PURPOSE: To demonstrate standing waves in a closed tube.
DESCRIPTION: A tuning fork mounted over the top of the tube is activated by striking it with a rubber hammer. Raising and lowering the reservoir varies the water level in the tube to change the length of the air column. Because the air column is closed on one end (the surface of the water) resonances occur when the length of the tube is approximately 1/4, 3/4 or 5/4 of a wavelength, neglecting the end correction at the top of the tube. Using this apparatus standing waves can be demonstrated and the speed of sound determined to within about one percent.
SUGGESTIONS:
REFERENCES: (PIRA 3D30.10) See also H3-22: RESONANCE TUBE - OSCILLATOR AND PLUNGER, which does the same experiment using an oscillator.
EQUIPMENT: Air column - water reservoir device with tuning fork attached and mallet, as photographed.
SETUP TIME: None.
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