Physics Mastery Lab
Speed of Sound Lab Report
Jamie Cook
PHYS 1114: College Physics I
Oklahoma City Community College
December 10, 2013
Purpose:
The purpose of this experiment is to measure the speed of sound in air and to determine the effects of frequency on the speed of sound.
Apparatus (equipment used):
Signal generator: manufacturer- EMCO, model number- SS-1, range- 20Hz-2MHz, least count- 1Hz
Frequency meter: manufacturer- DEADALON CORPORATION, model number- N/A, range- 20Hz-2MHz, least count 1 kilohertz
Oscilloscope: manufacturer- BK Precision, model number- 1472C, range- 0-15MHz, least count- 1 Hz
Speaker: manufacturer- Western Electric, model number- D17312, range- N/A, least count- N/A
Microphone: manufacturer- Western Electric, model number- D17312, range- N/A, least count- N/A
Method:
Experimental:
In order for this equipment to assist one in measuring the speed of sound, the speaker and microphone are positioned inside the hollow tube with the speaker stationary at one end. The microphone is able to be moved and set a chosen distance from the speaker, from almost touching to 1 meter. The signal generator is connected to the speaker by a pair of wires. From this pair of wires, another pair of wires connects the signal generator to the frequency meter. A set of wires also run from the signal generator to the oscilloscope. A separate set of wires is connected from the oscilloscope to the microphone inside the tube. The set up of the equipment allows for the output of the signal meter to be read and measured by the frequency meter while being led to the speaker. This input causes the speaker to vibrate, which produces sound waves inside the tube. These sound waves, picked up by the microphone, are then sent to the oscilloscope as a signal. A pattern is displayed on the screen of the oscilloscope. With the signals in phase, the patterned displayed is a straight diagonal line. With
Jamie Cook
PHYS 1114: College Physics I
Oklahoma City Community College
December 10, 2013
Purpose:
The purpose of this experiment is to measure the speed of sound in air and to determine the effects of frequency on the speed of sound.
Apparatus (equipment used):
Signal generator: manufacturer- EMCO, model number- SS-1, range- 20Hz-2MHz, least count- 1Hz
Frequency meter: manufacturer- DEADALON CORPORATION, model number- N/A, range- 20Hz-2MHz, least count 1 kilohertz
Oscilloscope: manufacturer- BK Precision, model number- 1472C, range- 0-15MHz, least count- 1 Hz
Speaker: manufacturer- Western Electric, model number- D17312, range- N/A, least count- N/A
Microphone: manufacturer- Western Electric, model number- D17312, range- N/A, least count- N/A
Method:
Experimental:
In order for this equipment to assist one in measuring the speed of sound, the speaker and microphone are positioned inside the hollow tube with the speaker stationary at one end. The microphone is able to be moved and set a chosen distance from the speaker, from almost touching to 1 meter. The signal generator is connected to the speaker by a pair of wires. From this pair of wires, another pair of wires connects the signal generator to the frequency meter. A set of wires also run from the signal generator to the oscilloscope. A separate set of wires is connected from the oscilloscope to the microphone inside the tube. The set up of the equipment allows for the output of the signal meter to be read and measured by the frequency meter while being led to the speaker. This input causes the speaker to vibrate, which produces sound waves inside the tube. These sound waves, picked up by the microphone, are then sent to the oscilloscope as a signal. A pattern is displayed on the screen of the oscilloscope. With the signals in phase, the patterned displayed is a straight diagonal line. With