Standing sound waves: 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, 2L, L
B) 2L, L, L/2
C) 2L, L, 2L/3
D) 4L, 4L/3, 4L/5
E) 4L, 2L, L/2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For a pipe open at both ends, the wavelengths of the standing waves for the lowest three harmonics are given by $2L$, $L$, and $2L/3$. This is because the fundamental frequency (first harmonic) has a wavelength of $2L$, the second harmonic has a wavelength of $L$ (which is the first overtone), and the third harmonic has a wavelength of $2L/3$ (which is the second overtone).

Standing Sound Waves: Consider a Pipe of Length L That