Tuning Fork and a Tube of Water - Check My Work

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the physics problem involving a tuning fork with a frequency of 528Hz and its resonance in a tube of water. The correct approach to determine the resonant lengths (L) is to use the formula L = λ/4 + nλ/2, where λ is the wavelength calculated as λ = v/f, resulting in λ = 0.650m. The initial length of the tube is 20.0cm, leading to the next two resonant lengths being 20.162m and 20.487m. The participant initially misinterpreted the resonance condition, which was clarified by another forum member.

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Kristenx2
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Hi everyone, just me doing my regular Thursday Physics homework and looking for someone to check my work.

Homework Statement


A tuning fork with a frequency of f=528Hz is placed near the top of a tube. The water level is lowered so that the length L slowly increases from an initial value of 20.0cm. Determine the next two values of L that correspond to resonant nodes. Assume the speed of sound in air is 343m/s.

Homework Equations


I used v=fλ

The Attempt at a Solution


First I did λ=343/528, which gave me λ=0.650m.

Since I know that resonance occurs when length is L/4, 3L/4, 5L/4, and so on, I did
0.650(1/4)=0.162m
0.650(3/4)=0.487m

And finally, I added those lengths to the initial 20m, making the next 2 values of L 20.162m and 20.487m.

This just seems a little too simple for a 10 point problem, and I would just appreciate if someone could tell me if I am missing an item or something. Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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It says 20cm, not 20m.

Even so, I don't think your reasoning is quite right. Presuming that L is the distance from the mouth of the tube to the water surface, the condition for resonance is that L=λ/4+nλ/2, not L/4+nL/2, which is what you wrote.

Can you do the rest?
 
Oh wow thank you for noticing that, now I am really glad I had someone check!
Thank you for your help, you're right that I should have done L=λ/4. I was reading the equation wrong, and the one I was given claimed L was wavelength and entirely ignored lambda, so shame on them.
 

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