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Ch 16: Sound & Hearing
Chapter 16, Problem 16

Standing sound waves are produced in a pipe that is 1.20 m long. For the fundamental and first two overtones, determine the locations along the pipe (measured from the left end) of the displacement nodes and the pressure nodes if (a) the pipe is open at both ends

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1
Identify the type of pipe: Since the pipe is open at both ends, the standing wave pattern will have antinodes (points of maximum displacement) at both ends.
Understand the wave patterns: For a pipe open at both ends, the fundamental frequency (first harmonic) has one antinode at each end and one node in the middle. Each successive overtone adds an additional node and antinode.
Calculate node and antinode positions for the fundamental frequency: The node is at the midpoint of the pipe. For a pipe of length L, the node is at L/2.
Calculate node and antinode positions for the first overtone (second harmonic): This pattern will have two nodes and three antinodes. The nodes are located at L/4 and 3L/4.
Calculate node and antinode positions for the second overtone (third harmonic): This pattern will have three nodes and four antinodes. The nodes are located at L/6, L/2, and 5L/6.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Standing Waves

Standing waves are formed when two waves of the same frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and interfere with each other. In a pipe, these waves create fixed points called nodes, where there is no displacement, and antinodes, where the displacement is maximum. The pattern of these nodes and antinodes depends on the length of the pipe and the wavelength of the sound waves.
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Intro to Transverse Standing Waves

Nodes and Antinodes

Nodes are points along a standing wave where the displacement of the medium is always zero, while antinodes are points where the displacement reaches its maximum. In an open pipe, nodes occur at specific intervals based on the harmonic mode, with the fundamental frequency having nodes at the ends and antinodes in the middle. Understanding the placement of these points is crucial for analyzing sound wave behavior in pipes.
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Harmonics in Open Pipes

In an open pipe, harmonics are the frequencies at which standing waves can form, with the fundamental frequency being the lowest. The first overtone (first harmonic) and second overtone (second harmonic) follow, each corresponding to additional nodes and antinodes. The relationship between the length of the pipe and the wavelengths of these harmonics determines the specific locations of nodes and antinodes along the pipe.
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Related Practice