A tuning fork vibrates at a frequency of

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Waves · Waves

Problem

A tuning fork vibrates at a frequency of 256 Hz256\,\text{Hz}. The sound produced by it travels through air at 340 m s−1340\,\text{m\,s}^{-1} and through helium at 970 m s−1970\,\text{m\,s}^{-1}. (a) Calculate the wavelength of the sound in air. (b) Determine the wavelength of the same sound in helium. (c) Which quantity, frequency or wavelength, changes when the sound moves from air to helium? Justify your answer briefly based on your calculations.

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