Resonance Column I

AIM: To find the velocity of sound in air at room temperature using the resonance column
by determining two resonance positions. Also find the velocity of sound in air at 0 0C and
frequency of the given tuning fork.

APPARATUS: Resonance column apparatus, Tuning forks ,Rubber hammer etc.

THEORY: Resonance occurs when

1. the length of air column is equal to

one-fourth of the wavelength of the
sound waves (first resonance).

For this l1 = λ
4
2. the length of air column is equal to
three-fourth of the wavelength of
sound waves (second resonance).
3λ
For this l2 =
4
Using these equations,

we get λ=2(l 2−l 1 )

Then v = ν λ = 2 ν (l 2−l 1)
If v be the velocity of sound in air at
temperature t°C, then the velocity of
sound at 0°C can be calculated as,

v 0 =v
√ 273
(273+t)

OBSERVATIONS:

Trial Frequency of First resonating length, l1 Second resonating length, l2 v=

No tuning fork, 2 ν (l 2−l 1)
ν (Hz) 1 2 Mean 1 2 Mean
cm/s
1
2
3
Unknown Frequency Mean v =
CALCULATIONS:

Unknown Frequency Velocity of sound at 0°C

Mean v
2 (l 2−l 1)
= = Hz v 0 =v
√ 273
(273+t)
= cm/sec = m/s

RESULTS:

1. Velocity of sound at room temperature = m/s

2. Velocity of sound at 00C. = m/s

3. Frequency of the given tuning fork = Hz