Resonance: Speed of Sound

Experiment # 4

I. Abstract
 The speed of sound is the distance travelled during a unit of time by a sound
wave propagating through an elastic medium. In fluid dynamics, the speed of sound
in a fluid medium (gas or liquid) is used as a relative measure of speed itself. In this
experiment, a tuning fork was vibrated using a rubber mallet. The vibrating fork was
then placed in a medium partially filled with water. The amount of water was critical
in determining the speed of sound. Too much or too low of a water level will not
produce a sound. The speed of sound obtained in this experiment was then compared
to the actual speed of sound which is 343.2 m/s

II. Guide Questions

1. Through what fraction of a vibration has the prong of a tuning fork moved
while the sound traveled down to the water surface inside the pipe and was
reflected back up the fork again?

The sound wave traveled ¼ of wave down and ¼ of a wave up,

therefore the tuning fork vibrated ½ of a cycle.

2. What is the approximate wavelength of the fundamental resonant frequency

of a closed tube 35cm long if the tube has a diameter of 4cm?

Formula : λ = 4L
Therefore :
4 (35 cm ) = 140 cm
3. A tuning fork of frequency 384 Hz exhibits resonance with a closed tube
20cm long and 4 cm in diameter. What is the speed of the sound wave

Use the formula : V = λ f

To solve for λ , use the formula :
λ = 4L
λ = 4(20cm)
λ = 80cm
f (frequency) = 384Hz or 384 1/s

Therefore :

V= 80cm (384 1/s) = 30720 cm/s

Convert cm/s to m/s

30720 cm x 1 x 10-2 m = 307.2 m/s
1cm