Wavelength of sound waves and speed of sound in air column

In summary, the conversation discusses an experiment involving a long column of air and a tuning fork with a frequency of 320 Hz. By varying the water level in the column, the wavelength of the sound waves and the speed of sound in the column can be determined. The formula for calculating the wavelength is vt, and the frequency of the tuning fork and the velocity of sound in air can be used to determine the integer n for a specific water level.
  • #1
jand
6
0
1. You perform an experiment with a long column of air and a tuning fork. The column of air is defined by a very long vertical plastic tube with a circular cross section; the upper end of the tube is open to the outside air and the lower end of the tube is filled with water. The column of air extends from the top of the water to the open end of the tube; the length of the column can be varied by changing the water level in the lower end of the tube.
You are using a tuning fork of frequency 320 Hz. For one particular water level, you hear a loud sound when the fork is struck and positioned just above the open end of the tube. When the water level is lowered by 535 mm, you again hear a loud sound.

A. What is the wavelength of the 320 Hz sound waves in the column of air? (answer in meters)
B. What is the speed of sound in the column of air?

2. wavelength = vt


3. I really am so clueless as to how to get this started even. any help would be soo much apreciated! thanks
 
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  • #2
In the fundamental mode of vibration length of the closed loop is
L = lambda/4.
Subsequent loud sound will occur at (L + L') = (2n+1)lambda/4
Find the integer n such that 4L' is nearly 1 m, because the frequency of the tuning fork is 320 Hz, and the velocity of sound in air is near about 340 m/s.
 

What is the relationship between wavelength of sound waves and speed of sound in an air column?

The wavelength of a sound wave is directly proportional to the speed of sound in an air column. This means that as the speed of sound increases, the wavelength also increases, and vice versa.

How does the temperature of the air affect the speed of sound?

The speed of sound in an air column is directly proportional to the temperature of the air. As the temperature increases, the speed of sound also increases. This is because warmer air molecules have a higher average velocity, allowing sound waves to travel faster through them.

What is the formula for calculating the speed of sound in an air column?

The formula for calculating the speed of sound in air is v = √(γRT), where v is the speed of sound, γ is the ratio of specific heats for air, R is the gas constant, and T is the temperature in Kelvin.

How does the density of the air affect the speed of sound?

The speed of sound in an air column is inversely proportional to the density of the air. This means that as the density of the air increases, the speed of sound decreases. This is because denser air molecules are closer together, making it more difficult for sound waves to travel through them.

What are some factors other than temperature and density that can affect the speed of sound in an air column?

Other factors that can affect the speed of sound in an air column include humidity, altitude, and the composition of the air. Higher humidity levels can slightly decrease the speed of sound, while higher altitudes can slightly increase it. Different gases in the air, such as carbon dioxide or helium, can also affect the speed of sound.

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