What is the correct frequency for a 20 cm pipe with open and closed ends?

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SUMMARY

The base frequency of a 20 cm pipe open at both ends is calculated to be 870 Hz, while the frequency for a pipe closed at one end is 435 Hz. However, the expected frequencies are 1140 Hz and 570 Hz, respectively. The discrepancy arises from the incorrect application of the wavelength formula for standing waves in air. The correct wavelengths for the open and closed conditions are 40 cm and 80 cm, leading to the correct frequencies when calculated with the velocity of sound in air at 348 m/s.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of standing waves in air
  • Familiarity with the wave equation: λ = u/f
  • Knowledge of the speed of sound in air (348 m/s)
  • Basic concepts of open and closed pipe acoustics
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of standing waves in open and closed pipes
  • Study the relationship between wavelength and frequency in acoustics
  • Explore the effects of pipe length on frequency in musical instruments
  • Learn about harmonics and overtones in pipe acoustics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, acoustics engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of sound waves and their applications in musical instruments.

Karol
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Homework Statement


What is the base frequency of a 20 cm pipe which is open on both ends.
Again but closed on one end.

Homework Equations


u=velocity, \lambda=wave length: \lambda=\frac{u}{f}
Velocity in air=348[m/sec]

The Attempt at a Solution


I understand these are standing waves in air.
In an open end there is a peak, so the first wavelength is \lambda=2\cdot 20=40[cm]
##0.4=\frac{348}{f_1}\rightarrow f_1=870[Hz]##
The answer should be 1140[Hz]
In the closed on one end condition, in the open end there is a peak and in the closed end a node, so the wavelength is \lambda=4\cdot 20=80[cm]
##0.8=\frac{348}{f_1}\rightarrow f_1=435[Hz]##
The answer should be 570[Hz]
Both answers differ from the right ones by the same factor
 
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