Two basic physics 11 wave questions

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on two physics problems involving wave mechanics. The first question involves a guitar string of 0.70m tuned to E (330 Hz), requiring the calculation of the finger placement to play A (440 Hz). The solution reveals that the finger should be placed 0.525m from the end of the string. The second question addresses the construction of a pipe organ with closed tube pipes, determining the wavelength range from 17m (20 Hz) to 0.017m (20 kHz) using the equation λ = v/f, where v is the speed of sound (340 m/s).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave equations: λ = v/f, λ = 2L/n
  • Knowledge of frequency and wavelength relationships in string instruments
  • Familiarity with the speed of sound in air (approximately 340 m/s)
  • Basic concepts of harmonic frequencies in musical instruments
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the harmonic series in string instruments and how it affects pitch
  • Learn about the construction and acoustics of pipe organs
  • Study the differences between open and closed tube resonators
  • Investigate the mathematical relationships between frequency, wavelength, and length in musical contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, music educators, and anyone interested in the principles of wave mechanics as applied to musical instruments.

Kingsley
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QUESTION 1

Homework Statement



A guitar string is 0.70m long and is tuned to play an E above middle C (330 Hz). How far from the end of this string must a finger be placed to play A above middle C (440Hz)


Homework Equations



[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 2L/n
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = v/f
v = [tex]\lambda[/tex] x f

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 2L/n
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 2(0.70m)/1
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 1.4m

v = [tex]\lambda[/tex] x f
v = (1.4m)(330Hz)
v = 462m/s

[tex]\lambda[/tex] = v/f
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 462m/s/440Hz
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 1.05

[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 2L/n
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = L/2
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 1.05m/2
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 0.525m

that is the right math i don't know what to add to find how far to place your finger though, help/explanation would be appreciated.






QUESTION 2

Homework Statement



If you were to build a pipe organ with closed tube pipes spanning the range of human hearing (20 Hz to 20 kHz), what would be the range of pipes required?


Homework Equations



[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 2L/n
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = v/f
v = [tex]\lambda[/tex] x f
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 2L/n <<< SIDE NOTE: what's the difference between
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 4L/2n - 1 these two equations?

The Attempt at a Solution



v/f = [tex]\lambda[/tex]
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 340m/s/20Hz
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 17m

[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 340m/s/20000Hz
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 0.017m

i have no idea what to do after this any help would be appreicated. thanks in advance.
 
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Kingsley said:
QUESTION 1

Homework Statement



A guitar string is 0.70m long and is tuned to play an E above middle C (330 Hz). How far from the end of this string must a finger be placed to play A above middle C (440Hz)


Homework Equations



[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 2L/n
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = v/f
v = [tex]\lambda[/tex] x f

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 2L/n
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 2(0.70m)/1
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 1.4m

v = [tex]\lambda[/tex] x f
v = (1.4m)(330Hz)
v = 462m/s

[tex]\lambda[/tex] = v/f
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 462m/s/440Hz
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 1.05

[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 2L/n
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = L/2
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 1.05m/2
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 0.525m

that is the right math i don't know what to add to find how far to place your finger though, help/explanation would be appreciated.






QUESTION 2

Homework Statement



If you were to build a pipe organ with closed tube pipes spanning the range of human hearing (20 Hz to 20 kHz), what would be the range of pipes required?


Homework Equations



[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 2L/n
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = v/f
v = [tex]\lambda[/tex] x f
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 2L/n <<< SIDE NOTE: what's the difference between
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 4L/2n - 1 these two equations?

The Attempt at a Solution



v/f = [tex]\lambda[/tex]
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 340m/s/20Hz
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 17m

[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 340m/s/20000Hz
[tex]\lambda[/tex] = 0.017m

i have no idea what to do after this any help would be appreicated. thanks in advance.

Welcome to the PF. On the first question, I don't think I'd bother calculating the velocity of propagation on the string. When the string is plucked, how many wavelengths are there between the two fixed ends? And when you place your finger on a fret to shorten the string to get the higher note, how many wavelengths are there on the vibrating string between the low end and your finger?

On the second question, are the pipes on an organ a full wavelength long? I honestly don't know, but you could easily google or wikipedia search to figure that out. The rest of what you are doing there looks like a good approach.
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF. On the first question, I don't think I'd bother calculating the velocity of propagation on the string. When the string is plucked, how many wavelengths are there between the two fixed ends? And when you place your finger on a fret to shorten the string to get the higher note, how many wavelengths are there on the vibrating string between the low end and your finger?

On the second question, are the pipes on an organ a full wavelength long? I honestly don't know, but you could easily google or wikipedia search to figure that out. The rest of what you are doing there looks like a good approach.

i don't know for the first one would you subtract 0.7m - 0.525m?

and for the second one you would use [tex]\lambda[/tex] = 4L[tex]/[/tex]2n-1 would the answer be 4.25m to 0.00425m?

i had both the right answers but i eraced them and i can't tell what the final answer would be for both them
 
Last edited:

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