Standing waves - True or false?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the characteristics of standing waves in organ pipes, specifically addressing the frequencies of harmonics in pipes open at both ends and those closed at one end. The consensus is that both statements regarding the third and fifth harmonics in open pipes are false, while the assertion about even harmonics not being excited in a pipe closed at one end is true. The equations for frequency in open pipes are derived from the fundamental frequency, with the first harmonic frequency represented as f1 = V/2L, where V is the wave speed and L is the length of the pipe.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and harmonic frequencies
  • Familiarity with the properties of organ pipes and standing waves
  • Knowledge of the equations governing wave behavior in open and closed pipes
  • Ability to interpret diagrams related to wave patterns and boundary conditions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of harmonic frequencies in open and closed pipes
  • Learn about the boundary conditions for standing waves in different pipe configurations
  • Explore the concept of wave speed and its relation to frequency and wavelength
  • Review examples of standing wave patterns in various types of pipes
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics and acoustics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to standing waves in organ pipes.

sonutulsiani
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Homework Statement



Consider standing waves in an organ pipe. True or false:

1. In a pipe open at both ends, the frequency of the third harmonic is three times that of the first harmonic.

2. In a pipe open at both ends, the frequency of the fifth harmonic is five times that of the fundamental.

3. In a pipe that is open at one end and stopped at the other, the even harmonics are not excited.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I got it as

1. False
2. False
3. True

Are they right?
 
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Can you show how you got those answers / why you think their true?

(Unfortunately, telling you if they are wrong or right is the same as giving you the correct answers. :smile:)
 
Well I actually guessed the 1st and 2nd. But in the 3rd when one end is open and other is closed only the odd harmonics are there. Hint me on 1st and 2nd.
 
What equation do you have for getting frequencies or wavelengths in pipes with the ends both open or both closed?
 
I have no idea when they are both open, it's not there in my book. But for closed, f1 = V/2L,
f2=2V/2L, f3= 3V/2L
 
It's good to derive the relations yourself. This can be easily done through diagrams, and then applying the boundary conditions eg. for an open pipe, both ends of the pipe must correspond to the displacement antinodes (ignoring end corrections for now).
 
I didn't understand what you just said. Please help me, I have to submit my homework today.
 
Examples of some diagrams for both open and closed (at one end) pipes here:
http://www.eng.cam.ac.uk/DesignOffice/mdp/electric_web/AC/02375.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
According to this it should be false both of them right?
Because 3rd harmonic freq will be V/L and 5th harmonic freq will be 2 V/L
 

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