What is the frequency of a sound wave traveling through air in a tube?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the frequency of a sound wave traveling through air in a tube, given its speed of 347 m/s and the displacements of air molecules at specific positions. The user expresses confusion about how air molecules interact with sound waves and seeks guidance on how to approach the problem. It is clarified that sound waves are caused by the oscillation of air molecules, with varying displacements indicating their vibrational states. The user is encouraged to understand that sound behaves similarly to vibrations in a guitar string, where different points experience different levels of movement. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for a clearer understanding of wave mechanics and molecular interactions in sound propagation.
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Homework Statement


A sound wave of the form s = sm cos(kx - ωt + φ) travels at 347 m/s through air in a long horizontal tube. At one instant, air molecule A at x = 2.04 m is at its maximum positive displacement of 6.40 nm and air molecule B at x = 2.08 m is at a positive displacement of 2.10 nm. All the molecules between A and B are at intermediate displacements. What is the frequency of the wave?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


uhhh I'm pretty much confused from the get go...i'm not sure how air molecules interact with a wave? i might need to be spoon fed a little here, because i don't even know where to start! ANY HINTS GREATLY APPRECIATED :)
 
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Sound is basically the vibration of air molecules: as molecules oscillate, they force their neighbors into the same type of motion. Sound being a wave, some air molecules vibrate more than others, like how the middle of a guitar string vibrates more than the string's ends. Need any more hints?
 
ahhh sorry yea, i have NO idea...didn't even know the middle of a guitar string vibrates more than the ends (and totally don't know why)...
 
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