How do I tell what harmonic an instrument is producing?

AI Thread Summary
To determine the harmonic an instrument is producing, knowing the frequency and length of an open tube is essential. The relationship between wavelength, frequency, and the speed of sound can be expressed using the equation v = wavelength * frequency. For an open tube, the length can be calculated using L = n * wavelength / 2, where n represents the harmonic number. If the harmonic number is not provided, it can be assumed to be the fundamental frequency, and adjustments can be made if the calculated speed of sound appears inconsistent. Understanding these relationships is crucial for accurately identifying the harmonic produced by the instrument.
Danya314
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Homework Statement


An instrument is producing a tone, such as a D4. If I know the frequency of the tone, the length of the instrument but nothing else, how can I find the harmonic at which the tone is produced? The instrument is an open tube.

Homework Equations


v=wavelength*frequency[/B]
L=n*wavelength/2

The Attempt at a Solution


The point of the overall problem is to calculate the speed of sound using the length and frequency, but I don't know what equation to use to find the velocity since the harmonic number is not given.
 
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L=n*wavelength/2 is OK for a tube open at both ends. Is that what you have at hand ?
If they don't tell you (and you do need it), assume it's the base frequency.
(And if v comes out weird, you can still try a higher resonance)
 
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