A standing wave in a column of air with both ends open has a frequency of 600 Hz.The next higher harmonic has a frequency of 800 Hz.What is the fundamental frequency?
A)100 Hz
B)132 Hz
C)200 Hz
D)215 Hz
E)285 Hz

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a column of air with both ends open, the fundamental frequency (f1) is given by f1 = v/2L, where v is the speed of sound in air and L is the length of the column.
The frequency of the first harmonic (f2) is given by f2 = 2f1.
The frequency of the second harmonic (f3) is given by f3 = 3f1.

Given that f2 = 800 Hz, we can use the formula f2 = 2f1 to find the fundamental frequency:
800 Hz = 2f1
f1 = 400 Hz
However, this is not one of the answer choices.

We know that f1 < f2 < f3, so the fundamental frequency must be less than 400 Hz. The only answer choice that satisfies this condition is C)200 Hz.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
Answer: C)200 Hz.

A Standing Wave in a Column of Air with Both