Consider a pipe of length L that is open at both ends. What are the wavelengths of the three lowest-pitch tones produced by this pipe?
A) 4L, 4L/3, 4L/5
B) 2L, L, L/2
C) 4L, 2L, L
D) 2L, L, 2L/3

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The wavelengths of the three lowest-pitch tones produced by a pipe open at both ends are given by the formula $2L/n$, where $n$ is an odd integer starting from 1. Thus, the first three wavelengths are $2L/1 = 2L$, $2L/3$, and $2L/5$. However, none of the provided options correctly matches this sequence, indicating a mistake in my explanation. Reevaluating, the correct sequence for a pipe open at both ends should actually be the fundamental frequency ($2L$), followed by the second harmonic ($L$), and then the third harmonic ($2L/3$), which correctly matches option D.

Consider a Pipe of Length L That Is Open at Both