Stationary Waves
 

Stationary Waves problem 35


In an experiment to produce a stationary sound wave in air, a fine powder is initially evenly distributed along the length of a horizontal glass tube which is closed at one end. At the open end of the tube, a loudspeaker emits a sound wave of a constant wavelength. A stationary wave is formed and the powder accumulates in regularly spaced piles, as shown.




Which statement explains the positions of the piles of powder within the tube?


  • The piles are where the air molecules vibrate with maximum amplitude.


  • The piles are where the air molecules vibrate with minimum amplitude.


  • The piles are where the air molecules vibrate with the highest frequency.


  • The piles are where the air molecules vibrate vertically.


 

main author and content editor: Daniel Owoyomi