How to Determine Frequencies & Wavelengths of Musical Notes in Air?

In summary: So your first answer should be for 440/16 Hz, ie. 27.5 Hz, and your second answer should be for 440/4 Hz, ie. 110 Hz. Good luck!In summary, the problem is to find the frequencies and wavelengths in air for the notes A (440.0 Hz) and C (523.3 Hz). However, the given frequencies may not be the correct answers, and there may be missing information or a lack of clarity in the problem. The correct equation to use is velocity = frequency * wavelength. It may also be necessary to use the frequencies for notes four octaves below A and C instead of the given frequencies.
  • #1
ryty
30
0

Homework Statement


Find the frequencies and wavelengths (in air) of these notes.
A(440.0 Hz)
C(523.3 Hz)
the given frequencies are not the answers


Homework Equations


velocity=frequency*wavelength


The Attempt at a Solution


343m/s=440Hz/wavelength
wavelength=.780 m
this isn't right, and i only have 5 chances for my online hw, so i didnt want to waste this equation on the the other problem

i also have know idea how to find the frequency, if it's given, but it isn't right
 
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  • #2
There's either missing information, or the problem doesn't make sense. How can the given frequencies not be the answers? What medium are the frequencies given FOR, if not air? Were any temperatures mentioned?

BTW, your equation velocity=frequency*wavelength is correct. However, you then used 343 m/s=440Hz/wavelength in your solution, which is velocity=frequency/wavelength.
 
  • #3
This is what is says,
The lowest note on a piano is A, four octaves below the A given in the table. The highest note on a piano is C, four octaves above middle C.
Chromatic Musical Scale
Note Frequency
Middle C 261.7
C#(C-SHARP) D^b(D-flat) 277.2
D 293.7
D#, E^b 311.2
E 329.7
F 349.2
F#,G^b 370.0
G 392.0
G#,A^b 415.3
A 440.0
A#,B^b 466.2
B 493.9
C 523.3
 
  • #4
It sounds like you are to use the frequency that is 4 octaves below 440 Hz, rather than 440 Hz itself.
 

FAQ: How to Determine Frequencies & Wavelengths of Musical Notes in Air?

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength?

The frequency and wavelength of a wave have an inverse relationship. This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation: wavelength = speed of light / frequency.

How do you find the frequency of a wave?

The frequency of a wave can be found by dividing the speed of light by the wavelength. This is expressed mathematically as: frequency = speed of light / wavelength. The frequency is typically measured in Hertz (Hz), which is equal to 1 cycle per second.

What is the unit of measurement for frequency?

The unit of measurement for frequency is Hertz (Hz). This unit represents the number of cycles that occur in one second. For example, a frequency of 50 Hz means that 50 cycles occur in one second.

How does frequency affect the energy of a wave?

The energy of a wave is directly proportional to its frequency. This means that as the frequency increases, the energy of the wave also increases. This relationship is described by the equation: energy = Planck's constant * frequency.

What is the difference between frequency and period?

Frequency and period are two ways of measuring the same thing - the number of cycles in a wave. Frequency is measured in cycles per second (Hz), while period is measured in seconds per cycle. They are inversely related, meaning that as frequency increases, the period decreases, and vice versa.

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