Module 3: Waves & Thermodynamics Topic 3.

3: Sound Waves

Solutions
Foundation

1. Define the following terms:

(a) Standing wave

A standing wave is one that does not appear to be travelling through the medium.

(b) Node

A point of zero displacement in a standing wave.

(c) Anti-node

A point of maximum displacement in a standing wave.

2. A 0.800 m long guitar string vibrates with standing waves. The 1st harmonic has a frequency
of 275.0 Hz

(a) Sketch the standing wave pattern for the first three harmonics.

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 (b) Calculate the wavelength of the first three harmonics.
2L
λn =
n
2 × 0.800 m
λ1 =
1
= 1.60 m
2 × 0.800 m
λ2 =
2
= 0.800 m
2 × 0.800 m
λ3 =
3
= 0.533 m
(c) What are the frequencies of the first three harmonics?
nv
fn =
2L
f1 = 275 Hz
f2 = 2f1
= 2 × 275 Hz
= 550 Hz
f3 = 3f1
= 3 × 275 Hz
= 825 Hz
(d) Calculate the speed of the wave in the string.
v = f 1 λ1
= 1.60 m × 275 Hz
= 440 m s−1
3. A 1.20 m open air column produces standing waves. Take the speed of sound in air to be
340 m s−1 .

(a) Sketch the standing wave patterns for the first three harmonics.

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 (b) Calculate the wavelength of the first three harmonics.

2L
λn =
n
2 × 1.20 m
λ1 =
1
= 2.40 m
2 × 1.20 m
λ2 =
2
= 1.20 m
2 × 1.20 m
λ3 =
3
= 0.800 m

(c) Calculate the frequency of the first three harmonics.

nv
fn =
2L
1 × 340 m s−1
f1 =
2 × 1.20 m
= 142 Hz
f2 = 2f1
= 2 × 142 Hz
= 283 Hz
f3 = 3f1
= 3 × 142 Hz
= 425 Hz

4. A 1.20 m air column that is closed at one end produces standing waves. Take the speed of
sound in air to be 340 m s−1 .

(a) Sketch the standing wave patterns for the first three possible harmonics.

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 (b) Calculate the wavelength of the first three possible harmonics.

4L
λn =
n
4 × 1.20 m
λ1 =
1
= 4.80 m
4 × 1.20 m
λ3 =
3
= 1.60 m
4 × 1.20 m
λ5 =
5
= 0.960 m

(c) Calculate the frequency of the first three possible harmonics.

nv
fn =
4L
1 × 340 m s−1
f1 =
4 × 1.20 m
= 71 Hz
f3 = 3f1
= 3 × 71 Hz
= 213 Hz
f5 = 5f1
= 5 × 71 Hz
= 354 Hz

5. The shortest distance between a node and an anti-node of a standing wave is 0.05 m.

What is the wavelength of the standing wave?

λ
The distance between a node and an anti-node is equal to .
4
λ
∴ = 0.05 m
4
λ = 4 × 0.05
= 0.2 m

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 Development

1. An open pipe instrument (such as a flute) sets up:

(a) Standing waves with at least two nodes, with one at each end
(b) No standing waves
(c) Standing waves with at least a node and an anti-node at opposite ends
(d) Standing waves with at least two anti-nodes, with one at each end

2. Consider the frequencies of the third harmonics of a closed-pipe (fc ) and an open-pipe (fo )
instrument.

If the length of the instruments and the velocity of the waves are the same, then which of
the following statements is correct?
(a) fc > fo by a factor of 4
(b) fc < fo by a factor of 4
(c) fc > fo by a factor of 2
(d) fc < fo by a factor of 2

3. A string is set to vibrate between two fixed ends and a single antinode is observed between the
fixed ends at a frequency of 225 Hz.

Which of the following is true when the same string is vibrating at 900 Hz?
(a) It has 3 more nodes than the original wave
(b) No stationary wave is observed
(c) Its wavelength is 4 times the original wavelength
(d) Its wave speed has increased by 4 times

4. A guitar string is plucked such that it vibrates at the 6th harmonic frequency of 2760 Hz. The
length of the guitar string is 75 cm.

What is the speed of the sound wave travelling through the string?
(a) 320 m s−1
(b) 325 m s−1
(c) 335 m s−1
(d) 340 m s−1

5. On a guitar, different notes are able to be played by pressing down on the fret-board because:
(a) Applying pressure onto the fret-board changes the tension in the string
(b) It changes the length of string that is free to move
(c) The finger causes the sound of the guitar string to dampen
(d) The hollow chamber allows sound waves to resonate

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6. A string, fixed at both ends, has a length 6 m and supports a standing wave with a total of 4
nodes.

If a transverse wave can travel at 40 m s−1 down the rope, what is the frequency of this standing
wave?
(a) 6.7 Hz
(b) 10 Hz
(c) 20 Hz
(d) 26.7 Hz

7. A ukulele can be thought of as a mini-guitar, with shorter and less strings.

Assuming the two instruments use identical strings, which of the following is true?
(a) The ukulele is able to produce louder notes
(b) The ukulele is able to produce higher pitched notes
(c) The guitar is able to produce louder notes
(d) The guitar is able to produce higher pitched notes

8. An unfingered guitar string that is 70 cm long is tuned to play A2 (110 Hz).

How far down the string must you place your finger in order to play B3 (247 Hz)?

λ
=L
2
=⇒ λ = 2L

v = fλ
= 2f L

Since v is constant for a material at a certain temperature,

2f1 L1 = 2f2 L2
f1 L1
=⇒ L2 =
f2
70 cm × 110 Hz
=
247 Hz
= 31 cm

1 mark − Calculates the velocity of the wave or equivalent merit

1 mark − Calculates the correct distance

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 9. Two successive nodes on a standing wave in a string that is fixed at both ends are 20 cm apart. 2

If the wave corresponds to the 4th harmonic, what is the total length of the string?

λ
The distance between any two successive nodes is equal to .
2
=⇒ λ = 2 × 20 cm
= 40 cm

2L
λn =
n
nλn
=⇒ L =
2
4 × 40 cm
=
2
= 80 cm

1 mark − Calculates the correct wavelength

1 mark − Calculates the correct length

10. A piccolo is a musical experiment whose resonating air column can be approximated as a 2
cylindrical pipe that is open at both ends.

Calculate the frequency of the lowest note that a 32 cm piccolo can play. Take the speed
of sound in air to be 340 m s−1 .

The lowest note would correspond to the 1st harmonic.

2L
λn =
n
2 × 0.32 m
λ1 =
1
= 0.64 m

v = f1 λ1
v
=⇒ f1 =
λ1
340 m s−1
=
0.640 m
= 530 Hz

1 mark − Calculates the correct wavelength

1 mark − Calculates the correct frequency

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11. A 15 cm violin string is fixed at both ends and oscillates at its fundamental frequency. The 2
speed of the waves on the string is 250 m s−1 and the speed of sound in air is 340 m s−1 .

Calculate the wavelength of the emitted sound wave in air.

The fundamental frequency corresponds to the 1st harmonic.

nv
fn =
2L
1 × 250 m s−1
f1 =
2 × 0.15 m
= 833.3 Hz

The frequency of the wave in the string is the same as the frequency of the sound wave in
air.

v = fλ
v
=⇒ λ =
f
340 m s−1
=
833.3 Hz
= 0.41 m

1 mark − Calculates the correct frequency

1 mark − Calculates the correct wavelength

12. A sound wave in a fluid medium is reflected at a barrier so that a standing wave is formed. 2
The distance between two successive nodes is 3.8 cm, and the speed of propagation is 1500 m s−1 .

Calculate the frequency of the sound wave.

λ
The distance between any two successive nodes is equal to .
2
=⇒ λ = 2 × 3.8 cm
= 7.6 cm
= 0.076 m

v = fλ
v
=⇒ f =
λ
1500 m s−1
=
0.076 m
= 2.0 × 104 Hz

1 mark − Calculates the correct wavelength

1 mark − Calculates the correct frequency

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13. A physics student vibrates a slinky which is connected to fixed wall. This creates a transverse
wave which travels to the wall and reflects back as shown in the diagram below.

(a) Label on the diagram, a node and an anti-node. 2

2 marks − Correctly labels a node and anti-node on the diagram

(b) With reference to the diagram, explain how a standing wave is formed. In your response, 4
include the necessary conditions for a standing wave to form.

A standing wave is formed by the superposition of two identical waves, travelling in

opposite direction in the same medium. A standing wave is allowed to form using this
apparatus, as the transverse wave produced by motion of the student’s arm reflects
off the fixed wall, producing an identical but inverted wave, travelling in the opposite
direction. The reflected wave interferes with the original wave, forming nodes (points of
zero displacement) at points where they destructively interfere and anti-nodes (points
of maximum displacement) where they constructively interfere. In order for the slinky
to sustain a standing wave between two fixed boundaries, its length must be an integer
multiple of half-wavelengths of the wave produced by the student.

1 mark − Explains the formation of a standing wave

1 mark − Refers to the specific apparatus and the importance of the fixed boundary

1 mark − Explains features of standing wave including nodes and anti-nodes

1 mark − States the condition on wavelength or frequency of wave

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(c) The physics student made the following statement in his logbook: 3

“As long as my arm kept moving, the standing wave pattern remained. How fast my arms
vibrated wasn’t important... ”

Assess the validity of this statement.

A slinky with a fixed length connected to a wall, can only sustain standing waves with
certain wavelengths and natural frequencies which is dependent on its length (and also
density and density). The frequency of the wave will depend on how fast the student
moved his arms, making it very much “relevant” to whether a standing wave will form
or not. Therefore, the student’s statement is invalid.

1 mark − Explains how wave pattern can only be sustained at certain frequencies or
wavelengths

1 mark − States the frequency/wavelength is dependent on the length of the slinky

(optional: tension and density)

1 mark − Provides a judgement on the validity of the statement

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The student takes some measurements. He is standing 2.4 m away from the wall and it takes
1.2 s for the initial transverse wave to travel to the wall and back.

(d) Calculate the time it takes for the student to make one complete oscillation as he vibrates 4
the spring.

d
v=
t
2 × 2.4 m
=
1.2 s
= 4.0 m s−1

The standing wave in the diagram is at the 3rd harmonic.

2L
λn =
n
2 × 2.4 m
λ3 =
3
= 1.6 m

v = f3 λ3
v
=⇒ f3 =
λ
4.0 m s−1
=
1.6 m
= 2.5 Hz

1
T =
f
1
=
2.5 Hz
= 0.40 s

1 mark − Calculates the correct velocity

1 mark − Calculates the correct wavelength

1 mark − Calculates the correct frequency

1 mark − Calculates the correct period

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14. A guitar string is 0.50 m long.

(a) Calculate the wavelength of the guitar string’s 3rd overtone. 1

The 3rd overtone corresponds with the 4th harmonic.

2L
λn =
n
2 × 0.50 m
λ4 =
4
= 0.25 m

1 mark − Calculates the correct wavelength

The guitar string has a mass of 1.0 × 10−3 kg and the tension in the string is 320 N. The speed
at which the wave propagates through the string is given by:
s
T
v= ,
µ

where T is the tension in the string and µ is the mass per unit length of the string.

(b) Hence, calculate the velocity and frequency of the 3rd overtone. 3

m
µ=
L
1 × 10−3 kg
=
0.50 m
= 2.0 × 10−3 kg m−1

s
T
v=
µ
s
320 N
=
2.0 × 10−3 kg m−1
= 400 m s−1

v = f4 λ4
v
=⇒ f4 =
λ
400 m s−1
=
0.25 m
= 1600 Hz

1 mark − Calculates the correct mass per unit length or equivalent merit
1 mark − Calculates the correct velocity
1 mark − Calculates the correct frequency

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(c) A music student inadvertently drops the guitar, loosening the string and decreasing its 2
tension by a factor of 2.

How far down the fret-board will the student need to place his finger in order for the
same pitch as in part (b) to be heard?
√ √
Note that v ∝ T , so if T decreases by a factor of 2, v decreases by a factor of √2. In
order for the same pitch (frequency) to be heard, λ must decrease by factor of 2 so
that f is unaffected in v = f λ.
0.25 m
∴λ= √
2
= 0.18 m

2L
λn =
n
nλn
=⇒ L =
2
4 × 0.18 m
=
2
= 0.35 m
√
1 mark − Notes that v and in turn λ decreases by a factor of 2

1 mark − Calculates the correct length of string that is free to move

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15. A tuning fork is made to vibrate above a burette filled with water. The water is allowed to run
out the tube.

A loud sound is first heard when the length of the air column is 0.18 m and again when the
length is x.

(a) Calculate the frequency at which the tuning fork vibrates. 2

This situation can be modelled as a column closed at one end.

4L
λn =
n
4 × 0.18 m
λ1 =
1
= 0.72 m

v = f 1 λ1
v
=⇒ f1 =
λ1
340 m s−1
=
0.72 m
= 470 Hz

1 mark − Calculates the correct wavelength

1 mark − Calculates the correct frequency

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 (b) Calculate the value of x. 1

The next loud sound is heard when resonance occurs again.

4L
λn =
n
4x
λ3 =
3
3 × 0.72 m
=⇒ x =
4
= 0.54 m

1 mark − Calculates the correct value of x

Note: The wavelength stays constant but the length (L) changes. We are basically
finding the fundamental frequency of two different tubes in this case.

16. A contractor tries to measure the depth of a new well shaft so that he can build a ladder to 4
reach the bottom of the shaft. He uses a speaker with adjustable frequency and positions it at
the top of the well. Two successive resonances are heard at 99.9 Hz and 166.5 Hz. The speed
of sound in air is 340 m s−1 .

Calculate the depth of the well.

The well can be modelled as an air column that is closed at one end.
nv
fn =
4L
n × 340 m s−1
99.9 Hz = (1)
4L
(n + 2) × 340 m s−1
166.5 Hz = (2)
4L

(2) − (1):

2 × 340 m s−1
66.6 Hz =
4L
2 × 340 m s−1
=⇒ L =
4 × 66.6 Hz
= 2.6 m

2 marks − Writes expressions for the two resonance frequencies provided (1 mark each)

2 marks − Calculates the correct depth of the well

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17. A long tube is open at one end. It is closed at the other end by means of a piston that can be
moved along the tube, as shown in the figure below.

A loudspeaker producing sound of frequency 550 Hz is held near the open end of the tube. The
piston is moved along the tube and a loud sound is heard when the distance L between the
piston and the open end of the tube is 47 cm. The speed of sound in the tube is 340 m s−1 .

(a) Calculate the wavelength of sound inside the tube and hence determine the harmonic 2
number of the overtone sounding at this frequency.

v = fλ
v
=⇒ λ =
f
340 m s−1
=
550 Hz
= 0.62 m

4L
λn =
n
4L
=⇒ n =
λn
4 × 0.47 m
=
0.62 m
=3

1 mark − Calculates the correct wavelength

1 mark − Calculates the correct harmonic number

(b) The frequency of the sound produced by the loudspeaker in (a) is gradually reduced. 1

Determine the lowest frequency at which a loud sound will be produced in the tube when
L is 47 cm.

nv
fn =
4L
1 × 340 m s−1
f1 =
4 × 0.47 m
= 180 Hz
1 mark − Calculates the correct lowest frequency

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18. Clara wants to investigate the properties of a 0.40 m steel rod. The rod is clamped in the
middle and then struck in such a way to produce a fundamental standing wave.

(a) Show that the wavelength of the standing wave is 0.80 m. Include a relevant diagram 2
showing the standing wave in your answer.

2L
λn =
n
2 × 0.40 m
λ1 =
1
= 0.80 m

1 mark − Calculates the correct wavelength

1 mark − Draws a relevant diagram

One end of the rod is attached to a diaphragm that can move freely inside a clear plastic tube.
On the bottom of the tube is a fine white powder. When the steel rod is struck, the white
powder forms into ridges. The steel rod still vibrates at its fundamental frequency.

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(b) The frequency of vibrations in the air in the tube is the same as the frequency of vibrations 2
in the steel rod.

Explain why this is true for the frequency, but not the wavelength of the two vibrations.

Each time the rod vibrates, the vibration is transferred to the air. Therefore, the
frequency of the vibration in the air will be the same as that of the rod (the source).

The wavelength is determined by how far a vibration is able to travel from the source
before the next vibration is made. Since the speed of the wave is different in air compared
to the rod, the wavelengths will be different as well.

2 marks − Explains why frequency is only dependent on the source, whereas wavelength
will vary according to the wave’s speed in a particular medium

(c) Clara measures the ridges to be 0.023 m apart. The speed of sound in the tube is 340 m s−1 . 3

Calculate the velocity of sound in the rod.

Each ridge represents a node of the standing wave in the air. Therefore, the distance
λ
between 2 successive nodes is 0.023 m which is equal to .
2
λair
= 0.023 m
2
=⇒ λair = 0.046 m

vair = f λair
vair
=⇒ f =
λair
340 m s−1
=
0.046 m
= 7391.3 Hz
vrod = f λrod
= 7391.3 Hz × 0.80 m
= 5.9 × 103 m s−1

1 mark − Calculates the correct wavelength in air

1 mark − Calculates the correct frequency

1 mark − Calculates the correct speed in the rod

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(d) The clamp stand is adjusted, and the steel rod is struck in such a way as to produce a 2nd 3
harmonic in the rod.

Explain the effect this will have on the vibrations of the air inside the tube in terms of
their wavelength and the standing waves present.

A 2nd harmonic in the rod will have double the frequency of the fundamental frequency.
This increase in frequency in the metal rod causes the same increase in frequency of
the air. Since the wave’s velocity in the air is unchanged, it’s wavelength must decrease
(will be halved).

The tube is an air column closed at one end, so it must have an anti-node at the
the open end, and a node at the closed end. The 2nd harmonic frequency of the rod
cannot form standing waves in this type of air column which requires an odd harmonic.

1 mark − Identifies that the 2nd harmonic is double the frequency of the fundamental
frequency

1 mark − Explains that the wavelength of the wave will decrease

1 mark − Explains that a 2nd harmonic cannot form standing waves in the tube

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19. The following excerpt is taken from a music student’s research paper. 6

“In the architectural design of concert halls, rectangular-shaped halls with parallel walls
are generally avoided. They tend to cause non-uniformity in sound intensity, that is, for
particular frequencies of sound, there are positions in the hall which are softer than others,
called acoustic dead-spots. To mitigate this, walls and ceilings are built with rough, curved
surfaces. Additionally, the interior of concert halls are generally built from thick plaster,
which are stiff and do not vibrate significantly.”

With reference to the excerpt, assess the importance of the consideration of standing waves in
the design of concert halls.

Sound waves are able to reflect off smooth, parallel walls which act as fixed boundaries,
forming an identical wave travelling in the opposite direction that interferes with itself.
Standing waves of particular wavelengths and frequencies can be sustained within concert
halls if and only if the distance between any two points on the parallel walls is an integer
multiple of half wavelengths. If these conditions are met, standing waves are characterised
by alternating nodes, positions of minimum intensity and anti-nodes, positions of maximum
intensity, causing the variations in sound intensities.

To reduce the irregularities in sound intensity that could lead to a lower quality of sound, the
concert halls can incorporate rough, curved surfaces as opposed to smooth parallel surfaces.
These ensure that the sound waves are scattered in all directions, with a lower probability
of sound waves interfering in a way as to produce standing wave patterns. Additionally,
materials such as thick plaster are favoured because of their excellent absorptive properties.
As plaster does not vibrate significantly, it prevents reverberation, that could lead to
unwanted noise, and resonance that could lead to formation of standing waves. Hence,
as the formation of standing waves can significantly influence the quality of sound, it is
extremely important to consider structural designs to reduce the likelihood of standing
waves forming.

1 mark − States the necessary conditions for standing waves to form

1 mark − Explains how standing waves are formed

1 mark − Relates nodes and anti-nodes to variations in loudness

2 mark − Explains two design choices, that can reduce the likelihood of forming standing
waves and hence improve the quality of music

1 mark − Provides a reasonable assessment

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