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H3-22. Resonance Tube - Oscillator And Plunger

Purpose

To demonstrate standing waves in a closed tube.

Equipment

Oscillator, microphone, and pre-assembled tube with plunger and scale.

Images

H3-22

Description

An air column in a tube is excited by an oscillator and loudspeaker at one end of the tube and stopped with a plunger at the other end. Vary the frequency of the oscillator or the position of the plunger to obtain the resonance, which can be easily heard. Because this is a closed tube, resonances exist at odd multiples of one-quarter wavelength. Using this device standing waves can be demonstrated, the wavelength of a sound wave shown, and the speed of sound determined.◙

References

Lecture Demonstrations Data Sheet.