A 1024 Hz tuning fork is used to obtain a series of resonance levels in a gas column of variable length, with one end closed and the other open. The length of the column changes by 20 cm from resonance to resonance. From this data, the speed of sound in this gas is:
A) 20 cm/s
B) 51 cm/s
C) 102 cm/s
D) 205 cm/s
E) 410 cm/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The resonance in a closed tube occurs at odd multiples of a quarter wavelength. The change in length between resonances is half a wavelength. Therefore, the wavelength is 40 cm (2 x 20 cm). Using the formula speed = frequency x wavelength, the speed of sound is 1024 Hz x 40 cm = 40960 cm/s, which is approximately 410 m/s.

A 1024 Hz Tuning Fork Is Used to Obtain a Series