What is the wavelength of the sound waves?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the wavelength of stationary sound waves based on the distance between nodes. The original poster provides the distance between the first and sixth node as 30.0 cm and expresses confusion regarding the correct wavelength calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate the number of nodes to the wavelength but questions their approach after arriving at an incorrect answer. Other participants suggest visualizing the problem and reconsidering the counting of nodes in relation to the wavelength.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on visualizing the problem and reconsidering the assumptions about node placement. The discussion reflects a mix of interpretations regarding the relationship between nodes and wavelength, with no explicit consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about their calculations and the correct interpretation of node placement in the context of sound waves. There is a mention of a comparison to a different problem involving posts and fencing, which may indicate a broader conceptual exploration.

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Homework Statement


a stationary sound wave has a series of nodes. The distance between the first and the sixth node is 30.0 cm. What is the wavelength of the sound waves?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


well no idea about it
but in my attempt to solve it, i tried assuming 2L = [tex]\lambda[/tex]
but there are 6 nodes so [tex]\lambda[/tex] = [tex]\frac{1}{3}[/tex]L
by substituting the value of dist, i get [tex]\lambda[/tex] = 10cm
which is wrong. the ans is 12.0 cm
i wonder how to solve it
 
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Try drawing yourself a diagram of the problem (ie just draw a wave going through six nodes), you should be able to solve it a bit more easily once you can visualise it.
 


Your current working is neglecting the fact that there are two nodes at either end of this hypothetical wave. (kind of analogous to a similar problem you are probably familiar with - ie if a farmer had 100m of wire to build a fence and he could place the posts 2m apart, how many posts would he need?)
 


i think i know it
probably i should count the between one
so it should be [tex]\frac{2}{5}[/tex] L = [tex]\lambda[/tex]
by computing it
i get 12.0 cm
yeah
thx all of you
 

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