PURPOSE: To demonstrate standing waves in a closed tube.
DESCRIPTION: An air column in a tube is excited by an oscillator and loudspeaker at one end of the tube and stopped with a plunger at the other end. Vary the frequency of the oscillator or the position of the plunger to obtain the resonance, which can be easily heard. Because this is a closed tube, resonances exist at odd multiples of one-quarter wavelength. Using this device standing waves can be demonstrated, the wavelength of a sound wave shown, and the speed of sound determined.
SUGGESTIONS:
REFERENCES: (PIRA 3D10.330)
EQUIPMENT: Oscillator, microphone, and pre-assembled tube with plunger and scale.
SETUP TIME: 5 min.
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