Extract:
The diagram shows a common piece of laboratory equipment used to demonstrate wave phenomena. Explain how waves from the loudspeaker form stationary waves in the tube.
Describe the wave which is formed: The wave will be a stationary wave AND with an anti-node at the open end. Longitudinal waves from the loudspeaker reflect at the closed end of the tube. A wave forms if the length of the tube is equivalent to nλ/4 / an integral multiple of one-quarter of the wavelength.
Construct a three-part diagram linking the wave shape, node formation and pressure differences within the tube, for the third harmonic of the wave formed.
The speed of sound in the tube is 340 m s−1 and the frequency of the sound emitted by the loudspeaker is 920 Hz for the third harmonic of the wave.
For this equipment calculate:
(i) The length of the tube, giving the answer in cm.