How Do Wavelengths Determine Sound Speed in a Closed Pipe?

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
2 replies · 5K views
dulaville
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement

A tuning fork of frequency 512 Hz is used to generate a standing wave pattern in a closed pipe, 0.850m long. A strong resonant note is heard indicating that an antinode is located
at the open end of the pipe.

frequency = 512Hz
length = 0.850m

a - What are the possible wavelengths for this note?
b - Which wavelength will give the most reasonable value for the calculation of the speed of sound in air?

Now this is for HW and i have the answer, but all I need is to know how to figure out how to get there. Ideas?

a - 3.40 m @ 1.74 x 10^3 m/s
1.13 m @ 580 m/s
0.680 m @ 348 m/s
0.486 m @ 249 m/s
b - 0.680m

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You will need to know about standing waves and possible wavelengths to produce standing waves.
Have you been taught the derivation of the formula Wavelength = 4L/(2n-1) where n is the nth harmonic?
(Usually this is Taught as 4L/n where n = 1, 3, 5.. etc.
 
Look up some pictures from a textbook. That will help you understand where that equation comes from.