Physics midterm question: piccolo versus flute

Physics 205A Midterm 2, fall semester 2011
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Cf. Giambattista/Richardson/Richardson, Physics, 2/e, Conceptual Questions 12.12, Problem 12.19

Piccolos and flutes can both be modeled as open-open pipes. If a piccolo is one-half the length of a flute, the fundamental frequency of the piccolo is __________ the fundamental frequency of a flute.
(A) one-quarter.
(B) one-half.
(C) the same as.
(D) twice.
(E) four times.

Correct answer: (D)

The fundamental frequency of a standing sound wave in an open-open pipe is given by:

f₁ = v/(2*L).

Since the piccolo is half the length of the flute, then it will have a fundamental frequency twice that of the flute.

Sections 70854, 70855
Exam code: midterm02fR3q
(A) : 2 students
(B) : 7 students
(C) : 1 student
(D) : 41 students
(E) : 2 students

Success level: 77%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.27