Confusion about standing waves and harmonics - organ pipes etc.?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the relationship between harmonics and the length of the medium in organ pipes, specifically in an open-open configuration. The fundamental frequency corresponds to a wavelength that is twice the length of the pipe, while higher harmonics fit additional wavelengths within the same length. Thus, the length of the medium remains constant, but the frequency changes as different harmonics are produced. This understanding resolves the confusion regarding the apparent change in frequency and wavelength.

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  • Understanding of wave mechanics
  • Knowledge of harmonics and their definitions
  • Familiarity with organ pipe configurations
  • Basic principles of sound frequency and wavelength
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Kratos321
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ok so i have a major confusion and its really getting to me. So from what i understand of harmonics, the length of the medium is always fixed and only the frequency changes. Is this right? Then why, on organ pipes for example.Assume open open configuration. Say I play a middle tone note C, wouldn't the fundamental frequency length be half the length of the wave. The 2nd harmonic would be 2 times that and the third harmonic would be 3 times the fundamental frequency wave length and so on?

so why is it changing? shouldn't the length be the same and only the frequency change? I am so confused pls help!
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi Kratos321! Welcome to PF! :smile:

It's the same as for a string …

the length of the medium is the same, but we can fit different numbers of waves into the same length :wink:
 

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