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Question

A resonant system has a fundamental frequency of 140 Hz. If the next higher frequencies that are able to give resonance are 280 Hz and 420 Hz the system could be

This question was previously asked in
RRB ALP 2018 CBT 2 Fitter Question Paper (21-Jan-2019) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is
An organ pipe open at both ends

Resonant System Frequency Analysis

The problem states a resonant system has a fundamental frequency, denoted as \(f_0\), equal to 140 Hz. The next observed resonant frequencies are 280 Hz and 420 Hz.

Harmonic Series Identification

  • Fundamental frequency: \(f_0 = 140\) Hz.
  • First higher frequency: \(f_1 = 280\) Hz.
  • Second higher frequency: \(f_2 = 420\) Hz.

We observe the relationship between these frequencies:

  • \(f_1 = 280 \text{ Hz} = 2 \times 140 \text{ Hz} = 2 f_0\)
  • \(f_2 = 420 \text{ Hz} = 3 \times 140 \text{ Hz} = 3 f_0\)

This indicates that the resonant system supports frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. The series is \(f_0, 2f_0, 3f_0, \dots\), which includes all harmonics.

Analyzing Resonant System Types

Let's examine the harmonic series produced by the given options:

  1. Organ pipe closed at both ends: Theoretically produces frequencies \(f_n = n \frac{v}{2L}\) (where \(n=1, 2, 3, \dots\)). This results in the series \(f_0, 2f_0, 3f_0, \dots\).
  2. Organ pipe open at both ends: Produces frequencies \(f_n = n \frac{v}{2L}\) (where \(n=1, 2, 3, \dots\)). This also results in the series \(f_0, 2f_0, 3f_0, \dots\).
  3. Organ pipe closed at one end and open at the other: Produces only odd harmonics, \(f_n = (2n-1) \frac{v}{4L}\) (where \(n=1, 2, 3, \dots\)). This results in the series \(f_0, 3f_0, 5f_0, \dots\).
  4. Taut string vibrating between two fixed points: Produces frequencies \(f_n = n \frac{v}{2L}\) (where \(n=1, 2, 3, \dots\)). This results in the series \(f_0, 2f_0, 3f_0, \dots\).

Conclusion

The observed frequency pattern (\(f_0, 2f_0, 3f_0, \dots\)) matches the harmonic series produced by an organ pipe open at both ends, a pipe closed at both ends, and a taut string.

Given the options and the typical representation in physics problems, an organ pipe open at both ends is a standard example for this type of harmonic series.

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