What is the Wavelength of a Tuning Fork with 1000Hz Frequency?

In summary, the student tried to find the wavelength of a tuning fork with 1000Hz frequency and used two equations to eliminate end correction. They found that the wavelength was 102 cm, which was 3 times as much as what it should be. They are not sure what the actual harmonics are, but googled the wave length of a 1000 Hz wave and it should be approximately 33 cm. If they did it as if it were the 1st and 3rd harmonic, the answer would be 51 cm, which they think is a bit too far off.
  • #1
HelgaMan
5
0

Homework Statement


The problem asks to find the wavelength of a tuning fork with 1000Hz frequency. Then they give you two consecutive resonant lengths which are 25 cm and 76 cm.

The way they measured the resonant lengths is by placing the tuning fork over a tube that has 1 end open and 1 end closed so that the waves come back or whatever and the lengths are the lengths of the tubes that had resonance.


Homework Equations



The equation i tried to use was:

Resonant length = n/4 * wavelength + end correction.


The Attempt at a Solution


So, first of all, i thought that the two consecutive harmonics were the 2nd and 3rd ones.. i can't seem to find where i justified that, so maybe that's not right, but my work assumes it is.. i guess. :p

anywho, i subtracted the 2 equations to eliminate end correction. (n's are odd because one end is open and one end is closed on the tube)

76 = 5/4 * wavelength + e
- 25 = 3/4 * wavelength + e
51 = 2/4 * wavelength

so wavelength equals 102 cm, however.. that's about 3 times as much as what it should be, which is 33-ish centimeters, and i think its because my method only works for maybe the first and 2nd harmonics or something, because it works when its just the 1st and 2nd harmonics... or i forgot to take something into consideration, i dunno, that's why I am asking :D

anywho, any help would be greatly appreciated, thx. :biggrin:
 
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  • #2
HelgaMan said:
So, first of all, i thought that the two consecutive harmonics were the 2nd and 3rd ones.. i can't seem to find where i justified that, so maybe that's not right, but my work assumes it is.. i guess. :p

... (n's are odd because one end is open and one end is closed on the tube)

Maybe you should resolve this conflict?

Is 2nd a permitted harmonic?
 
  • #3
uhmm, well the harmonics just mean that

n would 3 and 5 which are the 2nd and 3rd when there is a standing wave and one end is a node and the other is an anti node
 
  • #4
HelgaMan said:
uhmm, well the harmonics just mean that

n would 3 and 5 which are the 2nd and 3rd when there is a standing wave and one end is a node and the other is an anti node

And you're certain that it's not the 1st and 3rd harmonic?
 
  • #5
hmm, I am not sure what the actual harmonics are,

but, i googled the wave length of a 1000 Hz wave and it should be approximately 33 cm,

and if you do it as if it were the 1st and 3rd, then the answer would be 51 cm, which i htink is a bit too far off
 

What is the definition of wavelength?

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave. It is typically measured in meters (m).

How does a tuning fork produce a wavelength?

A tuning fork produces a wavelength by vibrating at a specific frequency, which creates a sound wave with a corresponding wavelength. The length of the tuning fork determines the wavelength of the sound it produces.

What factors affect the wavelength of a tuning fork?

The length and thickness of the tuning fork, as well as the material it is made of, can affect the wavelength it produces. Additionally, the frequency at which the tuning fork vibrates will also impact the wavelength.

How is the wavelength of a tuning fork measured?

The wavelength of a tuning fork can be measured by using a ruler or measuring tape to determine the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of the sound wave it produces.

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength for a tuning fork?

In general, as the frequency of a tuning fork increases, the wavelength decreases. This is because a higher frequency means the tuning fork is vibrating at a faster rate, resulting in a shorter wavelength. This relationship is known as the inverse relationship between frequency and wavelength.

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