Fundamental Frequency of an organ

AI Thread Summary
An open organ pipe's fundamental frequency is determined by its length, with the formula f = v/2L. When the pipe is cut in half, the new fundamental frequency becomes 2f0, as halving the length doubles the frequency. If the pipe is then closed at one end, the frequency is adjusted to f0, since an open-closed pipe has half the frequency of an open-open pipe of the same length. Finally, replacing the air with helium, which increases the speed of sound, results in a new fundamental frequency of approximately 3f0. Understanding these relationships is crucial for solving problems related to standing waves in pipes.
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Homework Statement


An open organ pipe (i.e., a pipe open at both ends) of length L0 has a fundamental frequency f0.

Part A
If the organ pipe is cut in half, what is the new fundamental frequency?

4f0
2f0
f0
f0
f0

Part B
Part C

This part will be visible after you complete previous item(s).


Homework Equations



f=v/2L


The Attempt at a Solution



I am really confused by the standing waves and fundamental frequencies. The book does not do a good job explaining how this all works.

Anyways...for this individual problem I was thinking it might be 2f0.

if L is half as long, then the frequency is twice as big?
 
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Sounds good to me.
 
Thank you Kurdt. 2f0 was the correct answer.

Part B has revealed itself.

Part B
After being cut in half in Part A, the organ pipe is closed off at one end. What is the new fundamental frequency?


Homework Equations



f=v/2L


The Attempt at a Solution



The fundamental frequency of an open-closed tube is half that of an open-open or a closed-closed tube of the same length.

So...that means that the answer is f0/2?
 
Well be careful because remember the pipe was halved as well.
 
Hm...so...

Cutting it in half made the frequency 2f0

Then making it open-closed...

2f0/2 = f0?
 
Yes. That seems fine.
 
Part C
The air from the pipe in Part B (i.e., the original pipe after being cut in half and closed off at one end) is replaced with helium. (The speed of sound in helium is about three times faster than in air.). What is the approximate new fundamental frequency?

3f0
2f0
f0
f0/2
f0/3


I'm thinking the frequency gets bigger...so...3f0?

This is the last part of this question.
 
Yes that seems Ok too. :smile:
 
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