A clarinet,which is essentially a tube that is open at one end,is properly tuned to concert A (440 Hz)indoors,where the temperature is 20ºC and the speed of sound is 340 m/s.The musician then takes the instrument to play an outdoor concert,where the temperature is 0ºC and the speed of sound is 331 m/s.What is the frequency of the A played on the cold clarinet? (Ignore any thermal changes in the body of the clarinet itself.)
A)417 Hz
B)428 Hz
C)434 Hz
D)445 Hz
E)451 Hz

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The frequency of the sound produced by the clarinet is proportional to the speed of sound. Since the speed of sound decreases from 340 m/s to 331 m/s, the frequency will also decrease. The new frequency can be calculated using the ratio of the speeds: (331/340) * 440 Hz = 428 Hz.

A Clarinet,which Is Essentially a Tube That Is Open at One