Final answer:
To find the speed of sound in air at room temperature using a resonance tube, measure the distance between two resonance positions. Follow the steps of filling the tube with water, striking a tuning fork, lowering the water level, and measuring the length of the air column at each resonance. Use the formula v = 2L·f to calculate the speed of sound.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the speed of sound in air at room temperature using a resonance tube, you need to measure the distance between two resonance positions. The resonance tube is a cylindrical tube with one end closed and one end open. When a tuning fork is struck and held near the opening, it creates a sound wave that travels down the tube. The wave reflects off the closed end and interferes with the incoming wave, creating a standing wave pattern. By adjusting the water level in the tube, you can change the length of the air column and find the positions where resonance occurs.
To measure the speed of sound, follow these steps:
- Fill the resonance tube with water until the level is just above the closed end.
- Strike the tuning fork and hold it near the open end of the tube, creating a sound wave.
- Slowly lower the water level while listening for a loud, steady sound. This indicates a resonance position.
- Measure the distance between two consecutive resonance positions. This is the length of the air column at each resonance.
- Repeat the process at different water levels to obtain multiple lengths of the air column.
- Use the formula v = 2L·f to calculate the speed of sound in air, where v is the speed of sound, L is the length of the air column, and f is the frequency of the tuning fork.
By analyzing the data collected from the different resonance positions, you can determine the speed of sound in the air at the given temperature in your room.