Question

The speed of sound in air is around 345 m/s. A tuning fork vibrates at 850 Hz above the open end of the sound resonance tube. What is the wavelength (in cm) of the sound waves in the tube? Never include units with a numerical answer.

Answer 1

For the development of this problem it is necessary to apply the concepts related to the wavelength depending on the frequency and speed of light.

By definition we know that frequency can be expressed as

`f = (v)/(\lambda)`

Where,

v = Velocity

`\lambda =` Wavelength

Our values are

`v=345m/sec`

`f=850Hz`

Re-arrange to find Wavelength

`f = (v)/(\lambda)`

`\lambda = (v)/(f)`

`\lambda = (345)/(850)`

`\lambda = 0.4058m`

Converting to centimeters,

`\lambda = 0.4058m((100cm)/(1m))`

`\lambda = 40.58cm`

Therefore the wavelength of the sound waves in the tube is 40.58cm