Is the speed of sound faster in an open tube?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around an experiment measuring the speed of sound in open and closed tubes, specifically questioning why the speed of sound appeared to be faster in the open tube. Participants explore potential explanations for this observation and the validity of the measurements taken.

Discussion Character

  • Experimental/applied, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports that their friend's experiment found the speed of sound to be about 10 m/s faster in an open tube compared to a closed tube, raising questions about the accuracy of the measurements.
  • Another participant questions the measurement precision required to detect a 10 m/s difference, suggesting that a timing precision of 1/100th of a second would be necessary.
  • A participant mentions the length of the tubes used in the experiment, estimating them to be around 8 feet, and notes the method of measurement involved a computer program and a microphone.
  • There is a suggestion that there should be no difference in the speed of sound between the two types of tubes, prompting further inquiry into the reasons for any observed differences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the speed of sound should differ between the two tubes, with some asserting there should be no difference while others question the validity of the measurements.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in measurement precision and the need for clarity on the experimental setup, including the timing device used and the specific characteristics of the tubes.

notpmaws
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So my friend in a general physics class did an experiment testing the speed of sound by snapping their fingers and having it bounce through a tube open and another that is closed. They measured a faster speed in the open tube and I am at a loss why. Did they do the measurements wrong possibly or is there an explanation for faster speed of sound in an open tube? They measured the speed of sound in the open tube about 10 m/s faster.

I tried to do a search on the net but found nothing besides it changing the effective length of the wave and such, but not sure that effects the speed. Thanks.
 
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How long of a tube and how was it measured? You'd need a measurement precision of 1/100th second to be able to measure a difference of 10 m/s.
 
Hmm I am not sure how long of tubes were used, I think about 8ish feet. They just used a computer program and microphone and snapping their fingers to measure the sound wave bouncing back. Not sure what program they used.

Should there be a difference though in the 2 tubes or should they be the same? If different then why is that?
 
Last edited:
There should be no difference. What is the precision of the timing device?
 

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