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⚛️ Physics  ·  Waves  ·  NEET & JEE

In a resonance column, the first resonance is at 0.20 m and the second at 0.62 m for a 400 Hz fork. The speed of sound is:

Answer: 336 m/s.

  • A 320 m/s
  • B 300 m/s
  • C 352 m/s
  • D 336 m/s

Correct answer: D. 336 m/s

Explanation: The gap between consecutive resonances is λ/2 = 0.62 - 0.20 = 0.42 m, so λ = 0.84 m. Then v = fλ = 400 × 0.84 = 336 m/s.

Standing Wave: Nodes and Antinodes (Open Pipe, 2nd Harmonic)nodenodenodeantinodeantinodeSolid and dashed lines show the string/air column at two instants - nodes never move

A standing wave forms from two identical waves travelling in opposite directions and interfering; nodes (always zero displacement) and antinodes (maximum displacement) stay fixed in place, unlike a travelling wave where the whole pattern moves.

Concept context

Wave types, superposition, standing waves, Doppler effect, and sound intensity.

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