Velocity Of Sound Using Resonance Tube And Tuning Fork

Introduction to the Velocity of Sound Using Resonance Tube and Tuning Fork

The speed of sound is one of the most important measures that have been recognized by physicist and throat it many things that we’re not now before where measured.

The phenomenon of the reasons that occurs during the experiment is interference of two waves of the same frequency speed and phase, resulting in constructive interference that has the violation highest energy and the highest amplitude.

The pressure disturbance that travel from one particle to another indicates to the velocity of sound. Basically, a sound wave is a travelling disturbance. Wave pulse indicates to a single disturbance while wave train is the series of disturbances. Wave frequency measures the number of pulse have been made in a length of given time. In the simplest sense, frequency is the number of vibrations per seconds. It is usually measured in Hertz(Hz).

On the other hand, resonance is the natural vibration frequency of an object. In the experiment, three activities have been done in order to exemplify the different properties of sound.

Aim Of The Velocity Of Sound Using Resonance Tube And Tuning Fork Experiment

To determine the velocity of Sound by means of a resonance tube closed at one end

Tools Of The Velocity Of Sound Using Resonance Tube And Tuning Fork

Resonance tube (variable length).
tuning forks of different frequencies.
meter scale
rubber pad.
thermometer.

Steps And Method of The Experiment

By using two positions of resonance for each fork.

1-Select the fork of highest freq. usually (512HZ), then strike it smartly on a rubber pad and hold it over the mouth opening of the tube.
2- While the fork vibrating adjust the length of the resonance column until the resonance occur and you will hear the sound , obtain the position of maximum loudness.
3- Measure the length of the air in the tube column.

4- Repeat the measurement two times and take the mean (L1).
5- Find a second and different position of resonance using the same fork but with about three times the length of air and again take mean (L2) of several readings of the length when resonance occur.
6- Obtain different values of L1 and L2 (L2-L1) using the other fork.
7- Record the room temperature.

Parameters, Theory And Final Law of The experiment

Parameters, Theory & Final Law

Frequency

First resonance position — length of air column

Second resonance position — length of air column

Velocity of sound

cm/sec

L1 = λ/4

L2 = 3λ/4

L2 − L1 = λ/2 = C/2f

C = 2f (L2 − L1)

Final Law

C = C₀ √(t + 273) / 273

Table of The Readings

Table of the Readings

f/Hz	L1/cm	L2/cm	L2 − L1/cm	C/cm sec⁻¹

Medical Application Of The Velocity Of Sound Using Resonance Tube And Tuning Fork

Understanding the velocity of sound has direct clinical relevance to how the ear functions.

The middle ear contains air, and it is important for air pressure on both sides of the eardrum to remain equal. The Eustachian tube serves to equalize this pressure, connecting the middle ear to the throat.

When this tube becomes blocked — as often happens with colds or allergies — the resulting pressure imbalance can cause pain, muffled hearing, or in severe cases contribute to middle ear infections.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Velocity of Sound Using Resonance Tube and Tuning Fork

What does the velocity of sound using resonance tube and tuning fork experiment actually measure?

It measures how fast sound travels through air by finding the specific air-column lengths where a vibrating tuning fork produces resonance — a noticeably louder sound — then using the difference between two resonance positions to calculate the speed.

Why does the speed of sound change with temperature?

Sound travels through the vibration of air molecules colliding with one another. At higher temperatures, molecules move faster and collide more frequently, transmitting the pressure disturbance more quickly — which is why the final law explicitly accounts for temperature in Kelvin.

How does the velocity of sound using resonance tube and tuning fork relate to the Eustachian tube?

Both involve air columns and pressure balance — while this experiment measures resonance in an open tube, the Eustachian tube's role is to equalize air pressure on either side of the eardrum, preventing the kind of pressure imbalance that can affect hearing.