Resonanssiontelo

Resonanssiontelo, a Finnish term, translates to "resonance tube" in English. It is a fundamental apparatus used in physics education to demonstrate the principles of sound wave resonance. Typically, a resonance tube consists of a long tube, often made of glass or plastic, that can be filled with water to varying heights. A vibrating tuning fork is held over the open end of the tube.

As the water level is adjusted, the length of the air column above the water changes. When the length of the air column is such that it forms a standing wave with the sound wave produced by the tuning fork, resonance occurs. This resonance is perceived as a significant increase in the loudness of the sound. The phenomenon occurs at specific lengths of the air column, corresponding to the fundamental frequency and its harmonics.

By measuring the lengths of the air columns at which resonance occurs, students can experimentally determine the wavelength of the sound produced by the tuning fork and subsequently calculate the speed of sound in air. The formula relating the length of the air column (L), the wavelength (λ), and the number of antinodes (n) is often used, taking into account an end correction due to the fact that the antinode is not precisely at the open end of the tube. Resonance tubes are a valuable tool for visualizing and understanding the wave nature of sound.