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

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of wavelength at the fourth resonance in a closed air column, given the resonant length at the first resonance. The subject area is acoustics, specifically the behavior of sound waves in closed systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the length of the air column and the wavelength at different resonances. There are attempts to derive the wavelength using the known length at the first resonance and the concept of fitting multiple wavelengths within the column at higher resonances. Questions arise regarding the assumptions made about frequency and wave speed.

Discussion Status

Some participants express agreement with the wavelength calculations presented, while others provide insights into the assumptions regarding frequency and wave speed. There is a recognition of the need for clarity in understanding how the length of the column relates to the wavelengths at various resonances. Guidance is offered regarding the interpretation of the problem without needing to assume specific values for frequency.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem does not provide specific values for the speed of sound or frequency, which leads to discussions about how to approach the problem without these values. The original poster's interpretation of the resonant lengths is also discussed, highlighting potential confusion in the setup.

hamza2095
Messages
28
Reaction score
1

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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I agree with your wavelength at first resonance and your answer.
 
As third poster, I second your fourth resonance answer.:smile:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Merlin3189
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Merlin3189
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.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
7K
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
13K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
6K