Node at a closed end and an antinode at a open end of a tube

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the behavior of sound waves in a tube, specifically the presence of a node at the closed end and an antinode at the open end of an air column. At the closed end, a displacement node occurs because the air cannot oscillate, resulting in maximum pressure variation. Conversely, at the open end, a displacement antinode is formed as the air can oscillate freely, while the pressure remains constant at ambient levels. This phenomenon is consistent and does not change as the wave oscillates.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics
  • Familiarity with sound wave behavior in tubes
  • Knowledge of pressure and displacement nodes and antinodes
  • Basic principles of acoustics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of standing waves in tubes
  • Explore the mathematical representation of nodes and antinodes
  • Learn about the impact of tube length on frequency and harmonics
  • Investigate applications of sound waves in musical instruments
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, acoustics researchers, and anyone interested in the principles of sound wave behavior in closed and open tubes.

Cardinalmont
What causes there to be a node at a closed end of an air column and an antinode at the open end of a air column? Why doesn't it change as the wave oscillates?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I believe you are asking about displacement nodes and antinodes. Right at the closed end, a sliver of air dx cannot oscillate because it has nowhere to go which causes the pressure to rise and drop above as far as it will ever go above ambient pressure. You have a displacement node and a pressure antinode.

At the open end, the opposite happens; the sliver of air is free to oscillate at maximum displacement while the pressure is fixed at its ambient (atmospheric) value. You have a displacement antinode and a pressure node.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Standing wave in cylindar vs cone
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
High School Is this an accurate description of standing waves?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Solving Confusion with Waves in Physics
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Standing Waves in a tube closed at both ends
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad How to Determine Nodes and Antinodes in a Closed Pipe?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Undergrad Why does a stationary wave form at a free end of a water tank?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Difference between pressure antinodes and displacement node?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Undergrad Stripes in Kundt's tube experiment
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
7K
Undergrad Are 1D Longitudinal Waves Reflected at an Open End?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
High School Audio frequency of a humidifier
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
501