Solving Wavelength & Tone of Sound Waves

In summary, the conversation is about determining the wavelength and speed of waves on a string and the length of a Boomwhacker™ tube based on its frequency. It also discusses the difficulty of solving the problem without proper resources or formulas. References are suggested for help in finding the necessary information.
  • #1
PhysicsJoe101
4
0
(a) First, consider a string of length 1m attached at both ends. It sounding a fundamental tone of 440 Hz. What is the wavelength of the above waves on the string? What is the speed of the waves on the string?

(b) Now consider a Boomwhacker™ tube open at both ends, sounding a tone of 440 Hz. Given that the speed of sound in air is 330 m/s, how long is the Boomwhacker™ tube?

(c) What tone would be produced by the Boomwhacker™ tube if one end was capped.
 
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  • #2
What you tried so far? You need to show some of your thoughts on solving the problem. What equations might be useful?
 
  • #3
These questions are not FOR a class, they just are questions that came up when I was doing an experiment in Lab Class. I'm not sure what route to take in order to solve it. It would be easier, as would many problems, if I were taking an actual physics class that supplied me with the formulas necassary for solving this problem.:rolleyes:
 
  • #4
These questions are not FOR a class, they just are questions that came up when I was doing an experiment in Lab Class.
Questions that "came up" from where? They are still part of coursework though, right?
Read http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/waves/string.html. Maybe that will help.

It would be easier, as would many problems, if I were taking an actual physics class that supplied me with the formulas necassary for solving this problem.
Try finding a book in the library to use as a reference.
 

FAQ: Solving Wavelength & Tone of Sound Waves

1. What is the relationship between wavelength and tone of sound waves?

The wavelength of a sound wave is inversely proportional to its frequency, which determines the pitch or tone of the sound. This means that as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases, resulting in a lower pitch or tone. Conversely, as the wavelength decreases, the frequency increases, resulting in a higher pitch or tone.

2. How do you calculate the wavelength of a sound wave?

The wavelength of a sound wave can be calculated by dividing the speed of sound (which is approximately 343 meters per second at room temperature) by the frequency of the sound wave. This can be represented by the formula: Wavelength = Speed of Sound / Frequency.

3. How does the medium affect the wavelength and tone of sound waves?

The medium through which a sound wave travels can affect its wavelength and tone. In general, sound travels faster in denser mediums, resulting in a shorter wavelength and a higher tone. For example, sound travels faster in water than in air, so a sound wave with a frequency of 100 Hz would have a shorter wavelength and a higher tone in water compared to air.

4. How does the amplitude of a sound wave affect its tone?

The amplitude of a sound wave does not directly affect its tone, but it can impact the perceived loudness of the sound. The tone of a sound is determined by the frequency of the sound wave, while the amplitude represents the intensity or strength of the sound. However, a higher amplitude can result in a louder sound, which can alter our perception of the tone.

5. Can the wavelength and tone of sound waves be manipulated?

Yes, the wavelength and tone of sound waves can be manipulated through various methods. For example, by changing the length or tension of a string on a musical instrument, the wavelength and tone of the sound produced can be altered. In addition, sound waves can also be manipulated through electronic devices, such as amplifiers, which can change the frequency and amplitude of the sound waves.

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