Tuning a Trumpet for Cold Weather Performance

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of cold weather on the sound produced by a trumpet, which is modeled as an open air column. The original poster considers the implications of tuning the instrument in a warm environment and then using it in colder conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the speed of sound in cold air and the resulting frequency of the notes produced by the trumpet. There is an exploration of the formula relating speed, frequency, and wavelength, with questions about how changes in temperature affect these variables.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the relationship between sound speed and frequency, noting that a decrease in speed may lead to a lower pitch. However, the discussion remains open with various interpretations being explored without a definitive consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the length of the trumpet does not change significantly with temperature, which may affect their reasoning about frequency and pitch.

crosbykins
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Homework Statement



A trumpet is essentially an open air column. Assuming that it is tuned inside a warm building. When it is taken outside for a parade on a cold day, what will happen to the sound from the instrument?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


-so outside the air is colder so sound travels slower...that's really all i have, help please! thanks in advance! :)
 
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crosbykins said:

Homework Statement



A trumpet is essentially an open air column. Assuming that it is tuned inside a warm building. When it is taken outside for a parade on a cold day, what will happen to the sound from the instrument?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


-so outside the air is colder so sound travels slower...that's really all i have, help please! thanks in advance! :)

There is a formula that tells you the frequency of the note produced in terms of v and the wavelength. You know that v will be less, and assuming the length of the tube doesn't change significantly (and thus the wavelength), you can work out what happens to the frequency.
Do you know this formula relating v, f and λ?
 
Stonebridge said:
There is a formula that tells you the frequency of the note produced in terms of v and the wavelength. You know that v will be less, and assuming the length of the tube doesn't change significantly (and thus the wavelength), you can work out what happens to the frequency.
Do you know this formula relating v, f and λ?

-so, f = v/lambda, since v is less than f will also be smaller, lower f means a lower pitch, so the instrument will produce lower sound...is that right

*thanks for the help:smile:
 
crosbykins said:
-so, f = v/lambda, since v is less than f will also be smaller, lower f means a lower pitch, so the instrument will produce lower sound...is that right

*thanks for the help:smile:

That's a correct deduction. :)
 
Stonebridge said:
That's a correct deduction. :)

thanks for the help!
 

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