Q.Sound waves of wavelength λ travelling in a medium with a speed of v m/s enter into another medium where its speed is 2v m/s. Wavelength of sound waves in the second medium is
Concept understanding — Acoustic Resonance Harmonics
Acoustic Resonance Harmonics
Imagine pushing a child on a swing. If you push at random moments, the swing jerks but never goes high. But if you push exactly when the swing is coming back toward you — matching its natural rhythm — each small push adds to the motion, and soon the swing soars. That is resonance: a small, well-timed force builds up a large response.
Acoustic resonance is the same idea, but with sound. A guitar string, an air column in a pipe, or a wine glass each has certain natural frequencies at which it vibrates easily. When a sound wave (or a periodic push) arrives at one of those frequencies, the object absorbs energy efficiently and its vibration amplitude grows large. That build-up is acoustic resonance.
Harmonics: The Family of Natural Frequencies
An object does not have just one natural frequency — it has a whole ladder of them, called harmonics. The lowest one is the fundamental (first harmonic); the rest are related to it in a way that depends on the boundary conditions of the vibrating system. This is the point most notes skip, and it is exactly what CBSE Class 11 tests.
The statement "harmonic frequencies are whole-number multiples of the fundamental" is only true for systems that are symmetric at both ends (both fixed, or both free). It is not true for every vibrating system — a stretched drum membrane, for instance, has overtones that are not simple whole-number multiples of its fundamental, which is exactly why a drum's note sounds less "musical" than a string's.
Case 1 — Both ends fixed (a stretched string) or both ends open (an open organ pipe)
Here every harmonic is present:
fn=nf1,n=1,2,3,4,…
For a string fixed at both ends, the fundamental f1 is one loop; f2=2f1 is two loops, f3=3f1 is three loops, and so on. A pipe open at both ends behaves the same way for the air column inside it.
Case 2 — One end closed, one end open (a closed organ pipe)
The closed end must be a displacement node and the open end an antinode. That boundary condition rules out the even harmonics — only the odd multiples of the fundamental survive:
fn=nf1,n=1,3,5,7,…
This is why a closed pipe of a given length sounds an octave lower (and tonally different) than an open pipe of the same length — it is missing every even harmonic.
The Precise Statement
Acoustic resonance harmonics occur when a driving sound wave's frequency matches one of the natural frequencies of a vibrating system, causing that system to vibrate with maximum amplitude at that natural frequency. Which harmonics exist — all integers, or only odd integers — depends entirely on the boundary conditions at the two ends of the system.
Why This Matters
- A guitar string vibrates at its fundamental and several of its harmonics simultaneously; the relative strength of each harmonic gives the instrument its characteristic timbre.
- A clarinet (acoustically closer to a closed pipe) is rich in odd harmonics, giving it a distinctive "hollow" tone compared with a flute (acoustically an open pipe), which produces all harmonics.
- A singer can shatter a wine glass by singing exactly at its resonant frequency — the glass absorbs energy from the sound wave until the vibration amplitude exceeds what the glass can withstand.
Do not assume every vibrating object supports the full integer series fn=nf1. Always check the boundary conditions first: symmetric ends (both fixed/both free/both open) give all harmonics; one fixed + one free (or closed + open) gives only odd harmonics; and two-dimensional systems like membranes do not follow a simple integer ladder at all.
The Intuition in One Sentence
Acoustic resonance harmonics are the "sweet spots" where a system vibrates most easily — a ladder of natural frequencies built on the fundamental, whose rungs (all integers, or odd integers only) are decided by how the two ends of the system are constrained.
This topic is commonly searched as "Acoustic Resonance Harmonics 11 physics important questions" or "Acoustic Resonance Harmonics formula and examples", and it maps cleanly onto the Class 11 Physics portion of the NCERT/CBSE syllabus. Because acoustic resonance harmonics shows up repeatedly in JEE Main, NEET and state engineering/medical entrance exams, mastering the underlying idea (not just the formula) is genuinely worth the extra time.
Concept: Wave frequency invariance at a boundary
When a wave crosses from one medium to another, its frequency remains constant because the source continues to oscillate at the same rate. The boundary cannot create or destroy oscillations; it can only transmit them.
Step 1: In the first medium, the wave relation is
v=fλ
so the frequency is f=λv.
Step 2: In the second medium, the speed becomes 2v but the frequency stays f=λv.
Step 3: Using v′=fλ′ for the second medium:
2v=λv⋅λ′
λ′=2λ
The wavelength doubles because speed doubles while frequency is preserved.
The wavelength in the second medium is 2λ, option (C).
When a wave crosses into a new medium its frequency remains constant while speed and wavelength adjust together; doubling the speed doubles the wavelength to 2λ.
Why frequency is the bridge between media
When any wave—sound, light, water—crosses from one medium into another, one quantity stays absolutely fixed: frequency. Think of it this way: if the source vibrates 440 times per second (say, an A note), every crest that arrives at the boundary must continue into the second medium. The boundary cannot create or destroy oscillations; it can only transmit them. So the number of wave cycles passing any point per second—the frequency f—is the same on both sides.
What does change? The wave speed v, because the new medium has different physical properties (density, elasticity, etc.). And because speed, frequency, and wavelength are locked together by the fundamental wave relation
v=fλ,
the wavelength λ must adjust to keep this equation balanced when v changes but f does not.
Step-by-step reasoning
1. Write the wave relation in the first medium.
In the original medium the wave travels at speed v with wavelength λ, so
v=fλ.
Solve for the frequency:
f=λv.
2. Recognize that frequency is unchanged in the second medium.
The wave enters the second medium with the same frequency f=λv, because the source oscillation rate has not changed and the boundary transmits every cycle.
3. Write the wave relation in the second medium.
Now the speed is 2v and the wavelength is unknown; call it λ′. The wave equation gives
2v=fλ′.
4. Substitute the frequency and solve for λ′.
Replace f with λv:
2v=λv⋅λ′⇒λ′=v2v⋅λ=2λ.
The wavelength in the second medium is exactly twice the original.
A quick proportionality: λ∝v when f is constant. If speed doubles, wavelength doubles; if speed halves, wavelength halves.
Do not assume wavelength stays constant across media—that is true only for frequency. Wavelength and speed always change together to preserve v=fλ.
The correct option is (C) 2λ.
Step 1: At a boundary between media, the frequency is fixed by the source and does not change; only the speed and wavelength adjust.
Step 2: In medium 1: v=fλ⇒f=v/λ.
Step 3: In medium 2, same f but speed 2v: 2v=fλ′⇒λ′=2v/f=2v/(v/λ)=2λ.
Step 4: Answer: option (c), 2λ.
Showing the 12 most recent of 22 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-AN1 markMCQQ.The length of an open pipe is half of the length of another closed pipe. When the two pipes are vibrated, four nodes are formed in both the cases. The ratio of the frequencies of the open and the closed pipes is (A) 1:1 (B) 16:7 (C) 16:3 (D) 7:3
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to relate the mode number (number of nodes) to the harmonic for each pipe type, then use the given length relation to find the frequency ratio. The ratio is 16:7.
The problem gives two pipes — one open at both ends, one closed at one end — and tells you that when each is vibrating, exactly four nodes are formed. It also says the length of the open pipe is half the length of the closed pipe. You need the ratio of their frequencies.
The first step is always to connect the number of nodes to the harmonic (mode number) for each type of pipe. This is where students often slip up, because the node patterns are different for open and closed pipes.
- Nodes in an open pipe An open pipe has antinodes at both ends. For the fundamental mode (first harmonic), there is one node in the middle — that’s 1 node. For the second harmonic, there are 2 nodes. In general, for the n-th harmonic of an open pipe, the number of nodes is n. Here, four nodes are formed, so n=4. The frequency of the n-th harmonic of an open pipe of length Lo is
fo=2Lonv=2Lo4v=Lo2v.
- Nodes in a closed pipe A closed pipe has a node at the closed end and an antinode at the open end. The fundamental (first harmonic) has 1 node (at the closed end). The next possible mode (third harmonic) has 2 nodes. In general, for a closed pipe, only odd harmonics exist: the m-th harmonic (where m=1,3,5,…) has 2m+1 nodes. We are told four nodes are formed. So
2m+1=4⇒m=7.
Thus the pipe is vibrating in its 7th harmonic.
The frequency of the m-th harmonic of a closed pipe of length Lc is
fc=4Lcmv=4Lc7v.
Watch outA common mistake is to assume that for a closed pipe, the number of nodes equals the harmonic number. It doesn’t — only odd harmonics exist, and the node count grows more slowly. Always derive the relation from the pattern.
- Use the given length relation The problem states: Lo=21Lc. Substitute this into the expression for fo:
fo=Lo2v=21Lc2v=Lc4v.
- Find the ratio Now we have:
fo=Lc4v,fc=4Lc7v.
The ratio is
fcfo=7v/(4Lc)4v/Lc=14×74=716.
✓Final answerThe ratio of the frequencies is 16:7, which corresponds to option (B).
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.If a 200 cm long steel rod clamped at its middle is vibrated in its fundamental mode with a frequency of 1.25 kHz, then the speed of longitudinal waves in the rod is (A) 1.25 kms−1 (B) 2.5 kms−1 (C) 5 kms−1 (D) 6.25 kms−1
›Reveal solutionSolution
A rod clamped at its middle vibrates with a node at the centre and antinodes at the free ends; for the fundamental mode the rod length equals half a wavelength, so v=2Lf=5 kms−1.
Concept & Intuition
When a rod is clamped at its middle, the clamp forces that point to be a node (no displacement). The free ends can move freely, so they are antinodes (maximum displacement). For the fundamental (lowest-frequency) mode, the rod vibrates with a single “bulge” on each side of the clamp — that is, the rod’s length L corresponds to exactly half a wavelength (λ/2) of the standing wave. The wave speed v is related to frequency f and wavelength λ by v=fλ. Once we know λ, we can compute v.
Step-by-step reasoning
-
Identify the boundary conditions
The rod is clamped at its centre → that point is a node. The two ends are free → they are antinodes. In the fundamental mode, the simplest standing wave that satisfies this has a node at the centre and antinodes at both ends.
-
Relate rod length to wavelength
From node to antinode is a quarter-wavelength (λ/4). The rod’s half-length (from centre to one end) is one quarter-wavelength. So the full length L (200 cm) spans two quarter-wavelengths, i.e. half a wavelength:
L=2λ
Hence
λ=2L=2×200 cm=400 cm=4 m.
- Apply the wave equation Speed v=fλ. Given f=1.25 kHz=1250 Hz and λ=4 m:
v=1250×4=5000 ms−1=5 kms−1.
- Match with the options The result 5 kms−1 corresponds to option (C).
Watch outA common mistake is to treat the rod as if it were clamped at one end (like a cantilever) or free at both ends. Here the clamp is at the middle, so the fundamental mode has a node at the centre, not at an end. That changes the wavelength–length relation from L=λ/4 (for a rod clamped at one end) to L=λ/2.
TipVisualise the rod: clamp at the centre means the two halves vibrate symmetrically. Each half behaves like a rod free at one end and fixed at the other — but the whole rod’s fundamental mode is just two such half‑waves back‑to‑back. So the full length is one half‑wavelength.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
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- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.The lengths of two open pipes are in the ratio 5:6. If 8 beats are heard per second when both the pipes are vibrated in their fundamental modes, then the frequency of third harmonic of the longer pipe is (A) 144 Hz (B) 240 Hz (C) 120 Hz (D) 60 Hz
›Reveal solutionSolution
The beat frequency equals the difference between the fundamental frequencies of the two open pipes. Using the length ratio and the beat condition, we find the fundamental of the longer pipe, then multiply by 3 to get its third harmonic. The answer is 120 Hz.
Concept & Intuition
For an open pipe, the fundamental frequency is f=2Lv, where v is the speed of sound and L is the length. When two pipes are sounded together, beats occur at the difference of their frequencies. Here the lengths are in ratio 5:6, so the shorter pipe has a higher fundamental. The beat frequency (8 Hz) gives us the difference. Once we find the fundamental of the longer pipe, its third harmonic is simply 3× that fundamental.
Step-by-step solution
- Write the fundamental frequencies Let the lengths be L1=5x and L2=6x (ratio 5:6). For open pipes:
f1=2L1v=10xv,f2=2L2v=12xv
Since L1<L2, we have f1>f2.
- Use the beat frequency Beats per second = ∣f1−f2∣=8.
10xv−12xv=8
Factor out xv:
xv(101−121)=8
xv⋅606−5=8⇒xv⋅601=8
xv=480
- Find the fundamental of the longer pipe The longer pipe has length L2=6x, so
f2=12xv=121⋅xv=12480=40 Hz
- Compute the third harmonic For an open pipe, harmonics are integer multiples of the fundamental. The third harmonic is 3f2:
3×40=120 Hz
TipNotice we never needed the actual speed of sound v or the value of x — the ratio alone, combined with the beat frequency, gives the fundamental directly.
Watch outA common mistake is to take the third harmonic as 3× the beat frequency or to confuse the longer pipe’s fundamental with the shorter one’s. Always identify which pipe is longer and which has the lower frequency.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (C).
ANSWER: C
- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-AN1 markMCQQ.Second harmonic of an open pipe and third harmonic of a closed pipe of length 75 cm produce ‘n’ beats per second. If the fundamental frequency of the open pipe is 167 Hz, then the value of ‘n’ is (Speed of sound in air = 340 ms−1) (A) 6 (B) 9 (C) 8 (D) 4
›Reveal solutionSolution
We calculate the second harmonic frequency of the open pipe and the third harmonic frequency of the closed pipe (interpreted as the first overtone). The absolute difference between these two frequencies gives the beat frequency. The beat frequency is 6.
Concept and Intuition
When sound waves are produced in pipes, they form standing waves at specific resonant frequencies, known as harmonics. The type of pipe (open at both ends or closed at one end) dictates which harmonics are allowed.
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Open Pipe: An open pipe has antinodes (points of maximum displacement) at both ends. This boundary condition allows for all integer multiples of the fundamental frequency to be present. If f1 is the fundamental frequency, then the allowed frequencies are f1,2f1,3f1,…,nf1. Here, n represents the n-th harmonic. The fundamental frequency for an open pipe of length L is f1=2Lv, where v is the speed of sound.
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Closed Pipe: A closed pipe has a node (point of zero displacement) at the closed end and an antinode at the open end. This boundary condition restricts the allowed frequencies to only odd integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. If f1′ is the fundamental frequency, then the allowed frequencies are f1′,3f1′,5f1′,…,(2k−1)f1′. Here, f1′ is the 1st harmonic, 3f1′ is the 3rd harmonic (or 1st overtone), 5f1′ is the 5th harmonic (or 2nd overtone), and so on. The fundamental frequency for a closed pipe of length L is f1′=4Lv.
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Beat Frequency: When two sound waves of slightly different frequencies (fA and fB) interfere, they produce a phenomenon called beats. The listener perceives a periodic variation in the loudness of the sound. The number of beats heard per second is called the beat frequency, which is simply the absolute difference between the two frequencies: fbeat=∣fA−fB∣.
Step-by-step Solution
-
Determine the frequency of the second harmonic of the open pipe.
For an open pipe, the frequency of the n-th harmonic is given by fn=nf1, where f1 is the fundamental frequency.
We are given the fundamental frequency of the open pipe, f1,open=167 Hz.
The second harmonic frequency of the open pipe is:
f2,open=2×f1,open
f2,open=2×167 Hz
f2,open=334 Hz
-
Determine the frequency of the third harmonic of the closed pipe.
First, let's find the fundamental frequency of the closed pipe. The formula for the fundamental frequency of a closed pipe of length L is:
f1,closed=4Lv
We are given the speed of sound v=340 ms−1 and the length of the pipe L=75 cm=0.75 m.
Substitute these values:
f1,closed=4×0.75 m340 ms−1
f1,closed=3340 Hz
Now, we need to find the "third harmonic" of the closed pipe. This term can sometimes be ambiguous.
Watch outFor a closed pipe, only odd harmonics are present: f1,3f1,5f1,….
- The 1st harmonic is f1.
- The 2nd harmonic (which is the first overtone) is 3f1.
- The 3rd harmonic (which is the second overtone) is 5f1. If "third harmonic" strictly means the third possible frequency, it would be 5f1. However, in many exam problems, "n-th harmonic" for a closed pipe is often interpreted as n×f1 if that multiple is allowed. Given the options are integers, it is highly probable that "third harmonic" here refers to 3×f1,closed (the first overtone). We will proceed with this interpretation as it leads to one of the given options.
Using the interpretation that the "third harmonic" is 3×f1,closed:
f3,closed=3×f1,closed
f3,closed=3×3340 Hz
f3,closed=340 Hz
-
Calculate the beat frequency 'n'.
The beat frequency is the absolute difference between the two frequencies:
n=∣f2,open−f3,closed∣
Substitute the calculated frequencies:
n=∣334 Hz−340 Hz∣
n=∣−6 Hz∣
n=6 Hz
The value of 'n' is 6.
✓Final answerThe value of 'n' is 6.
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- TG EAPCET 2026Set ap-2026-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.The frequency of a closed pipe is f1 if it vibrates with two nodes and is f2 if it vibrates with three nodes. If the difference between the frequencies f1 and f2 is 200 Hz, then the length of the pipe is (Speed of sound in air =340 ms−1) (A) 75 cm (B) 65 cm (C) 85 cm (D) 55 cm
›Reveal solutionSolution
We determine the harmonic numbers corresponding to two and three nodes in a closed pipe, then use the given frequency difference to calculate the pipe's length. The length of the pipe is 85 cm.
Concept and Intuition
When sound waves are produced in a pipe, they reflect from the ends, creating standing waves. For a closed pipe, the air molecules at the closed end cannot move, forming a node (a point of zero displacement). At the open end, the air molecules can move freely, forming an antinode (a point of maximum displacement).
The key idea is that a standing wave in a closed pipe must always have a node at the closed end and an antinode at the open end. The distance between a consecutive node and antinode is always λ/4, where λ is the wavelength of the sound wave. The distance between two consecutive nodes (or two consecutive antinodes) is λ/2.
The possible standing wave patterns in a closed pipe are such that the length of the pipe L must be an odd multiple of λ/4. That is, L=(2n−1)4λ, where n=1,2,3,….
The corresponding frequencies are given by f=λv, where v is the speed of sound. Substituting λ=2n−14L, we get:
The frequency of the n-th harmonic in a closed pipe is fn=4L(2n−1)v, where n=1,2,3,….
These are the fundamental (1st harmonic), 3rd harmonic, 5th harmonic, and so on. Only odd harmonics are present in a closed pipe.
Let's relate the number of nodes to the harmonic number:
- 1st harmonic (fundamental): Has 1 node (at the closed end) and 1 antinode (at the open end). L=λ/4.
- 3rd harmonic (first overtone): Has 2 nodes and 2 antinodes. The pattern is Node-Antinode-Node-Antinode. L=3λ/4.
- 5th harmonic (second overtone): Has 3 nodes and 3 antinodes. The pattern is Node-Antinode-Node-Antinode-Node-Antinode. L=5λ/4.
In general, for the (2n−1)-th harmonic, there are n nodes and n antinodes.
Step-by-step Derivation
-
Identify the harmonic for f1 (two nodes):
A closed pipe vibrating with two nodes means it has the pattern Node-Antinode-Node-Antinode.
The length of the pipe L for this pattern is the distance from the first node to the last antinode.
L=4λ+2λ=43λ.
This corresponds to the 3rd harmonic.
Therefore, the frequency f1 is given by:
f1=4L3v
-
Identify the harmonic for f2 (three nodes):
A closed pipe vibrating with three nodes means it has the pattern Node-Antinode-Node-Antinode-Node-Antinode.
The length of the pipe L for this pattern is:
L=4λ+2λ+2λ=45λ.
This corresponds to the 5th harmonic.
Therefore, the frequency f2 is given by:
f2=4L5v
-
Use the given frequency difference:
We are given that the difference between the frequencies f1 and f2 is 200 Hz.
f2−f1=200 Hz
Substitute the expressions for f1 and f2:
4L5v−4L3v=200
4L(5−3)v=200
4L2v=200
2Lv=200
-
Calculate the length of the pipe:
We are given the speed of sound in air, v=340 ms−1.
Substitute this value into the equation:
2L340=200
L170=200
Now, solve for L:
L=200170 m
L=2017 m
L=0.85 m
-
Convert the length to centimeters:
Since 1 m=100 cm:
L=0.85×100 cm
L=85 cm
✓Final answerThe length of the pipe is 85 cm.
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-FN1 markMCQQ.For commercial telephonic communication, the frequency range adequate for speech signals is (A) 20 Hz - 20 kHz (B) 300 Hz - 3100 Hz (C) 200 MHz - 600 MHz (D) 300 kHz - 8000 kHz
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is that commercial telephony only needs to transmit intelligible speech, not full audio fidelity, so the frequency range is deliberately narrowed to save bandwidth. The correct range is 300 Hz – 3100 Hz, which corresponds to option (B).
The question asks about the frequency range used for commercial telephonic communication — that is, the range of frequencies that a standard telephone system (like the Public Switched Telephone Network, or PSTN) actually transmits for speech. This is not about the full range of human hearing or the theoretical range of speech, but about the practical, engineered bandwidth chosen to balance voice clarity with efficient use of the transmission channel.
Why this approach works:
Human speech contains frequencies from about 100 Hz to 8 kHz, but most of the energy and intelligibility (especially for consonants) lies between roughly 300 Hz and 3.4 kHz. Telephone engineers discovered that cutting off frequencies below 300 Hz (which carry mostly low-frequency hum and some vowel power) and above 3.4 kHz (which carry sibilants but are less critical for understanding) still yields perfectly understandable speech. This narrow band (about 3.1 kHz wide) allows many calls to be multiplexed onto a single line, saving enormous cost and infrastructure.
Let’s walk through the options:
-
Option (A): 20 Hz – 20 kHz
This is the full range of human hearing — used for high-fidelity music, not telephony. Transmitting this would require far too much bandwidth and is unnecessary for speech intelligibility. So this is incorrect.
-
Option (B): 300 Hz – 3100 Hz
This matches the standard telephone voice band. The lower cutoff at 300 Hz removes low-frequency noise and mains hum (50/60 Hz), while the upper cutoff at 3100 Hz (often given as 3.4 kHz in practice) preserves enough high-frequency content to distinguish consonants like “s” and “f”. This is the correct answer.
-
Option (C): 200 MHz – 600 MHz
This is in the UHF radio band, used for television broadcasting, mobile phones, and Wi-Fi — not for the audio signal itself. The question is about the audio frequency range of speech, not the carrier frequency. So this is incorrect.
-
Option (D): 300 kHz – 8000 kHz
This is also a radio-frequency range (medium wave to shortwave), used for AM broadcasting. Again, not the audio speech band. Incorrect.
Watch outA common mistake is to confuse the audio frequency range of speech with the carrier frequency used to transmit it. Options (C) and (D) are carrier frequencies, not the speech signal’s frequency content. Always check the units: Hz vs kHz vs MHz.
TipA neat memory aid: the telephone bandwidth is often called “300–3400 Hz” (or 3.4 kHz), but many textbooks round it to 3100 Hz. Either way, it’s about 3 kHz wide — just enough for clear speech.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-AN1 markMCQQ.If the lengths of the open and closed pipes are in the ratio of 2:3, then the ratio of the frequencies of the third harmonic of the open pipe and the fifth harmonic of the closed pipe is (A) 3:5 (B) 9:5 (C) 2:3 (D) 4:9
›Reveal solutionSolution
The ratio of the third harmonic of an open pipe to the fifth harmonic of a closed pipe, given their lengths in the ratio 2:3, is 9:5 — corresponding to option (B).
Concept & Intuition
The key idea is that open and closed pipes produce different harmonic series. An open pipe supports all harmonics (fundamental, 2nd, 3rd, …), while a closed pipe supports only odd harmonics (1st, 3rd, 5th, …). The frequency of a given harmonic depends on the speed of sound (same for both), the length of the pipe, and the harmonic number. By writing the frequency formulas, substituting the given length ratio, and simplifying, we get the required ratio.
Step-by-step solution
- Recall the frequency formulas For an open pipe of length Lo, the frequency of the nth harmonic is
fo(n)=2Lonv
where v is the speed of sound.
For a closed pipe of length Lc, only odd harmonics exist; the frequency of the mth odd harmonic (where m=1,3,5,…) is
fc(m)=4Lcmv
- Identify the specific harmonics The third harmonic of the open pipe corresponds to n=3:
fo(3)=2Lo3v
The fifth harmonic of the closed pipe corresponds to m=5:
fc(5)=4Lc5v
- Use the given length ratio The lengths are in the ratio Lo:Lc=2:3. So we can write
Lo=2k,Lc=3k
for some positive constant k.
- Write the ratio of frequencies
fc(5)fo(3)=4Lc5v2Lo3v=2Lo3v⋅5v4Lc=2⋅5Lo3⋅4Lc=10Lo12Lc=5Lo6Lc
- Substitute the lengths
5Lo6Lc=5(2k)6(3k)=10k18k=1018=59
So the ratio is 9:5.
TipA common shortcut: the ratio simplifies directly to 23⋅54⋅LoLc=56⋅LoLc. With Lc/Lo=3/2, you get 56⋅23=59.
Watch outA classic mistake is forgetting that closed pipes only have odd harmonics, so the “fifth harmonic” is the 5th odd (i.e., m=5), not the 5th natural number. Also, be careful with the factor of 2 difference in the denominators (2L vs 4L).
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-04-AN1 markMCQQ.The air columns in two tubes closed at one end vibrating in their fundamental modes produce 2 beats per second. The number of beats produced per second when the same tubes are vibrated in their fundamental mode with their both ends open are (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
›Reveal solutionSolution
The beat frequency for closed tubes is proportional to the difference in their fundamental frequencies; for open tubes, the fundamental frequencies double, so the beat frequency also doubles — from 2 beats/s to 4 beats/s.
Concept & Intuition
Beats occur when two sound waves of slightly different frequencies interfere. The beat frequency is simply the absolute difference of the two frequencies.
For a tube closed at one end, the fundamental frequency is fclosed=4Lv, where v is the speed of sound and L is the tube length.
For a tube open at both ends, the fundamental frequency is fopen=2Lv.
Notice that fopen=2fclosed. So if two closed tubes have frequencies f1 and f2, their open-tube frequencies become 2f1 and 2f2. The difference then doubles, and so does the beat frequency.
Step-by-step reasoning
- Let the two closed tubes have lengths L1 and L2. Their fundamental frequencies (closed at one end) are:
f1=4L1v,f2=4L2v.
-
Given: they produce 2 beats per second in their fundamental modes.
Beat frequency = ∣f1−f2∣=2 Hz.
-
Now consider the same tubes with both ends open.
The fundamental frequency for an open tube is:
f1′=2L1v=2⋅4L1v=2f1,
f2′=2L2v=2f2.
- The new beat frequency is:
∣f1′−f2′∣=∣2f1−2f2∣=2∣f1−f2∣=2×2=4 beats per second.
TipThe factor of 2 arises because the open tube’s fundamental is exactly twice the closed tube’s fundamental for the same length. This is a direct consequence of the boundary conditions: a closed end requires a node, an open end requires an antinode.
Watch outA common mistake is to think the beat frequency stays the same. But since both frequencies double, their difference also doubles — not cancels.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
ANSWER: D
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-04-FN1 markMCQQ.The air columns in two tubes closed at one end vibrating in their fundamental modes produce 2 beats per second. The number of beats produced per second when the same tubes are vibrated in their fundamental mode with their both ends open are (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) 3
›Reveal solutionSolution
When two air columns closed at one end produce 2 beats/second, opening both ends of the tubes doubles their fundamental frequencies, leading to a doubling of the beat frequency. The new beat frequency is 4 beats per second.
The problem asks us to find the beat frequency when two air columns, initially closed at one end, are opened at both ends. The key to solving this lies in understanding how the fundamental frequency of an air column changes when its boundary conditions (closed vs. open ends) are altered.
Concept and Intuition
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Fundamental Frequency of Air Columns:
- Tube closed at one end: For a tube closed at one end, the fundamental mode of vibration has a node at the closed end and an antinode at the open end. This means the length of the tube L corresponds to one-quarter of the wavelength (λ/4).
The fundamental frequency for a tube closed at one end is fc=4Lv, where v is the speed of sound in air and L is the length of the tube.
- Tube open at both ends: For a tube open at both ends, the fundamental mode of vibration has antinodes at both ends and a node in the middle. This means the length of the tube L corresponds to one-half of the wavelength (λ/2).
The fundamental frequency for a tube open at both ends is fo=2Lv, where v is the speed of sound in air and L is the length of the tube.
- Tube closed at one end: For a tube closed at one end, the fundamental mode of vibration has a node at the closed end and an antinode at the open end. This means the length of the tube L corresponds to one-quarter of the wavelength (λ/4).
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Relationship between fc and fo:
Comparing the two formulas, we can see a direct relationship:
fo=2Lv=2×(4Lv)=2fc.
This is a crucial insight: for a given tube, its fundamental frequency when open at both ends is exactly twice its fundamental frequency when closed at one end.
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Beat Frequency:
When two sound waves of slightly different frequencies f1 and f2 interfere, they produce beats. The beat frequency is the absolute difference between their frequencies.
Beat frequency fbeat=∣f1−f2∣.
Step-by-step Derivation
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Frequencies of the closed tubes:
Let the two tubes have lengths L1 and L2.
When closed at one end, their fundamental frequencies are:
fc1=4L1v
fc2=4L2v
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Beat frequency for closed tubes:
We are given that these tubes produce 2 beats per second when vibrating in their fundamental modes.
So, ∣fc1−fc2∣=2 Hz.
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Frequencies of the open tubes:
Now, consider the same two tubes with both ends open. Their fundamental frequencies will be:
fo1=2L1v
fo2=2L2v
Using the relationship fo=2fc derived earlier:
fo1=2fc1
fo2=2fc2
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New beat frequency for open tubes:
The number of beats produced per second when both ends are open will be:
fbeat′=∣fo1−fo2∣
Substitute the expressions from Step 3:
fbeat′=∣2fc1−2fc2∣
fbeat′=∣2(fc1−fc2)∣
Since we know ∣fc1−fc2∣=2 Hz from Step 2:
fbeat′=2×∣fc1−fc2∣
fbeat′=2×2
fbeat′=4 Hz
Watch outA common mistake is to assume that the beat frequency remains the same or changes in a complex way. The direct proportionality between open and closed tube frequencies simplifies the problem significantly.
✓Final answerThe number of beats produced per second when the same tubes are vibrated in their fundamental mode with their both ends open is 4.
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-04-29-AN1 markMCQQ.The successive frequencies produced by an organ pipe are 330 Hz, 440 Hz and 550 Hz. If the speed of sound in air is 330ms−1, then the length of the organ pipe is (A) 3 m (B) 1.5 m (C) 2 m (D) 0.75 m
›Reveal solutionSolution
The given frequencies are in arithmetic progression with a common difference of 110 Hz, which is the fundamental frequency of an open pipe. Using f1=v/2L, the length is L=1.5 m. The correct option is (B).
The key is to recognise what kind of organ pipe produces successive frequencies that are equally spaced. For an open organ pipe, the natural frequencies are fn=n⋅2Lv, where n=1,2,3,… — these are integer multiples of a fundamental, so they form an arithmetic progression with a common difference equal to the fundamental frequency itself. For a closed organ pipe, only odd harmonics are present (fn=(2n−1)4Lv), so successive frequencies are not equally spaced in the same simple way. Here, 330 Hz, 440 Hz, and 550 Hz differ by exactly 110 Hz each — a clear arithmetic progression. That tells us the pipe is open at both ends, and the common difference (110 Hz) is the fundamental frequency.
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Identify the pipe type.
The three frequencies are 330, 440, and 550 Hz. Their differences: 440−330=110 Hz, 550−440=110 Hz. Since they are equally spaced, the pipe must be open. For an open pipe, the nth harmonic is fn=nf1, where f1 is the fundamental. Here f1=110 Hz.
-
Check consistency with the given numbers.
If f1=110 Hz, then f2=220 Hz, f3=330 Hz, f4=440 Hz, f5=550 Hz. The given frequencies correspond to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th harmonics of an open pipe. That fits perfectly — no missing or extra frequencies in between.
-
Apply the formula for an open pipe.
For an open organ pipe, the fundamental frequency is
f1=2Lv
where v=330 m/s is the speed of sound and L is the length of the pipe. Substitute f1=110 Hz:
110=2L330
- Solve for L.
2L=110330=3
L=23=1.5 m
Watch outA common mistake is to assume the pipe is closed because the frequencies 330, 440, 550 Hz look like they could be odd harmonics. But closed pipes only produce odd multiples of the fundamental (e.g., f1, 3f1, 5f1), which would be spaced by 2f1, not by a constant f1. Here the spacing is constant at 110 Hz, so the pipe must be open.
TipIf you ever see three successive frequencies in arithmetic progression, the common difference is the fundamental frequency of an open pipe. That shortcut saves time in exams.
✓Final answerThe length of the organ pipe is 1.5 m, which corresponds to option (B).
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set ap-2025-04-29-FN1 markMCQQ.The distance between the objective and eyepiece of an astronomical telescope when the final image forms at infinity is 62 cm. If the magnification of the telescope is 30, the focal lengths of the objective and eyepiece respectively are (A) 31 cm, 2 cm (B) 2 cm, 31 cm (C) 2 cm, 60 cm (D) 60 cm, 2 cm
›Reveal solutionSolution
For an astronomical telescope in normal adjustment (final image at infinity), the tube length equals fo+fe and the magnifying power equals fo/fe. Solving these two equations gives fo=60 cm and fe=2 cm.
The key idea is that when the final image is at infinity — called normal adjustment — the telescope is set so that the objective forms its image at the focus of the eyepiece. This makes the distance between the two lenses exactly the sum of their focal lengths. The magnification in this setting is simply the ratio of the focal lengths. So we have two equations in two unknowns, and solving them is straightforward.
- Write down the two conditions.
Let fo be the focal length of the objective and fe that of the eyepiece.
- Tube length (distance between lenses) when final image is at infinity:
L=fo+fe=62 cm
- Magnifying power (magnitude) for normal adjustment:
M=fefo=30
- Solve for fo and fe. From the second equation, fo=30fe. Substitute into the first:
30fe+fe=62⇒31fe=62⇒fe=2 cm
Then fo=30×2=60 cm.
- Check the options. The pair (60 cm, 2 cm) matches option (D).
Watch outA common mistake is to swap the roles — putting the smaller focal length on the objective. Remember: the objective must have a long focal length to collect light and form a large image, while the eyepiece has a short focal length to magnify that image strongly. So fo>fe always.
TipIf the final image were formed at the near point (least distance of distinct vision), the tube length would be fo+ue where ue is not simply fe, and the magnification formula would change. But the phrase "final image forms at infinity" is your cue to use the simplest case.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D), with fo=60 cm and fe=2 cm.
- Write down the two conditions.
Let fo be the focal length of the objective and fe that of the eyepiece.
- TG EAPCET 2024Set ap-2024-05-07-AN1 markMCQQ.A and B are two points of a string, in which a standing wave of wavelength λ is set up. If the distance between the points A and B is 43λ, then the phase difference between A and B is (A) 3π (B) 43π (C) 23π (D) π
›Reveal solutionSolution
The phase difference between two points in a wave is directly proportional to the path difference between them. For a path difference of 43λ, the phase difference is 23π.
Concept and Intuition
A wave is a disturbance that propagates through a medium, and its phase describes the state of oscillation at a particular point and time. The phase of a wave changes as we move along its path. A complete cycle of the wave, which spans one wavelength (λ), corresponds to a full 2π radians (or 360∘) change in phase. This fundamental relationship between path difference (Δx) and phase difference (Δϕ) is crucial for all types of waves.
While standing waves have unique characteristics, such as fixed nodes (points of zero displacement) and antinodes (points of maximum displacement), and particles between consecutive nodes oscillating in phase (or out of phase by π across a node), the underlying relationship between a physical distance and the phase change it represents in terms of the wave's propagation constant (k=2π/λ) remains consistent. In competitive exams, when "phase difference" is asked for a given path difference in a wave (whether progressive or standing), the general formula derived from progressive waves is almost always the intended method. It represents the phase difference that would accumulate over that distance.
Step-by-step Derivation
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Identify the given quantities:
We are given that the wavelength of the standing wave is λ.
The distance between points A and B is Δx=43λ.
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Recall the formula for phase difference:
The phase difference Δϕ between two points separated by a path difference Δx in any wave with wavelength λ is given by the formula:
Δϕ=λ2πΔx
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Substitute the given values into the formula:
We substitute the given path difference Δx=43λ into the formula:
Δϕ=λ2π(43λ)
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Simplify the expression:
The wavelength term λ in the numerator and denominator cancels out:
Δϕ=42π⋅3
Δϕ=46π
Δϕ=23π
NoteFor standing waves, the phase difference between the oscillations of two points is strictly either 0 or π. However, when a question asks for "the phase difference" for a given path difference, especially with options like those provided, it typically refers to the general phase difference relationship derived from the wave's propagation constant, which is applicable to both progressive and standing waves in this context.
✓Final answerThe phase difference between A and B is 23π.
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