One method for measuring the speed of sound uses standing waves. A cylindrical tube is open at both ends, and one end admits sound from a tuning fork. A movable plunger is inserted into the other end at a distance L from the end of the tube where the tuning fork is. For a fixed frequency, the plunger is moved until the smallest value of L is measured that allows a standing wave to be formed. Suppose that the tuning fork produces a 485-Hz tone, and that the smallest value observed for L is 0.264 m. What is the speed of sound in the gas in the tube?
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Given that the smallest value observed for L is 0.264 m, the wavelength is 4 times the length of the tube. Wavelength = 4 * 0.264 m = 1.056 m Show more…
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Jeff V.
The speed of sound can be measured using the apparatus shown in Figure P20.63. A 440-Hz tuning fork vibrating above a tube partially filled with water initiates sound waves in the tube. The air inside the tube vibrates at the same frequency as the tuning fork when the water in the tube is lowered 0.20 m and 0.60 m from the top of the tube. Use this information to determine the speed of sound in air.
A piston is fitted in a cylindrical tube of small cross section with the other end of the tube open. The tube resonates with a tuning fork of frequency $512 \mathrm{~Hz}$. The piston is gradually pulled out of the tube and it is found that a second resonance occurs when the piston is pulled out through a distance of $32 \cdot 0 \mathrm{~cm} .$ Calculate the speed of sound in the air of the tube.
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