Akihiko Shimizu

Velocity of Sound

Aim : To determine the velocity of sound in air, with the help of a resonance column and find the velocity of sound in air at 0 °C, as well. Apparatus Required: 1. Resonance tube apparatus It is an air column formed by a tube with an arrangement to adjust the level of water filled in it. The surface of water in the tube and open end serve the purpose of rigid and yielding reflecting surfaces respectively. The surface of water will act as the closed end. Generally, resonance apparatus (Figure 1) consists of a metal pipe of length and diameter 1 meter and 2.4 cm respectively, is clamped on a vertical wooden plank. The wooden plank is fixed on heavy metallic base with levelling screws. The lower end of the resonance column pipe is connected to water reservoir with a rubber tube. A transparent tube and scale is also connected parallel to the resonance pipe. The reservoir can be raised or lowered for adjusting the length of the air column.