Standing waves in a pipe closed at one end
What is the wavelength of the fundamental standing wave in a 0.5 m pipe closed at one end?
Answer C: explanation for every choice
A
This equates the wavelength with the pipe length.
B
λ = 2L applies to a pipe open at both ends.
C
Correct. A pipe closed at one end fits a quarter wavelength in its fundamental mode: λ = 4L = 2.0 m.
D
This uses λ = 8L.
TakeawayOpen at both ends: λ = 2L. Closed at one end: λ = 4L.
Equation usedStanding waves
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