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A 256 Hz tuning fork is resonating in a closed tube on a warm day when the speed of sound is 346 m/s. What is the length of the closed tube?

A. 1.35 m
B. 0.74 m
C. 0.34 m
D. 0.18 m

User Gwenzek
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2 Answers

6 votes

Answer:

C. 0.34 m

Step-by-step explanation:

First you have to find wavelength

velocity=(frequency)x(wavelength)

346=256x

x=1.35156 m

Plug the wavelength into the equation: wavelength=(4)x(length of tube)

1.35156=4x

x=0.33789

round to 0.34 m

User Austin Fitzpatrick
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8.4k points
3 votes
Assuming our "closed tube" is closed at only one end, then
v = fλ = f*4L/n
where "n" is the harmonic number. So
L = nv / 4f = n*346m/s / 4*256Hz = n*0.38 m
Since the only option in your list that is an integer multiple of 0.38 m is 1.35 m
I'd say that we're hearing the fourth harmonic.
answer is
A. 1.35 m
User Jeff Gong
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7.6k points