Here we will examine the wavelength of a sound wave produced by a piano. Let’s c
ID: 1505700 • Letter: H
Question
Here we will examine the wavelength of a sound wave produced by a piano. Let’s calculate the wavelength of the sound wave in air at 20 C if the frequency is f=262Hz (the approximate frequency of the note “middle C” on the piano). Assume that the speed of sound in air is 344 m/s.
SET UP AND SOLVE The relationship of wavelength to frequency f is given by the following equation:
=vf=344m/s262s1=1.31m
REFLECT The “high C” sung by coloratura sopranos is two octaves above middle C (a factor of 4 in frequency), or about 1050 Hz. The corresponding wavelength is (1.31m)/4=0.327m.
Part A - Practice Problem:
The frequency of the lowest note on large pipe organs is about 14 Hz . What is the corresponding wavelength?
Explanation / Answer
corresponding wavelength = 344/14 = 24.571 m