Beats and Extension for a Flutist in Perfect Tune - Flute Homework"

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the beats per second and the necessary extension of a flute's tuning joint for a flutist playing the note A at different temperatures. The flutist initially tunes her flute at a speed of sound of 342 m/s, corresponding to a frequency of 440 Hz. After the air warms to 346 m/s, she hears 5 beats per second when playing the note A. To achieve perfect tuning, the extension required for the tuning joint is determined to be 4.6 mm.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics, specifically for sound waves in tubes.
  • Familiarity with the equations for open-open tubes: λ_m = 2L/m and f_m = mv/2L.
  • Knowledge of frequency and beats in sound waves.
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics affecting sound speed in air.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of temperature on the speed of sound in different mediums.
  • Learn how to calculate the wavelength and frequency for various musical instruments.
  • Explore the concept of beats in sound and how they relate to tuning instruments.
  • Investigate the design and function of tuning joints in woodwind instruments.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for flutists, music educators, acoustics students, and anyone interested in the physics of sound and instrument tuning.

sam.
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Homework Statement



Aa flutists assembles her flute in a room where the speed of sound is 342 m/s. When she plays the note A, it is in perfect tune with a 440 Hz tuning fork. After a few minutes, the air inside her flute has warmed to where the speed of sound is 346 m/s.
A) How many beats per second will she hear if she now plays the note A as the tuning fork is sounded?
B) How far does she need to extend the "tuning joint" of her flute to be in tune with the tuning fork?

Homework Equations



For an open-open tube:

\lambda_m = 2L/m
f_m = mv/2L

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the answer for A to be 5 beats/second, but I can't seem to figure out how to calculate B. I tried subbing in f = 440 Hz and v = 346 m/s into the second equation with m=1 but it wasn't the right answer. I know the answer is 4.6 mm but I don't know how they get that. Any help is appreciated!
 
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sam. said:

Homework Statement



Aa flutists assembles her flute in a room where the speed of sound is 342 m/s. When she plays the note A, it is in perfect tune with a 440 Hz tuning fork. After a few minutes, the air inside her flute has warmed to where the speed of sound is 346 m/s.
A) How many beats per second will she hear if she now plays the note A as the tuning fork is sounded?
B) How far does she need to extend the "tuning joint" of her flute to be in tune with the tuning fork?

Homework Equations



For an open-open tube:

\lambda_m = 2L/m
f_m = mv/2L

The Attempt at a Solution



I found the answer for A to be 5 beats/second,
This is correct.

...but I can't seem to figure out how to calculate B. I tried subbing in f = 440 Hz and v = 346 m/s into the second equation with m=1 but it wasn't the right answer.
That will give you the length required to produce the correct A note at the higher temperature. You are asked for the extension, which is the difference between the lengths at the high temperature and the low temperature.
 

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