How Does the Wavelength Change at the Fourth Resonance in a Closed Air Column?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the wavelength at the fourth resonance of a closed air column, given that the resonant length at the first resonance is 0.375m. Participants confirm that the wavelength at the first resonance is 1.5m, derived from the equation 1/4λ = 0.375m. They clarify that at the fourth resonance, 7/4 of the wavelength fits into the same length, leading to the conclusion that the wavelength is 0.214m. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and the length of the air column without needing to assume values for speed or frequency. Drawing diagrams is suggested as a helpful method for visualizing and solving such problems.
hamza2095
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Homework Statement


The resonant length of a closed air column at the first resonance is 0.375m, what is the wavelength when at 4th reasonance

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


1/4λ=0.375m
λ=1.5m
1.5m/7 = 0.214m
 
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I agree with your wavelength at first resonance and your answer.
 
As third poster, I second your fourth resonance answer.:smile:
 
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TSny said:
As third poster, I second your fourth resonance answer.:smile:
This was a question on a test, the way I got the answer was knowing v/f=λ and i knew that 7/4 of the wave fits in the 4th reasonance and 1/4 in the first, meaning the frequency is 7x more. I assumed the the velocity was 1.5m/s and the frequency was 1hz so 1.5ms/1hz = 1.5m, after that i mutliplied the 1 hz by 7 to get the answer. Is there an easier way to go about this?, I had trouble with it because the neither the speed of sound or frequency was given.
 
hamza2095 said:
i knew that 7/4 of the wave fits in the 4th reasonance
That's the key.

Note that the 0.375 m given in the problem represents the length of the pipe. So 7/4 λ = 0.375 m.

You don't need to assume a value for f.
 
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Ohhh okay I see, thank you. I knew there was an easier way to look at it.
 
Good. Drawing pictures for these types of problems is always a good thing to do.
 
Absolutely agree with TSny, draw diagrams. I did.

You may notice my first post is oddly worded, because you tricked me into thinking you'd done the second part wrongly and I had to edit it!
I had ##\frac{λ_1}{4}=0.375## and ##\frac{7λ_2}{4}=0.375## so when I saw your /7 I thought at first you'd missed out the 4.
 
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