Find fundamental freq. and 1st overtone closed each end pipe

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the fundamental frequency and the first overtone of a pipe that is closed at both ends, with a specified length and velocity of sound. The original poster presents their calculations and expresses confusion regarding the application of formulas typically used for open pipes.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply formulas for open pipes to a closed pipe scenario, leading to questions about the validity of their approach. Participants suggest exploring standing wave patterns and wavelengths for both closed and open pipes to clarify the reasoning.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging in a productive exploration of the differences between closed and open pipes, with some guidance provided on the relationship between wave patterns and frequency calculations. There is an acknowledgment of the need to reconsider the application of formulas based on the pipe's boundary conditions.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes discrepancies in their frequency calculations when using formulas for closed pipes, prompting a discussion about the assumptions underlying these formulas and their applicability to the problem at hand.

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Homework Statement


Calculate the frequency of: (a) the fundamental, (b) the first overtone, produced by a pipe of length 40 cm which is closed at each end. (Velocity of sound in air = 340 m s-1.)

Answers: (a) 425 Hz, (b) 850 Hz

2. The attempt at a solution
L = 0.4 m, v = 340 m s-1

(a) f1 = ?
fn = nv / 2L
f1 = 1 * 340 / 2 * 0.4 = 425 Hz

(b) f2 = ?
f2 = 2f1
f2 = 2 * 425 = 850 Hz

The answer fits but I used the formulas which are for open pipes. When I used the formulas for the closed pipes I got wrong answers (212.5 Hz and 637.5 Hz). Why "closed pipe at each end" is considered an open pipe? Or maybe I used the formulas wrong and the solition is different?
 
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To see why the case of "closed at each end" gives the same frequencies as the case "open at each end", you should draw several standing wave patterns for the two cases.

What is the wavelength for the fundamental mode in each case?

What is the wavelength for the next overtone in each case?
 
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TSny said:
To see why the case of "closed at each end" gives the same frequencies as the case "open at each end", you should draw several standing wave patterns for the two cases.

What is the wavelength for the fundamental mode in each case?

What is the wavelength for the next overtone in each case?
16_19FigureA.jpg
16_19FigureB.jpg
16_19FigureC.jpg

The closed-closed pipes look like the open-open and the only difference is that it's like they were moved to the left or right. Also n = 1, 2, 3, ... and not n = 1, 3, 5, ... as for the open-closed pipe.

So, it looks like we need to use the formulas for an open pipe for a closed-closed pipe. And also threat it as an open-open pipe?
 
Yes.

##f = v/\lambda## where ##v## is the fixed speed of sound. So, the frequencies are determined by the wavelengths. As you noted, the wave patterns for the open-open and closed-closed differ by just an overall shift to the left or right. Another way to look at it is that in going from closed-closed to open-open you just interchange nodes and antinodes. So, the distance between consecutive nodes and antinodes (##\lambda/4##) is the same for each case.
 
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TSny said:
Another way to look at it is that in going from closed-closed to open-open you just interchange nodes and antinodes. So, the distance between consecutive nodes and antinodes (λ/4\lambda/4) is the same for each case.
I actually though of that in the beginning. That if both parts are closed so the nodes and antinodes should just inverse compared to the open-open pipe.

Thank you :).
 

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