An organ pipe open at both ends has an effective length of 0.85 m. If the speed of sound in air is 340 m/s, calculate the fundamental frequency of acoustic resonance in the pipe.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. 200 Hz

  1. Step 1: For an open pipe at both ends, fundamental wavelength λ = 2L = 2(0.85) = 1.70 m. Step 2. Fundamental frequency: f0 = v / λ = 340 / 1.70 = 200 Hz. Answer: 200 Hz. Why not the others: 100 Hz applies to a closed pipe (λ = 4L); 400 Hz is the second harmonic; 150 Hz is an incorrect ratio.

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