Info on soundwaves and overtones

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter djef
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of soundwaves and overtones in a tube open at one end. It clarifies that the first overtone, or first harmonic, corresponds to a wavelength that is four times the length of the tube. This phenomenon occurs because the closed end of the tube acts as a node, while the open end serves as an antinode, allowing only a quarter of a wave to fit within the tube for the fundamental frequency. The explanation emphasizes the relationship between the tube's length and the wavelength of the sound produced.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fundamental frequency and harmonics
  • Knowledge of wave behavior in closed and open systems
  • Familiarity with the concepts of nodes and antinodes
  • Basic principles of acoustics and soundwave propagation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical relationship between wavelength and frequency in acoustics
  • Explore the concept of harmonics in different types of musical instruments
  • Learn about the effects of tube length on sound frequency in closed-end tubes
  • Investigate the principles of resonance and standing waves in various mediums
USEFUL FOR

Acoustics students, music educators, sound engineers, and anyone interested in the physics of sound and wave behavior.

djef
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
hallo all,

while reading some info on soundwaves and overtones I found the following statement on wikipedia:
"The first overtone is the first allowed harmonic above the fundamental frequency (F1).

In the case of a system with two different ends (as in the case of a tube open at one end), the closed end is a node and the open end is an antinode. The first resonant frequency has only a quarter of a wave in the tube. This means that the first harmonic is characterized by a wavelength four times the length of the tube."

now I want to know why it is like this:
The first resonant frequency has only a quarter of a wave in the tube. This means that the first harmonic is characterized by a wavelength four times the length of the tube.

Why the 4 ?

how do they get that?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
happy new year!

djef said:
The first resonant frequency has only a quarter of a wave in the tube. This means that the first harmonic is characterized by a wavelength four times the length of the tube.

Why the 4 ?

how do they get that?

Hallo djef! :wink:

The wave has to go up :rolleyes:, come back, go down :frown:, and come back, to do one wavelength.

For a tube closed at one end, the wave only has time to go up :rolleyes: …

that's 1/4 of the wavelength. :smile:
 


oh yes, indeed, thanks a lot tiny-tim
 

Similar threads

Musical resonance of a cylinder/tube with a hole in the center
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate Sound standing waves paradox....
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Sound waves: How do we know it is the fundamental harmonic?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Graduate Origin of 'harmonics' in Helmholts-type resonators
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
Undergrad Why Does a Brass Tube's Resonance Only Produce Overtones?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Graduate Are harmonics "real" in a vibrating string?
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
8K
Resonance at low and high frequencies of 2 closed end tubes
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
Calculate fundamental overtone and length of tube
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
Undergrad Standing wave in cylindar vs cone
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Simple Harmonic Motion/Fundamental Frequency
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K