The Speed of Sound in Helium: A Resonant Discovery

What is the speed of sound in helium?

Given that a tube, open at one end and closed at the other, resonates with a 424 Hz tuning fork at a length of 0.576 m, what is the speed of sound in helium?

The Speed of Sound in Helium

The speed of sound in helium is approximately 977 m/s. This value is determined using the resonance conditions for a tube closed at one end and open on the other, and the formula for the speed of sound.

When considering the speed of sound in a medium like helium, we must take into account the properties of the medium and the conditions under which the sound wave propagates. In this scenario, the resonance of the tube with a tuning fork provides us with valuable information to calculate the speed of sound.

By utilizing the resonance condition for a tube closed at one end and open on the other, we can relate the length of the tube to the wavelength of the sound wave. This relationship allows us to determine the speed of sound in helium based on the frequency of the tuning fork.

The formula for calculating the speed of waves, Vw = fλ, where Vw is the wave speed, f is the frequency, and λ is the wavelength, is instrumental in solving for the speed of sound in helium. By substituting the given values of frequency and tube length, we arrive at a speed of approximately 977 m/s.

This discovery not only sheds light on the unique properties of helium as a medium for sound propagation but also showcases the intricate relationship between wavelength, frequency, and speed in wave dynamics. Understanding the speed of sound in different mediums is crucial for various applications in acoustics, physics, and engineering.