Stationary Waves: Reflection & Odd Harmonics

AI Thread Summary
Waves in an open air column reflect at the boundaries, creating stationary waves. Odd harmonics, which are odd-integer multiples of the fundamental frequency, occur in closed-end columns due to the requirement that the closed end be a node and the open end an antinode. This configuration allows only specific wavelengths that correspond to odd harmonics, such as 1/4, 3/4, and 5/4 of a wavelength fitting within the column. The fundamental frequency represents just 1/4 of a wavelength, while higher harmonics maintain this odd integer relationship. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping wave behavior in different types of columns.
FizixFreak
Messages
154
Reaction score
0
hi there i just wanted to know that how are waves reflected in an open air column and what do we mean about odd harmonics? thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

Hi FizixFreak! Welcome to PF! :smile:
FizixFreak said:
hi there i just wanted to know that how are waves reflected in an open air column

See the PF Library on open end :wink:
 
THE website great man thank you very much
 
but what about odd harmonics
 
Odd harmonics are odd-integer multiples of the fundamental frequency: f_0, 3f_0, 5f_0, 7f_0,etc.
 
i know that but why only odd harmonics are produced in an closed end column?
 
FizixFreak said:
i know that but why only odd harmonics are produced in an closed end column?

jtbell said:
Odd harmonics are odd-integer multiples of the fundamental frequency: f_0, 3f_0, 5f_0, 7f_0,etc.

no replies:cry:
i hope i m not wasting your time but i really need to know this stuff
 
FizixFreak said:
i know that but why only odd harmonics are produced in an closed end column?

Because the closed end must be a node and the open end an antinode. This means that only 1/4 or 3/4 or 5/4 or 7/4 etc of a wave can fit in the tube. This gives only odd harmonics.
 
See the following page:

http://cnx.org/content/m12589/latest/

Scroll down to the diagram labeled "Allowed Wavelengths in a Stopped Tube."

How do the second, third and fourth waves compare in wavelength to the first one? (How much longer are they?)

Notice that in the first one (the fundamental), you're seeing only 1/4 of a wavelength.
 
Back
Top