Q.How are stationary waves formed in closed pipes? Explain the various modes of vibrations and obtain relations for their frequencies. A closed organ pipe 70 cm long is sounded. If the velocity of sound is 331 m/s, what is the fundamental frequency of vibration of the air column?
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →A closed pipe has a node at the closed end and an antinode at the open end, giving only odd harmonics f_n = (2n-1)v/4L; for L = 0.70 m and v = 331 m/s the fundamental is about 118 Hz.
Formation of stationary waves in a closed pipe: When a sound wave travels down the pipe, it reflects at the closed end. The incident and reflected waves of the same frequency travelling in opposite directions superpose to form a stationary (standing) wave. Boundary conditions fix the pattern: the CLOSED end must be a displacement NODE (air cannot move there), and the OPEN end must be a displacement ANTINODE (air is free to vibrate).
Modes of vibration:
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Fundamental (first harmonic): The simplest pattern has one node at the closed end and one antinode at the open end. This corresponds to one-quarter of a wavelength fitting in the pipe:
L = lambda_1 / 4 => lambda_1 = 4L.
Frequency: f_1 = v / lambda_1 = v / 4L.
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First overtone (third harmonic): Next allowed pattern fits three-quarters of a wavelength:
L = 3 lambda_3 / 4 => lambda_3 = 4L/3.
Frequency: f_3 = v / lambda_3 = 3v / 4L = 3 f_1.
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Second overtone (fifth harmonic): L = 5 lambda_5 / 4, giving f_5 = 5v/4L = 5 f_1.
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