Frequency of sound in an open-open tube

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the frequency of sound in an open-open tube, specifically focusing on parts c and d of a problem related to harmonics and tube length. Participants are exploring the concepts of harmonics in tubes and the implications of tube length on sound frequency.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express confusion about where to start for part c and question the formula for the nth harmonic of the tube. There are discussions about the relationship between the length of the tube and the wavelength, with some participants attempting to clarify the meaning of variables used in the problem. Questions arise regarding the effective length of the tube when partially submerged and how it relates to the harmonics.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the formulas and relationships involved. Some have offered insights into the definitions of variables, while others are questioning the assumptions made in the problem setup. There is no explicit consensus yet, as multiple interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem may have ambiguous elements, particularly regarding the effective length of the tube when submerged. There is a distinction being made between the total length of the tube and the resonating chamber's length, which is suggested to be less than the total length.

NP04
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Homework Statement
A hollow tube of length L open at both ends as shown, is held in midair. A tuning fork with a frequency f initial vibrates at one end of the tube and causes the air in the tube to vibrate at its fundamental frequency. Express your answers in terms of L and fo.

C. Determine the next higher frequency at which this air column would resonate.

D. Determine the height h of the tube above the water when the air column resonates for the first time. Express your answer in terms of L.
Relevant Equations
Harmonic numbers for open-open and open-closed tubes

v = lambda x f initial
Screen Shot 2019-05-13 at 5.34.09 PM.png

I do not understand parts c and d.

For part C I have no idea where to start. And for part d, I got 1/4λ = L (open-close tube fundamental harmonics) so λ = 4L. But the answer key says it is 1/2 L. Help!
 
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NP04 said:
For part C I have no idea where to start.
What is the formula for the nth harmonic of the tube? Which harmonic are you given, and which are you asked for?
NP04 said:
for part d, I got 1/4λ = L
In that standard formula, what is L? Is it the same as the L in the question?
 
haruspex said:
What is the formula for the nth harmonic of the tube?

Well...I am not sure what formula you are referencing, but would it be just adding 1/2λ to the fundamental 1/2λ(which is given)?
Then L = λ, so v = λf, which does not make sense. The harmonic asked for is the 2nd one. But since the speed in the tube is already 2Lf I am confused.

haruspex said:
In that standard formula, what is L? Is it the same as the L in the question?

In part D, the length of the new tube would be L + h = L + 4L = 5L, I don't understand what this is used for.
 
NP04 said:
I am not sure what formula you are referencing
In an open-open tube, the fundamental has half a wavelength in it, so 2λ1=L.
How many wavelengths, λ2, are in the tube at the second harmonic.
NP04 said:
the length of the new tube would be L + h
No, the tube is partly submerged. The question is ambiguous, but it must mean the height of the top of the tube above the water. Its effective length is less than L.
 
The symbol ##L## is already taken. It's the length of the whole glass tube, which hasn't changed. You are being told not to change the meaning of ##L##.

When the tube is partially submerged, the resonating chamber is something less than L. You were told to call it ##h##.

So what is the relationship between ##\lambda## and ##h##?
 

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