Everything Science Grade 11

16.3 CHAPTER 16. THE PHYSICS OF MUSIC

SOLUTION

The main frequency of anote is the fundamentalfrequency. The fundamental frequency of

the open pipe has one node.

Step 1 : To find the frequency we will use the equation:

f =

v

λ

We need to find the wavelength first.

λ =

2 L

n

=

2(0,853)

1

= 1,706 m

Step 2 : Now we can calculatethe frequency:

f =

v

λ

=

345

1 , 706

= 202 Hz

This is lower than 262 Hz, so this pipe will not play middle C. We will

need a shorter pipe for ahigher pitch.

Example 3: The Flute

QUESTION

A flute can be mode ledas a metal pipe open at

both ends. (One end looks closed but the flute

has an embouchure, orhole for the player to

blow across. This hole islarge enough for air to

escape on that side as well.) If the fundamental

note of a flute is middleC (262 Hz) , how long

is the flute? The speedof sound in air is 345

m.s−^1.