phys: clarify harmonics

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eggy 2020-12-16 20:14:27 -05:00
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@ -737,11 +737,19 @@ The locations of zero amplitude are called **nodes** and the locations of maximu
<img src="/resources/images/harmonic-waves.png" width=700>(Source: Kognity)</img>
In a stretched string or a **half-open** air column, the frequencies that would produce standing waves are known as **natural frequencies**, and are individually known as **harmonics** The image above shows the first four harmonics. The first harmonic is also known as the **fundamental frequency**. The wavelength and frequency of the $n$th harmonic is equal to, where $L$ is the string length:
$$\lambda_n=\frac{2}{n}L$$
The frequencies that would produce standing waves are known as **natural frequencies**, and are individually known as **harmonics** The image above shows the first four harmonics. The first harmonic is also known as the **fundamental frequency**.
Inside an **air column**, the difference in pressure allows for the formation of standing waves as waves reflect off of the interface where air changes pressure. A closed end must have nodes while open ends must have antinodes.
Therefore:
- In a stretched string or a **closed-ended** air column, both ends must be **nodes**.
- In an open-ended air column, both ends must be **anti-nodes**.
- In a half-open air column, the closed end must be a node while the open end must be an anti-node.
!!! example
The wavelength of any half-open air column is $\lambda=\frac{L}{4}$, and $\lambda=\frac{L}{2}$ in a stretched string.
<img src="/resources/images/standing-tube.png" width=700>(Source: Kognity)</img>
Resonance occurs in an air column when the length of the open tube is a multiple of half the wavelength of the sound. **Resonant lengths** occur at each antinode.