AAMC FL Practice Exam

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Study for the AAMC FL Exam. Prepare with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each equipped with hints and explanations. Gear up for your medical school entrance exam!

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What is the formula for wavelength in a pipe with both ends open?

Wavelength = 4L/n
Wavelength = 2L/n
Wavelength = L/n
Wavelength = nL/2

The correct answer is: Wavelength = 2L/n

In a pipe that is open at both ends, the standing wave patterns are established such that there are antinodes at both ends. The formula for the wavelength of the fundamental frequency and its harmonics can be derived from the relationship between the length of the pipe and the wavelength. For a pipe with both ends open, the length of the pipe is equal to an integer multiple of half-wavelengths. In mathematical terms, the wavelength can be expressed as: Wavelength = 2L/n Here, L is the length of the pipe, and n is the harmonic number (where n can be any positive integer: 1 for the fundamental frequency, 2 for the first overtone, etc.). This formula indicates that as the harmonic number increases, the wavelength decreases. Specifically, for the fundamental frequency (n=1), the wavelength is twice the length of the pipe, illustrating how sound waves can resonate within the pipe. Choosing this formula correctly reflects the physical principles of wave mechanics in open pipes, where the structure of the standing wave directly relates the length of the pipe to the wavelength.