Open ended pipe Harmonics Mastering Physics Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around harmonics in an open-ended pipe that is subsequently closed at one end. Participants are exploring the relationship between the length of the pipe, the speed of sound, and the frequency of the harmonics produced, specifically focusing on determining the highest harmonic that can be heard within a specified frequency range.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the formula for harmonics in a closed pipe and attempt to rearrange it to find the harmonic number corresponding to a frequency just below 20,000 Hz. There are questions about the correct interpretation of harmonic numbers and how they relate to the values calculated.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and interpretations of the harmonic numbers, leading to a variety of conclusions about the correct answer. There is ongoing exploration of the relationship between the harmonic number and the frequency, with some participants expressing confusion over their previous calculations and the expected results.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework problem, which may include specific requirements for the format of answers. There is also a focus on ensuring that the calculated frequencies fall within the audible range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

TFM
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[SOLVED] Open ended pipe Harmonics Mastering Physics Question

Homework Statement



Consider a pipe 45.0cm long if the pipe is open at both ends. Use v = 344m/s.
Now pipe is closed at one end.

What is the number of the highest harmonic that may be heard by a person who can hear frequencies from 20 Hz to 20000 Hz?

Homework Equations



[tex]f_n = (2n-1)\frac{v}{4L}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I have an answer that works, but masteringphysics doesn't accept. I first rearranged the equation to give me:

[tex](2n-1) = \frac{f_n * 4L}{v}[/tex]

then:

[tex]2n = (\frac{f_n * 4L}{v})+1[/tex]

and finally:

[tex]n = ((\frac{f_n * 4L}{v})+1)/2[/tex]

inserting the values gives 52.5 so I inserted 52 as the answer. wrong, I have tried 51-54, all wrong. so I thought tpo go backwards, using:

[tex](2n-1) = \frac{f_n * 4L}{v}[/tex]

and inserting values, to find the value which is the closest to 20000, buit under it - guess what, the value that came out:

52!

Any ideas

TFM
 
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The harmonics of a pipe closed at one end are all odd. For n = 2 you have the 3rd harmonic. For n=52 what harmonic do you have?
 
It will be the 53rd Harmonic. The trouble is, I have put 53 in, and it says its the wrong answer!
 
TFM said:
It will be the 53rd Harmonic. The trouble is, I have put 53 in, and it says its the wrong answer!

Sorry that third harmonic was a bad example. The harmonics are given by 2n-1. So if n is 52 what is the harmonic. An easier way to have thought about it would to have solved for:

[tex]f_n = \frac{nv}{4L}[/tex]

for n = 1, 3, 5,...
 
Using:

[tex]f_n = \frac{nv}{4L}[/tex]

and using n = 103,

I get a frequency of 19684, which is the first odd number below 20000. would this be the harmonic number?

TFM
 
TFM said:
I get a frequency of 19684, which is the first odd number below 20000. would this be the harmonic number?

TFM

Yes n is the harmonic number.
 
Success! n = 103.

IOne thing does bother me slightly - where does my orginal answer of 52 fit in?

TFM
 
2n - 1 is just another way of saying n = 1, 3, 5, ... . So if you stick n = 52 into 2n - 1 you get 103.
 
Last edited:
That makes sense.

Thanks,

TFM
 
  • #10
TFM said:
That makes sense.

Thanks,

TFM

What I was originally aiming at was for you to put the n = 52 into that equation and get 103 but I used a stupid example which probably mislead you slightly. :smile:
 

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