SOUND WAVES

Total number of questions in this chapter are :

(i) In chapter Examples ....................... 0

(ii) Solved Examples ....................... 37

Total no. of questions ....................... 37

1. INTRODUCTION The distance between the centres of two
consecutiv e compressions and two
(a) Material medium is required for the propagation consecutive rarefaction is the wavelength ()
of sound waves. of the wave. In above figure BD = AC = .
(b) Sound waves are longitudinal in nature. 3. EQUATION OF A PROGRESSIVE SOUND WAVE
(c) Speed of sound in air at N.T.P. is 332 m/s.
Sound wave is a longitudinal wave with
(d) Sound is audiable only between 20 Hz to 20
regions of compression & rarefactions. The
KHz.
increase of pressure above its normal value
(e) Sound waves can not be polarised. may be written as,
     P = P0 sin (t – c/v)
2. PROPAGATION OF SOUND WAVES
WhereP = increase in pressure at x
(LONGITUDINAL WAVES) position at time t
A longitudinal wave motion is that wave motion in      P0= maximum increase in pressure
which individual particles of the medium execute  = 2n where n is frequency
simple harmonic motion about their mean position If P and P0 are replaced by p & p0 then,
along the same direction along which the wave is p = p0 sin(t – c/v)
propagated, as shown in figure.
eg. 4. VELOCITY OF SOUND IN A MEDIUM
(i) Sound waves travel through air in the form of
Medium is necessary for sound propagation. These
longitudinal waves.
are longitudinal. In a medium, velocity of sound
(ii) Vibrations of air column above the surface of wave & mechanical wave depends on property of
water in the tube of a resonance apparatus medium. It does not depends on amplitude & nature
are longitudinal. of wave.
(iii) Vibrations of air column in organ pipes are WAVE VELOCITY IS AFFECTED BY FOLLOWING
longitudinal. PROPERTIES OF MEDIUM :
A longitudinal wave travel through a medium
(i) Elasticity (ii) Inertia
in the form of compressions or condensations
C and rarefaction (R) as shown in figure. LAW OF NEWTON : In a medium, velocity of
sound is given by
 E = Elasticity coefficient of medium
PARTICLE d = Density of medium.
Wave
 E
v =
d
(A) VELOCITY OF SOUND IN SOLID : for solid
E = Y (elasticity coefficient of young)
A B C D E
 Y
 v =
d
A compression is a region of the medium in
which particles are compressed i.e. particles (B) VELOCITY IN LIQUID : for liquid E = B
come closer i.e. distance between the (elasticity coefficient of volume),
particles becomes less than the normal
distance between them. Thus there is a B
v =
temporary decrease in volume and a d
consequent increase in density of the medium (C) VELOCITY OF SOUND IN GAS :
in the region of compression.
(I) NEWTON'S LAW : According to it, in a
A rarefaction is a region of the medium in gaseous medium compression & rarefaction
which particles are rarefied i.e. particles get are formed slowly during wave propagation.
farther apart than what they normally are. So medium has sufficient time for energy
Thus there is a temporary increase in volume transfer. Thus, temperature of medium
and a consequent decrease in density of the remains constant. Sound wave motion is
medium in the region of rarefaction. isothermal phenomenon.
dP (C) EFFECT OF HUMIDITY :
E = – for isothermal E = P On increasing humidity, velocity of sound
dv / v
increases because density decreases with
P RT humidity increase. Dry air has more density
 v = = than humid air.
d M
 Velocity of sound in dry air is less than in
LAPLACE'S CORRECTION : According to humid air.
it, compression & rarefactions are formed so
fast that sufficient time is not available to (D) EFFECT OF AMPLITUDE & FREQUENCY :
energy transfer. Thus, sound wave motion in No effect. In a medium, all sound waves which
gaseous medium is adiabatic process. falls in sonic range, travels with equal velocity.
FOR ADIABATIC PROCESS : Resultant velocity of wave remain same due
to superposition of these waves. (Sonic velocity
dP = 20Hz - 20000 Hz)
E = – = p
dv / v (E) EFFECT OF MEDIUM VELOCITY : Sound
velocity changes in a dynamic medium for
P RT anobserver.
 v = =
d M

5. FACTORS AFFECTING VELOCITY OF SOUND

IN GASEOUS MEDIUM
(A) EFFECT OF PRESSURE AT CONSTANT
TEMPERATURE : No effect, because density
increases on pressure increasing.

RT
v =
M
(B) EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE : On increasing
temperature, velocity of sound increases.
RT 6. CHARACTERISTICS OF SOUND
v = v  T
M There are three important characteristics of
where T = Temperature in Kelvin. musical sound. Loudness, Pitch and Quality.
 v  273  t , 6.1 LOUDNESS
where t = temperature in ºC (i) Loudness of sound is a subjective term and
is related to the intensity of sound. The
v1 273  t1
For a given gas  = , t & t2 intensity of sound at any point may be
v2 273  t 2 1 defined as the amount of sound energy
are in ºC passing per unit time per unit area around
If velocity of sound at 00C in gas is V0 then that point in a perpendicular direction. It is a
at tºC physical quantity which is measured in Watt
v t = v 0 + 0.61 t m/sec, meter–2 in SI.
where v 0 = 331 m/sec. (ii) The sound waves falling on the ear drum of
NOTE : the observer produces the sensation of
hearing. The sensation of sound which
(1) At tºC, on increasing temperature velocity
enables us to distinguish between a loud and
of sound increases by 0.61 m/sec
a faint sound is called loudness. It depends
(2) At same temperature velocity in different upon the intensity of sound at a place and
gases the sensitiveness of the ear of the observer
situated at that place. The same sound may
v1  1M2 appear to be loud to one person and may
=
v2  2M1 appear faint to other. This is the reason that
loudness is not entirely a physical quantity.
(iii) The unit of loudness is bel (B) and it is defined 6.3 QUALITY
by using the concept of Zero level or threshold (i) If we produce notes of same frequency and
of hearing. The lowest intensity of sound that same intensity from two different musical
can be perceived by the human ear is called instruments, then also we can distinguish
threshold of hearing. It is denoted by 0. For between the two notes and we can recognise
a sound of frequency 1KHz, it is found that which note is of which instruments. This
the threshold of hearing is 10–12 Watt/m2. characteristic of sound by which we can
(iv) According to Weber – Fechner Law, the distinguish between two sound of same
loudness of a sound of intensity  given by, frequency and same intensity is called the
L = log10(/0) quality of sound.
where I0 represents the threshold of hearing. (ii) Whenever a source of sound emits a note of
any frequency, then the fundamental tone is
If I = 100, then L = log10(10 I/I0) = 1 bel
accompanied by some overtones also. The
Thus, the loudness of a sound is said to be number of these overtones, their order and
1bel, if its intensity of 10times that of the their relative intensities are different from
threshold of hearing. different sources. The quality of sound
(v) A practical and smaller unit of loudness is depends upon the number, order and relative
decibel (dB) intensity of the overtones.
1 decibe l = (1/10) bel (iii) Greater the number of overtones or harmonics
In decibels, the loudness of a sound of in a note, more sweet the note appears. This
intensity  is given by, is why the sound of an open pipe appears
L = 10 log10 (I/I0) more melodious than of a closed pipe.
(vi) The intensity of sound and hence its loudness 7. INTERFERENCE OF SOUND WAVES
depends upon :
(a) Amplitude of vibrations of the source, When two coherent sound waves superpose in a
(b) Surface area of the vibrating source, certain region interference takes place. For waves
to be coherent, the phase difference between the
(c) Distance of the source from the observer,
two waves should not change with time. This
(d) Density of the medium in which sound requires that the wavelength (frequency) of the
travels from the source, two waves must be the same. Further more to
(e) Presence of other surrounding bodies and have a better contrast between the maximum
(f) Motion of the medium and minimum intensities, the two wav es
producing interference and should propagate in
6.2 PITCH the same direction.
(i) It is that characteristic of sound with the help Consider two waves,
of which we can distinguish between a y1 = a1sin(t)
SHRILL note and a GRAVE note. A shriller
y2 = a2sin(t + )
sound is said to be of higher pitch and is
found to be of greater frequency. On the other where  is the phase difference between the two
hand, a grave sound is said to be of low waves. This phase difference may arise because
pitch and is of low frequency. Thus pitch of of the path difference [ = 2 (path diff)/] or
a sound is something that depends upon its may be some initial phase difference or may be
frequency. It should be noted here that pitch both. Then the resultant wave obtained from their
is not the frequency but changes with superposition is written as,
frequency. y = y1 + y 2
(ii) The voice of a child is always shriller than = a sin(t + )
that of a boy and much shriller than that of where the resultant amplitude a is given by,
a man. In other words, pitch of the voice of
a child is larger than that of a body and a = a12  a22  2a1a 2 cos 
much larger than that of a man. The phase  of the resultant wave is not of any
(iii) The roaring of a lion is of low pitch while the importance in our discussions.
buzzing of a mosquito is of high pitch. The The intensity of the resultant wave is,
reason is that the frequency of buzzing of
I = Ka2,
mosquito is much larger than the frequency
of roaring of a lion. or I = I1 + I2 + 2  1 2 cos
The intensity will be maximum or minimum 2 L
Mas k 
2 O
P
depending on the value of .
Constructive interference : The constructive
i.e.,  =

x
N  Q
From this it is clear that if x = ,  = 2, i.e.,
interf erence takes place when the phase a path difference  corresponds to a phase
difference between the two waves is, change of (2) rad.
            = 0, 2, 4, 6..... = 2n,
Then cos = +1 9. REFLECTION OF SOUND WAVES
and the resultant wave amplitude and intensity
are maximum (i) Because sound propagates in the form of
waves, it shows both the phenomenon of
amax = a1 + a2,
reflection and refraction. When sound wave
Imax = I1 + I2 + 2  1 2 travelling in a medium strikes the surface
2 separating the two media, a part of incident
= e 1  2 j wave is reflected back into initial medium
Destructive interference : The destrucitve obeying ordinary laws of reflection while the
interf erence takes place when the phase rest is partly absorbed and partly refracted or
difference between the two waves is, transmitted into second medium.
           = 0, 3, 5,..... = (2n–1), (ii) When a sound wave gets reflected from a
rigid boundary, the particles at the boundary
Where n = 1, 2, 3,.....
are unable to vibrate. Thus, a reflected wave
Then the resultant wave amplitude and intensity
is generated which interferes with the
are minimum,
oncoming wave to produce zero displacement
amin = a1 – a2 at the rigid boundary. At these points of zero
I min = I1 + I2 – 2  1 2 displacement, the pressure variation is
2 maximum. This implies that the phase of
I min = e 1 – 2 j wave is reversed but the nature of sound wave
Note : does not change i.e. on reflection the
(1) If the two interfering waves have the same compression is ref lected back as
amplitudes, then compression and rarefaction as rarefaction. If
Imax = 4I0, amax = 2a0, the incident wave is represented by the
Imin = 0, amin = 0 equation : y = asin (t – kx), then the
equation of reflected wave takes the form
where a0 is the amplitude and I0 is the
y = a´sin (t + kx + ) = –a´sin(t + kx)
intensity of one wave.
whre a´ is the amplitude of reflected wave.
(2) The condition on path difference for observing
constructive or destructive interference is, (iii) A sound wave is also reflected if it encounters
path diff = n for constructive a rarer medium or free boundary or low
pressure region. A practical example is when
F
G 1I
n – J for destructive a sound wave travels in a narrow open tube.
path diff= H 2K When the wave reaches an open end, it gets
reflected. The force on the particles there
8. PHASE DIFFERENCE & PATH DIFFERENCE due to the outside air is quite small and
If the shape of wave does not change as the hence, the particles v ibrate with the
wave propagates in a medium, with increase in t, increasing amplitude. As a result, the
x will also increase in such a way that pressure there remains at the average value.
               t – kx = constant This implies that there is no change in the
phase of wave but the nature of sound wave
The argument of harmonic function (t – kx) is
called phase of the wave and is constant if the is changed i.e. on reflection the compression
shape of wave remains unchanged. Further if we is reflected back as rarefaction and vica versa.
consider two points at position x 1 and x 2 on a If the incident wave is y = a sin(t – kx),
wave at a given instant then, then the equation of reflected wave take the
          1= t – kx 1 and 2 = t – kx2, form y = a´sin(t + kx) where a´ is the
amplitude of reflected wave.
so   2 ~ 1 = k(x2 – x1)
which do not travel in either direction, this
10. STATIONARY WAVES IN SOUND
wave is called stationary wave.
(1) Two progressive wave of equal amplitude & (2) Energy do not propagate in medium.
frequency, travelling in opposite direction are (3) These waves extend & contract relative to its
superimposed. mean position.
Due to superposition one new waves form

EQUATION & MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS OF STATIONARY WAVE

Let y = A sin(t - kx) is equation of progressive wave.

S.N. IF IT IS REFLECTED FROM FREE END IF IT IS REFLECTED FROM RIGID END

(1) y1 = A sin(t – kx) y1 = A sin(t – kx)

y2 = A sin(t + kx) y2 = – A sin(t + kx)
y2 = A sin (t + kx + )
(2) According to superposition According to superposition
y = y1 + y 2 y = y1 + y 2
y = (2A sint)coskx y = – (2a cost)sinkx
(3) Maximum displacement from mean Maximum displacement from
position mean position
R = 2a coskx R = 2a sinkx
(4) Amplitude is maximum, Amplitude is maximum ,
When coskx = ± 1 When sinkx = ± 1.
Displacement changes with time Displacement changes with time
kx = n, n = o, 1,2,3, ---- kx = (2n + 1) /2, n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ----
x = n/2 x = (2n + 1) /4
(5) At antinode, amplitude is maximum At antinode, amplitude is maximum.
Position of antinode; Position of antinode;
x = 0, /2, 2/2, ------- x = /4, 3/4, 5/4, -------------
(6) Distance between two consecutive Distance between two consecutive
antinode is /2 antinode is /2
(7) If coskx = 0 then displacement If sinkx = 0 then displacement of particle
of particle is always zero. It is called is always zero irrespective of time. It is
nodes. called nodes
(2n  1)
kx = , n = 0, 1, 2, 3,----- kx = n, n = 0, 1, 2, -----------
2
x = (2n + 1)/4 x = n/2
Position of nodes : Position of nodes :
x = /4, 3/4, 5/4,------ x = 0, /2, 2/2, --------
(8) Distance between two consecutive nodes Distance between two consecutive
is /2 nodes is /2
(9) One antinode lies between two consecutive O ne ant i node li es bet ween t wo
nodes and one nodes lies between two consecutive nodes & one nodes lies
consecutive antinode between two consecutive antinodes

NOTE : It is clear that always a node form at rigid end & antinode form at free end.
CHARACTERISTICS OF STATIONARY WAVES : (4) Except nodes, all points of the medium
(1) Certain point in the bounded medium, situated vibrate but the amplitude of vibration is
at equal distances; are always in the position different from one point to the other. It is zero
of rest, i.e., their displacement remain zero. at the nodes and maximum at the antinodes.
These points are called nodes. If the (5) The distance between two consecutive nodes,
stationary waves are longitudinal then at these or between two consecutive antinodes is /2.
nodes the change in pressure and density is The distance between a node and its
maximum as compared to other points. neighbouring antinode is /4.
(2) The displacement of the midpoints between (6) At any instant, the phase of vibration of the
the nodes is always maximum as compared points on one side of a node is opposite from
to other points. These points are called the phase of vibration of the points on the
antinodes. In the longitudinal stationary waves other side.
there is no change in pressure & density at
these points. (7) All points of the medium pass through their
mean positions simultaneously twice in each
(3) All points between two successive nodes period, that is the stationary wave takes the
vibrate in the same phase. They reach form of a straight line twice.
simultaneously their positions of maximum
displacement and pass simultaneously (8) In longitudinal stationary waves, the nodes
through their mean position. are found alternately in the state of maximum
compression and maximum rarefaction twice
in each period.

COMPARISON BETWEEN PROGRESSIVE AND STATIONARY WAVE

[Link]. PROGRESSIVE WAVES STATIONARY WAVES

(1) These waves advance in a medium These waves remain stationary between
with a definite velocity two boundaries in the medium
(2) In these waves, at no instant all the In these waves, all particles of the
particles of the medium pass through their medium pass through their mean positions
mean positions simultaneously simultaneously twice in each time period.
(3) These waves transmit energy in the These waves do not transmit energy
medium in the medium.
(4) In longitudinal progressive waves, all the In longitudinal stationary waves, the
particles of the medium suffer in succession variation in pressure and density is
the same variation in pressure and density maximum at nodes and minimum at
antinodes
(5) In these waves, all particles of the medium In these waves, except nodes, all other
vibrate & the amplitude of vibration particles of the medium vibrate. The
is the same for all of them. amplitude is zero at the nodes and
maximum at the antinodes.
11. VIBRATIONS OF AIR COLUMNS IN PIPES Second overtone or third harmonic
3v
11.1 FOR CLOSED PIPE frequency n3 = = 3n1, 3 = 2/3L
2L
(i) Node is formed at closed end and A A
A
antinode at the open end. N
N  3/2
(ii) Number of antinodes and nodes are same A
L /2 A N
For a pipe of length L, the frequency of
N A
fundamental note of stationary waves N N

produced. Fundamental frequency n, is A A

same as first harmonic, while other are A
multiple of this frequency. Fig.(a) Shows fundamental mode or first
harmonic (n1)
A A A Fig.(b) Shows First overtone or second
N harmonic (2n1)
L /4 N 3/4 A 5/4 Fig.(c) Shows Second overtone or third
N
A harmonic (3n1)
A
n1 : n 2 : n 3...............= 1 : 2 : 3 :...........
N N N
(a) (b) (c) END CORRECTION : e = 0.6r , r = radius of
pipe.
Fig.(a) Shows fundamental note or first For open pipe effective length
harmonic (n1) L' = L + 2e
Fig.(b) Shows first overtone or third L' = L + 2 × (0.6 r) = L + 1.2 r
harmonic (3n1)
L' = L + 1.2 r
Fig.(c) Shows second over tone or fifth
harmonic (5n1) 12. BEATS
n1 = v/4L, 1 = 4L (1) Beat is the phenomenon in which two source
of sound having slightly different frequencies
3v 4 (n1 & n2), equal amplitudes, travels with same
n3 = = 3n1, 3 = L
4L 3 speed, are superimposed to produce resultant
intensity of sound that rises and falls
5v 4 periodically at the same point. Fall & rise of
n5 = = 5n1, 5 = L
4L 5 sound intensity is called beats.
n1 : n 3 : n 5...........= 1 : 3 : 5 : ............ (2) This is a unstable interference pattern in
which phase difference between waves
END CORRECTION : e = 0.6r, r = radius of
changes with respect to time. That's why
pipe,
amplitude & resultant intensity of waves
For effective length of pipe L' = L + e changes alternativ ely to maximum &
L' = L + 0.6r minimum.
NOTE : Antinode form slightly above the open (3) Combination of one rise & one fall forms one
end. So that pipe length is not L but slightly beat.
more than L for wave. (4) Time between consecutive rise or consecutive
fall is called Beat period, which is time for
11.2 FOR OPEN PIPE :
one beat to takes place.
(1) These pipes are open at both ends where (5) Number of beats per second is called Beat
antinodes are formed frequency.
(2) Number of antinodes is more than that of (6) If frequencies of waves too much differs then,
nodes. beats cannot be observed because resultant
For a pipe of length L, the frequency of intensity changes so fast due to too much
fundamental note n1 = v/2L, 1 = 2L difference in frequency that we cannot observe
First overtone or second harmonic beats. This is the reason that light-beats can
frequency n2 = 2v / 2L = 2n1, 2 = L not be observed.
(7) Frequency difference should not more than
1 2 3 n
10 Hz to observe sound beats pattern.  t = 0, , , , ---------
x x x x
(8) If frequency of waves is n1 & n2 (n2 < n1)
 Beat frequency = n1 – n2 or R = a 2  b 2  2ab = a + b (maxima)
1
& Beats period = n –n Time between two consecutive maxima = tr – tr-1
1 2
NECESSARY CONDITION FOR BEATS : r r –1 1
Beat period = – = sec.
(1) Both waves travels in one direction x x x
(2) Amplitudes of waves should be nearly equal 1
(3) Difference between frequencies of two waves Time spent to occur one beat = sec.
m–n
should be small
Number of beats per second = Beat frequency
APPLICATION OF BEATS :
= (m – n)
(1) To detect dangerous gases in mines.
12.2 CONDITION FOR MINIMUM AMPLITUDE :
(2) To compare frequency of two tuning fork.
Cos2xt = –1
(3) To tune radio station
 2xt = (2n + 1), n = 0, 1, 2,--------
(4) To tune musical instrument.
2n  1
(5) To manufacture oscillators of small & stable  t =
2x
frequency
1 3 5
MATHEMATICAL DESCRIPTION TO CALCULATE  t = , ,
2x 2x 2x
BEAT-FREQUENCY :
or R= a 2  b 2  2ab = a – b (minima)
Let amplitude of two waves is a & b and frequency
is m & n. These two waves produces beats, when Time between two consecutive minima =
they propagate in same direction. Beat-period.
Waves is represented by following equation F
2r  1I
G F2r – 1IJ
y1 = a sin2nt Beat-period = tr + 1 – tr = H2x JK– G
H2x K
y2 = b sin2mt 1 1
=
=
BY PRINCIPAL OF SUPERPOSITION : x m–n
y = y1 + y 2 Beat frequency = x = m – n.
y = a sin2mt + b sin2nt 13. DETERMINATION OF BEAT PERIOD & BEAT
Let m > n & m – n = x
FREQUENCY
 y = a sin2(n + x)t + b sin2nt
y = (a cos2xt + b) sin2nt + (1) Let two simple harmonic waves, having
(a sin2xt) cos 2nt frequency n & m, are superimposed when
Let R cos = b + a cos2xt travels in one direction.
R sin = a sin2t (2) Let initially phase of two waves is same. So
y = R sin(2nt + ) maximum intensity is heard due to
constructive interference.
Thus resultant wave is also a simple harmonic
(3) There is frequency difference : Wavelength
wave. Its amplitude R = a 2  b 2  2ab cos 2xt . differs. Wave of small wavelength lags other
It is clear that resultant amplitude varies with as time passes. Path difference increases
time. So it will be vary from maximum to minimum continuously with time. After some time this
& vice versa. Intensity also varies with time. path difference becomes /2 it means when
Consecutive fall & rise occurs. a wave lags other by /2 then these will be
12.1 CONDITION FOR MAXIMUM AMPLITUDE : in opposite phase. Destructive interference
cos2xt = 1 takes place by superposition of these waves.
It is clear that in this condition intensity of
 2xt = 2n
sound will be minimum.
 2xt = 0, 2, 4,-------(n = 0, 1, 2, ......)
(4) Path difference will increases continuously. (3) If arm of tuning fork of unknown frequency is
After some time wave of small wavelength filed then its frequency increases. Now again
lags other by  distance. In this condition it is oscillate with tuning fork of known
wave phase will be same & constructive frequency, if
interference takes place due to superposition (i) Beat frequency increases then n2 = n1 + n
and resultant intensity will be maximum. (ii) Beat frequency decreases then n2 = n1– n
(5) It is clear that to heard a beat at a point (iii) Beat frequency remains unchanged
increases in path difference should be zero = n2 = 1 – n
to  or  to 3/2. Thus, path difference  is
NOTE : If n tuning fork are arranged in series that
equivalent to one oscillation.
each tuning fork produce N beats with first one
  path difference =  oscillation & frequency of last tuning fork is P times of first
Thus, difference of oscillation is one for path tuning fork then frequency of first tuning fork
difference .
(n – 1)N
With in this time, if small frequency wave will =
complete x oscillation then higher frequency (P – 1)
wave will complete (x + 1) oscillation. This (4) If tuning forks of frequency N – m, N, N + m
time is equal to one beat period. is oscillated together then beat frequency is
Let Beat period is T. equal to the difference of frequency of
consecutive tuning fork.
In time T, Number of oscillation for frequency
n = x = nT
15. TO FIND VELOCITY OF SOUND
In time T, Number of oscillation for frequency
m = x + 1 = mT 15.1 RESONANCE TUBE METHOD
x + 1 – x = mT – nT
1 = mT – nT
1 A A
Beat period = T =
m–n 2
Beat frequency= m – n N
NOTE : One beat is heard when higher frequency (m)
N
wave will complete one oscillation more than A
small frequency wave
h N
14. DETERMINATION OF UNKNOWN FREQUENCY
WITH HELP OF BEAT (a) (b)
A resonance column or a resonance tube is
(1) Let tuning fork of unknown frequency (n2) is merely a pipe closed at one end with a
oscillate with tuning fork of known frequency convenient provision for varying the length of
(n1) If number of beats n is produced then, the column. A simple form is shown in figure,
unknown frequency = known frequency where the portion of the pipe above water
level acts as the resonan ce tube. The
number of beats.
surface of water inside the pipe serves as a
n2 = n1 ± n closed end of the air column.
(2) When wax is applied to arm of tuning fork of A tuning fork of known frequency is struck
unknown frequency, then its frequency with a rubber or cork hammer and is held
decreases. Again it is oscillate with tuning near the mouth of the tube. The water level
fork of known frequency, if is gradually adjusted till for a particular
position the air column resonates.
(i) Beat frequency increases then n2 = n1 – n
For resonance, the natural frequency of the
(ii) Beat frequency decreases then n2 = n1 + n air column must be equal to that of the tuning
(iii) Beat frequency remains unchanged then fork (nt). If 1 is the length of the resonating
n2 = n1 + n column, then if end corrections are ignored,
 distance into the glass tube. The other end
        1 = of the glass tube is closed with a moveable
4
piston P2. Any desired length of the air or
V gas can be enclosed in between the two
and n = 4  = nt, discs P1 and P2. A small amount of dry
1
lycopodium powder or cork dust is spread
Thus a knowledge of nt and 1 determines along base of the entire length of the tube.
the velocity of sound,
V = nt,
= nt(41)
However, if end correction is not neglected,
then the true length that appears in the
formula will be,

L = 1 + e =
4 The free end of the metal rod R is rubbed
So that unless e is known, V can not be (stroked) along the length wire resined cloth.
determined. To eliminate e, the experiment The rod begins to vibrate longitudinaly and
is repeated for a greater length. This time emits a very high pitched shrill note. These
resonance occurs for the mode shown in fig vibrations are impressed upon the air column
(b) i.e., when nt = frequency of the first in the tube through disc P1. Let disc P2 is
overtone. Let now the length is 2 then, so adjusted, that the stationary waves are
formed in the air (gas) column in the tube. At
3
L´ = 2 + e = antinodes powder is set into oscillations
4 vigorously while it remains uneffected at
From the relations (ignoring subscript t on nodes. Heaps of powder are formed at nodes.
nt,) (a) Theory of Kundt's tube
V V Let n is the frequency of vibration of the rod
n = and n = 3
4L 4L then, this is also the frequency of sound wave
in the air column in the tube.
L
we expect L=  rod
3 For rod: = rod
2
2  e  air
or   1 + e = For air: = air
3 2
This gives, Where air is the distance between two heaps
of powder in the tube (i.e. distance between
(  2 – 31) two nodes). If v air and v rod are velocity of
e =
2 sound waves in the air and rod respectively,
and, velocity of sound is determined from the then
formula v air v rod
n = =
V  air  rod
n =
2( 2 – 1 ) v air 
The wavelength of the sound in the air column Therefore, = air
vrod  rod
is,
 air
            = 2(2 – 1) =
rod

15.2 KUNDT'S TUBE METHOD Thus knowledge of v rod, determines v air.

The apparatus consists of a long glass tube Kundt's tube may be used for
about 5cm in diameter, fixed horizontally. A (i) Comparison of velocities of sound in
metal rod R clamped firmly at the centre is different gases
mounted so that its one end carrying a light (ii) Comparison of velocities of sound in
disc P1 (of cork or card board) projects some different solids
(iii) Comparison of velocities of sound in a
solid and in a gas
(iv) Comparison of density of two gases
(v) Determination of  of a gas
(vi) Determination of velocity of sound in a
liquid (b)
V F
G V I
16. LONGITUDINAL VIBRATIONS OF ROD n2 =  =
2 H2 3 JK
(A) ROD FREE AT BOTH ENDS
A rod clamped at the middle and free at both n2 = 3n1
ends, vibrate longitudinally with the node in
middle and antinodes at the free end. The (B) ROD CLAMPED AT ONE END
first two possible modes are shown in figure. Fundamental mode frequency
The fundamental mode (lowest frequency
note) is shown in figure.(a) V V
n1= =
1 4

(a)
2 1
(a)   , 1 = 2
4
V V
Its frequency is, n1= =
1 2 First overtone frequency
6 2 V V
(b)   , 2 = 2 / 3 n2 = = 3
4 2 4
The next mode has a frequency of, ( See in
n2 = 3n1
fig (b) )
Thus again the overtone frequencies are
3,5,7,......times that of the fundamental.
SOLVED EXAMPLES
Ex.1 The human ear can hear sounds from a low
F v   RT I
of 20Hz upto a maximum frequency of about
20,000 Hz. If the speed of sound in air at a
G
H M JK
temperature of 0ºC is 330 m/s, then find the
wav elengths associated with these MHe  7
frequencies. As (v H)= (v He)0, = He = 2, H =
MH H 5
v
Sol. Using,  = , we get
n 5
and He =
3
330
(i)  = = 16.5 m
20   273 (7 / 5)
Hence 2 = 1
273 ( 5 / 3)
330
(ii)  = = 16.5 × 10–3m
20,000   273 25
or = ,
= 16.5mm 273 42
Thus sonic sound waves have wavelengths or, 42 = –273 × 17
from 16.5 mm to 16.5m. or,   = –110.5ºC
Ex.2 If speed of sound at 0ºC is 330 m/s, then Ex.5 A tuning fork of frequency 220Hz produces
what is the speed of sound at 20ºC. sound waves of wavelength 1.5m in air at
Sol. v = v 0 + 0.6t N.T.P. Calculate the increase in wavelength,
= 330 + 0.6 × 20 when temperature of air is 27ºC.
= 342 m/s Sol. Given that n = 220Hz, T = 273 + 27 = 300K,
wavelength of sound waves at N.T.P.,
Ex.3 If the bulk of modulus of elasticity of water is
B = 2.30 × 10 9 N/m 2 and density 0 = 1.5m
 = 103 kg/m3, then determine the speed of  Velocity of sound waves at N.T.P.,
sound in water. v 0 = n0
B or v 0 = 220 × 1.5 = 330ms–1,
Sol. Use v = Let  be the wavelength and v be velocity of

sound waves at temperature T.
2.3  10 9
or = = 2.3  10 6 v 300
10 3 T
Now, = =
v0 T0 273
= 2.3 × 103 = 1.52 × 103 m/s
= 1520 m/s 300 300
or v = v = × 330 ms–1,
Ex.4 Calculate the temperature at which sound 273 0 273
travels in hydrogen with the same velocity as
Put v = n = 220 × 
in helium at N.T.P. The density of helium is
twice that of hydrogen. 300
Sol. Let ºC be the required temperature at which or × 330 = 220 × ,
273
velocity of sound in hydrogen is same as in
helium at N.T.P. (i.e.0ºC) 300 330
According to Laplace's formula for the speed     = × = 1.57m
273 220
of sound in gases
Hence, increase in wavelength
( vH )   273 MHe  = 1.57m –1.5m = 0.07m
=   H
( vHe ) 0 273 MH  He
Ex.6 Calculate the speed of sound wave in an Ex.9 A trumpet player plays a note of frequency
atmosphere of helium at 0ºC and 1atm 400Hz with an amplitude of 8 × 10–3 mm. If
pressure. Note that 4g of helium under STP the density of air is taken as 1.3 kg/m 3, and
has a volume of 22.4 litre. For He  = 1.67. the speed of sound 330 m/s, the find the
F
G PI F PV IJ intensity of the sound wave.
Sol. v = Hd JK= G
HM K Sol. The intensity of sound wave is given by,
I = 22vn2a2
(167
. )(1013
.  10 5 )(22.4  10 –3 ) = 2 × (3.14)2 × 1.3 × 330 × (400)2 × (8 ×10–6)2
=
4  10 –3 = 2 × 9.86 × 1.3 × 330 × 16 × 64 × 10–8
= 973 m/sec. = 8.66 × 10–2
Ex.7 At what temperature will the speed of sound = 0.087 W/m2.
in air become double of its volume at 0ºC.
Ex.10 What is the intensity level of sound in dB for
vt Tt (i) threshold of hearing and (ii) threshold of
Sol. v0 = given v t = 2v 0, pain.
T0

F T I F
G I
H JK
2v 0 Tt

v0
= G
H273 JK
t
or 4 =
273
Sol. (i) For I = I0,  = 10log 0

or    = 10log(1) = 10 × 0

Tt = 4 × 273 = 1092ºK
= 0 dB
Tt = 1092 – 273 = 819ºC
(ii) For I = 1 W/m 2, with I0 = 10–2 W/m 2,
Ex.8 The ratio in the densities of oxygen and
nitrogen is 16 : 14. At what temperature the  = 10log(1012) or  = 120 dB
speed of sound will be the same which is in Thus a pain begins to occur in ears at sound
nitrogen at 15ºC. levels of 120dB.
Sol. If M be the molecular weight of the gas and T Ex.11 A 5 watt source sends out waves in air at
be the absolute temperature, then speed of frequency 1000s–1. Deduce the intensity at a
sound in a gas. 100 meter distance, assuming spherical
distribution. If v = 350 ms–1 and  = 1.3 kg/m3,
F
G RT I F P RT I
v = HM JK G

H d
 J
MK
Sol.
deduce the displacement amplitude.
We know that intensity is given by,
Where R is universal gas constant. Velocity
of sound in oxygen at tºC Power 5 Watt
I = =
2
Area(  4 r ) 4 (100) 2 m 2
L
 R( 273  t) O
M
=
N M P 0 Q Also, I = 2v2n2a2
= 4 × 10–5 Wm –2,

Velocity of sound in nitrogen at 15ºC


L
 R(273  15) O
M  a2 = 2v 2 n 2
=
N M P N Q Hence, displacement amplitude
According to the given problem

 R( 273  t) O L
L  R(273  15) O
1 
= M M P a=
M
N M Q N 0
P Q N
n 2v

Given that, n = 1000s–1, I = 4 × 10–5 Wm–2,

M0 273  t
 =  = 1.3 kgm –3 and v = 350ms–1
MN 288

16 273  t F
G

M 0

16 IJ  a=
7 4  10 –5
14
=
288 HM N 14 K 22  1000 2  13
.  350
= 6.67 × 10–8m
Solving we get t = 56.1ºC
Ex.12 At normal temperature and pressure the Ex.14 Two sound waves are represented by
speed of sound in air 332 m/sec. The speed y1 = a1cos(t – kx), y2 = a2sin(t – kx + /3)
of sound will be in hydrogen. Then the phase difference between them is,
(A) 1228 m/sec (B) 332 m/sec (A) /3 (B) /2
(C) 996 m/sec (D) 1328 m/sec (C) 5/6 (D) /6
Sol. The speed of sound in a gas is given by Sol. The first wave can be written as
y1 = a1sin(t – kx + /2)
P
v = Comparing it with the second,
d
y2 = a2sin(t – kx + /3)
Where P is pressure of gas, d is density and
we notice that the phase difference is,
 is the ratio of the two specific heats of the
= t – kx + /2 – (t – kx + /3)
gas. If at normal temperature and pressure
the speed of sound in air be v a and in = (total phase of first wave) – (total
hydrogen be v h, then phase of second wave)
  
= – =
va dh 2 3 6
= Ans. (D)
vh da
Ex.15 The ratio of the densities of oxygen and
W here d h and d a are the densities of nitrogen is 16 : 14. At what temperature, the
hydrogen and air respectively. It is given that, speed of sound in oxygen will be equal to its
speed in nitrogen at 14ºC –
dh 1
= (A) 16ºC (B) 12.2ºC
da 16 (C) 55ºC (D) None of the above
Sol. The speed of sound at any temperature T in
va 1 1 a gas of molar mass M is,
 = =
vh 16 4 RT
v =
v h = 4v a = 4 × 332 = 1328 m/sec M
Ans.(D) Let speed of sound in oxygen at temperature
Ex.13 At what temperature will the speed of sound tºC is equal to the speed of sound in nitrogen
in hydrogen be the same as in oxygen at at 14ºC. Then (since both O2 and N2 have
100ºC. Densities of oxygen and hydrogen are same )
in the ratio 16 : 1 – R(273  t ) R(273  14)
(A) –250ºC (B) 249.7ºC =
Moxygen Mnitrogen
(C) 250ºC (D) –249.7ºC
Moxygen
or ( 273  t) =  (287)
RT Mnitrogen
Sol. Velocity v =
M 16
or 273 + t = × 287
For oxygen & hydrogen  = 1.4 & R is 14
constant or t = 328 – 273
s = 55ºC
T T100 Ans. (C)
 =
MH M0 Ex.16 The length of an organ pipe open at both
ends is 0.5 meter. Calculate the fundamental
T MH frequency of the pipe, if the velocity of sound
 =
T100 M0 in air be 350 m/sec. If one end of the pipe is
closed, then the fundamental frequency will
273  t MH 1 be-
 = =
273  100 M0 16 (A) 350, 700 (B) 700, 350
t = –249.7ºC (C) 175, 350 (D) 350, 175
Ans.(D)
Sol. Speed of sound v = 350 m/sec Sol. Fundamental frequency of the pipe of
length of pipe  = 0.5 m diameter D, open at both ends, is
The frequency of the fundamental tone of a v v
pipe open at both ends is given by, n = =
2(  2e) 2(  2  0.3D)
v 350
n = = = 350 sec–1 32000
2 2  0.5  320 =
2(48  2  0.3D)
The frequency of the fundamental tone of a
pipe open at one end is given by  D = 3.33 cm
For a pipe closed at one end,
v 350
n = =  = 175 sec–1.
4 4 x0.5 v v
n = =
Ans.(D) 4(   e) 4(1  0.3D)
Ex.17 A tuning fork of frequency 340Hz is allowed
to vibrate just above a 120cm high tube. 32000
n =
Water is being filled slowly in the tube. What 4(48  0.3  3.33 )
minimum height of water will be necessary n = 163 .3 Hz
for resonance? (speed of sound in air = 340 Ans.(D)
m/sec)
Ex.19 When a closed pipe is suddenly opened then
(A) 75cm (B) 120 cm
the second overtone of closed pipe and first
(C) 45 cm (D) 25 cm
overtone of open pipe differ by 100Hz. The
Sol. From the formula fundamental frequency of closed pipe will be –
f = n, we have (A) 200Hz (B) 100Hz
v = v/n = 340/340 = 1m. (C) 300Hz (D) 400Hz
Let the lengths of resonant columns be 1,
5V
2 and 3. then for the first resonance, Sol. Second overtone of closed pipe =
4L
1 = /4 = 1/4 m = 25 cm
for the second resonance V
First overtone of open pipe =
2 = 3/4 = 3/4 m = 75 cm L
for the third resonance,
5V V V
3 = 5/4 = 5/4 m = 125 cm. Given that – = = 100 = fundamental
4L L 4L
The position of the third resonance is
frequency of closed pipe.
impossible because the total length of the
Ans.(B)
tube is 120 cm.
Ex.20 A tuning fork of frequency 340Hz is allowed
minimum height of water = 120 - 75 = 45 cm.
to vibrate just above a 120cm high tube.
Ans.(C)
Water is being filled slowly in the tube. What
Ex.18 The length of a pipe open at both ends is minimum height of water will be necessary
48cm and its fundamental frequency is for resonance. (speed of sound in air = 340
320Hz. If the speed of sound be 320m/sec, m/s.) –
then determine the diameter of the pipe. If
(1) 45 cm (2) 25 cm
one end of the pipe be closed, then what will
(3) 75 cm (4) 95 cm
be the fundamental frequency ?
Sol. From the data n = 340Hz and v = 340 m/s,
(A) 3 cm, 160Hz
(B) 3.3 cm, 160.3Hz v 340
we find that  = = = 1m. For a closed
(C) 3.33 cm, 163 Hz n 340
pipe, the possible lengths at which air –
(D) 3.33 cm, 163.3Hz
column can resonate with a given frequency
(wavelength) are
Sol. n  T (assuming no change in length)

n1 F
GT I
J1
= G
F273  27 IJ
or
n
=
HT K H273  47 K
n1 F300 I
= G J
or
320 H320 K
n1 = 320 G
F15 IJ  310Hz.
 1 H16 K
(i) 1 = = = 0.25m Ex.24 Two closed pipes, one filled with O2 and the
4 4
other with H2, have the same fundamental
3 3 frequency. Find the ratio of their lengths.
(ii) 2 = = = 0.75m
4 4 v1 v2
Sol. n = =
5 5 41 42
(iii)         3 = = = 1.25m
4 4 Fd I = F1I
Hd K H16 JK=
G
1 v 1
and so on. 
2
= 1 =
v2
G2

1
J 4
Thus for the tube of length 1.20m only two
possibilities occur. When water is filled slowly  1 : 2 = 1 : 4
in the tube then the available length of air Ex.25 The speed of sound in a gas in which two
column starts decreasing from value 1.20m, waves of wavelengths 1.00m and 1.01m
and when it reaches a v alue 0.75m, produce 10 beats in 3 second is –
resonance occurs. Thus the minimum height (A) 336 m/sec (B) 33.6 m/sec
of water should be, (C) 336.7 m/sec (D) 3367 m/sec.
= 120 – 0.75 Sol. Let v be the speed of sound in the gas and
= 0.45m n1 and n2 be the frequencies of the two
Ans. (A) waves. Then,
Ex.21 What should be the length of a closed organ v v v v
n1 = = and n2 = =
pipe to produce a fundamental frequency of 1 100
. 2 101
.
512Hz at 0ºC. number of beats per sec., n1 – n2 = 10/3
v v  n1 – n2 = v/1.00 – v/1.01 = 10/3
Sol. n1 = or  =
4 4n1  v = 336.7 m/sec
Ans.(C)
332 33200 Ex.26 A closed pipe and an open pipe sounding
 = m = cm = 16.2cm
4  512 4  512 together produce 5 beats per second. If the
Q.22 The first overtone of an open pipe has the length of the open pipe is 30cm, find by how
same frequency as the first overtone of a much the length of the closed pipe must be
closed pipe 3m long. What is the length of changed to bring the two pipe in unison-
the open pipe. (A) 14.86 cm (B) 15.14 cm
(C) 15 cm (D) 0.14 cm
2v 0 3v
Sol. = 4 Sol. Frequency of the open pipe,
20 c
v 33000 cm / s
3v n = = , n = 550Hz,
or = 2 2  30
43
Since this pipe produce 5 beats per sec.
0 = 4 meter
with the closed pipe, the frequency of the
Q.23 An organ pipe emits fundamental tone of closed pipe is 550 ± 5 = 555 or 545 Hz.
frequency 320 hertz at 47ºC. What would be If the length of the closed pipe is , then its
the fundamental tone emitted by pipe at fundamental frequency is v/4. so
27ºC.
v/4 = 555 or 545
Ex.28 A 70cm long sonometer wire is in unison
33000
 = 555 or 545 with a tuning fork. If the length of the wire is
4
decreased by 1.0cm, it produces 4 beats per
  = 14.86 or 15.14 cm sec with the same tuning fork. Find the
For unison, the frequency of the closed pipe frequency of the tuning fork.
must also be 550, suppose, for this its length (A) 276sec–1 (B) 272 sec–1
is to be changed by x cm. Then (C) 269 sec –1 (D) 280 sec–1
33000 Sol. Let the frequency of the fork be n. In the first
 = 550 case, the length of the wire is 70cm(0.70m).
4(  x)
Therefore,
  ± x = 15 cm
1 T
 14.86 + x = 15 or 15.14 – x = 15 n = ...........(1)
2  0.70 m
 x = 0.14 cm.
On decreasing the length of the wire, its
Ans.(D)
frequency will increase. Hence in the second
Ex.27 A column of air and a tuning fork produce case when the length is 69 cm = 0.69m,
4 beats per second when sounded together. then
The tuning fork gives the lower note. The
1 T
temperature of air is 15 0 C. W hen the n + 4 = ...........(2)
temperature falls to 100C, the two produce 2  0.69 m
3beats per second. Find the frequency of the Dividing equation (1) by (2), we get
fork.
n 0.69
(1) 210Hz (2) 113Hz  =
n4 0.70
(3) 112Hz (4) 110Hz
  n × 0.70 = (n + 4) × 0.69
Sol. Let the frequency of the tuning fork be n Hz.
Then frequency of air column at 150C = n + 4 4  0.69
  n = = 276 sec–1
Frequency of air column at 100C = n + 3 0.01
According to v = n, we have Ans.(A)
v 15 = (n + 4) and v 10 = (n + 3) Ex.29 Two identical sonometer wires hav e
fundamental frequencies of 500 vibrations /sec,
v15 n4 when kept under the same tension. What
 v =
10 n3 fractional increase in the tension of one wire
would cause an occurrence of 5 beats per
The speed of sound is directly proportional to
sec. When both wires vibrate together ?
the square-root of the absolute temperature.
(A) 1.020 (B) 1.20
v15 15  273 288 (C) .20 (D) .020
 v = =
10 10  273 283
1 T
Sol. n =
2 m
F
G 5 I
1/ 2

H 283 JK
n4 288
 = = 1 1 T  T
n3 283 n + 5 =
2 m
1 5 5 n5 T  T
1 + = 1 + 1/2 × = 1+  =
n3 283 566 n T
1 5 5 F
G I 2

H JK = 1 +
 = T 25 10
n3 566 1+ = 1 =1+
T n n 500
 n + 3 = 113 T 10
 = = 0.020
 n = 110 Hz. T 500
Ans.(D) Ans.(D)
Ex.30 Two perfectly identical wires are in unison. Sol. Given that1= (80/195) and 2 = (80/193)
When the tension in one wire is increased Let n 1 and n 2 be the corresponding
by 1%, then on sounding them together, frequencies and v be the velocity of sound in
3 beats are heard in 2 seconds. Calculate air then,
the initial frequency of each wire. v 195 v v 193 v
n1 = = and n2 = =
(A) 105 sec–1 (B) 1005 sec–1 1 80 2 80
(C) 600 sec –1 (D) 300 sec–1 This show that, n1 > n2
Sol. Let the initial tension in each wire be T and Let the frequency of third note be n, then
the frequency be n. n1 – n = 5 and n – n2 = 5
Then we have  n1 – n2 = 10
195 v 193 v
1 T – = 10
n = .......(1) 80 80
2 m 2v = 80 × 10 = 800
When the tension in the wire is increased by v = 400 m/sec.
1%, the new tension becomes Ex.33 Tuning fork A has frequency 1% greater than
that of standard fork B while tuning fork C
101T has frequency 2% smaller than that of B.
T + T/100 = clearly, the frequency of
100 When A and C are sounded together, the
wire will be increased slightly. Since now it number of beats heard per second is 5. What
produces 3 beats in 2 seconds, i.e.1.5 beats is the frequency of each fork.
in 1 second, its frequency should now be Sol. Let the frequencies of forks be n1, n2 and n3
(n + 1.5) respectively. Then,
n1 = n2(1 + 0.01) = 1.01n2
1 101T
 n + 1.5 = and n3 = n2(1 – 0.02) = 0.98n2
2 100m
Further n1 – n3 = 5
Substituting the values, we get
1 T
= 1.005 × ......(2) (1.01n2 – 0.98n2) = 5
2 m
 n2 = 166.7Hz
Dividing equation (2) by (1), we get Now n1 = 1.01 × 166.7 = 168.3Hz
n  15
. and n3 = 0.98 × 166.7 = 163.3Hz
= 1.005 Ex.34 In an experiment it was found that tuning fork
n
and a sonometer wire gave 5 beats per
n = 300 sec–1. second, both when the length of the wire
Ans.(D) was 1m and 1.05m. Calculate the frequency
Ex.31 5 beats per second are produced by of the fork.
simultaneously blowing two closed organ Sol. Let n be the frequency of the tuning fork.
pipes of different lengths. If the shorter organ Since with the two lengths of the sonometer
pipe is 25 cm in length and the speed of the number of beats heard every time is 5
sound is 320 m/sec., determine the length of per second, the two frequencies of the
the other organ pipe. sonometer wire for its two lengths must be,
Sol. Given that n1 – n2 = 5 n1 = n + 5 and n2 = n – 5
1 T 1 T
320 320 Also, n1 = and n2=
 – = 5 21 m 2 2 m
4  0.25 4
n1 
Solving we get,           = 25.4 cm Dividing the two, = 2
n2 1
Ex.32 Wavelength of two notes in air are (80/195) Here, n1= n + 5, n2 = n – 5, 1 = 1m, 2
m and (80/193) m. Each note produces five = 1.05m
beats per second with a note of a fixed
n5 105
. 10.25
frequency. Calculate the velocity of sound in Hence = or n =
n–5 1 0.05
air. = 205 Hz
Ex.35 A metallic rod of length 1m is rigidly clamped = 5000 × 5
at its mid-point. Longitudinal stationary waves = 25000
are set up in the rod such that there are two Hence the equation of the constituent waves
nodes on either side of the mid point. The is,
amplitude of an antinode is 2 × 10–6m. The
y = 1 × 10–6 sin(25000t ± 5x)
Young's modulus is Y = 2 × 1011N/m2, and
Ans. (D)
density is d = 8000 kg/m3. Then the equation
of the constituent waves in the rod is – Ex.36 An aluminium rod 80cm long clamped at the
middle is used to create standing waves in a
(A) y = 2 × 10–6 cos(5x) sin(25000t)
Kundt's tube experiment. If the tube is 1 meter
(B) y = 1 × 10–6sin(250t ± 5x)
long and the dust heaps accumulate at 6cm,
(C) y = 2 × 10–6 sin(25t ± 5x) intervals and velocity of sound in air is 330m/s,
(D) y = 1 × 10–6 sin(25000t ± 5x) then determine the velocity of sound in the rod.
Sol. The standing wave is represented by the Sol. For Kundt's tube
equation
y = 2A sinkx cost Vrod rod
=
or y = 2A coskx sint Vair  air

80
=
6

80
This Vrod = × 330
6
Where A is amplitude, k wave number and = 4400 m/s.
 the angular frequency of the constituent
Ex.37 A metal rod of 1.5m length is clamped at the
waves.
centre. W hen it is set with longitudinal
The equation of constituent waves is, vibrations it emits a note of 1KHz. If the
y = Asin (t ± kx) density of the material is 8 × 103 kg/m3,
where –, + are for incident and reflected then determine the Young's modulus.
waves. Sol. For longitudinal waves in a rod the velocity of
It is given that sound is,
2A = 2 × 10–6m
Y
Therefore A = 1 × 10–6m v =

From given information about nodes we infer
the standing wave pattern shown in figure. where Y is Young's modulus and  density.
Thus, Also for a clamped rod in the middle, the
frequency of fundamental note is,
5
= 1 v
4 n=
2
2 Comparing we get
or  = = 0.4m
5
Y
2 2 2n =
or k = = = (5) 
 0.4
The velocity of sound waves is or Y = 4n22
Substituting the data from question
Y 2  1011 Y = 4 × (103)2 × (1.5)2 × 8 × 103
v =  = = 5000 m/s
8000 = 7.2 × 1010 N/m 2.
Therefore,   = vk