ABSTRACT. The velocity of sound varies with the medium where it travels.

The velocity of the sound in a

metal rod was obtained in the experiment by the application of the principles of the resonance. A metal
rod that is clamped at its midpoint is stroked in a lengthwise manner to produce friction and energy in a
form of longitudinal wave. A glass tube, containing lycopodium powder and is closed at its one end, is
connected to the metal rod through a disk which is not touching the tube. When the wave enters the tube,
it will agitate the dust inside and forms visible shapes of a wave. At the same time, the wave resonates
and results on producing sound as well as generating constant frequency. Measurements of the length of
the visible wave segments along with the length of the rod are done. The velocity of sound in air is also
measured by recording the temperature of the room. Using the data, the experimental value of vm is
obtained. Afterwards, a comparison with the theoretical value found in the book and with the value
obtained from the elastic property of the metal is accomplished. For each comparison, we had obtained a
percentage error of 0.429% and 1.35%, respectively, but still, lies within the velocity uncertainty range of
3460.09 m/s±58.31m/s.

INTRODUCTION Kundt’s tube is drawn on the next column for

visualization.
During your childhood, have you ever been tried
to make a telephone toy using Styrofoam cup
and a very long string? You noticed that at a
certain distance, you still hear each other. Unlike
without it, you still need to shout just to hear
your friend. Generally, the speed of the sound is
faster in solids than in liquids and gases. You also
experienced that when you are in a baseball
game or sat far away from the stage during a
Figure 1. The complete diagram of a Kundt’s
concert, you may have noticed something odd.
Tube
You saw the batter hit the ball, but did not hear
the crack of the impact until a few seconds later.
Or, you saw the drummer strike the drum, but it The Kundt’s tube is a long narrow tube made of
took an extra moment before you heard it. It is glass that is close by a stopper at one end. It is
due to light is faster than sound which we are mounted in a certain metal bar frame so that it
used to see. can be adjusted vertically/longitudinally with
respect to the frame. A metal rod is clamped to
the support frame, exactly at the center of the
Sound surrounds us everyday. We may not
rod. The rod is clamped at the center to produce
notice it sometimes. Sound has great importance
a fundamental mode of vibration. This rod has a
in our daily life. We have learned that sound is a
disk at its one end. That is inserted into the glass
form of energy. It is produced by vibrations.
tube but it does not touch the tube. In addition,
Sound waves are propagated through longitudinal
the glass tube contains some dust inside which is
waves. They are also elastic waves hence they
distributed evenly in the entire length of the
need a material medium for their transmission.
tube.
They can not be transmitted in vacuum.

While the rod is stroked lengthwise with a cloth,

Sound travels in solids, liquids and gases. Their
longitudinal standing waves are observed to be
velocity is maximum in solids and least in gases.
formed from the dust inside. Those waves are set
We hear various kinds of sound in our daily life,
up in it with a minimum vibration (node) at the
pleasant sounds called the musical sounds,
clamped part (at the center) and maximum
unpleasant sound called the noise, loud sound,
vibration (antinode) at each end. Since the
high pitched sound etc. In this laboratory, we can
distance between two consecutive nodes or
be able to measure speed of sound using the
antinodes in a standing wave is exactly half of its
traditional method. The sound is allowed to travel
wavelength, then, the wavelength of the tone in
at solid and gas, particularly in a metal rod and
the rod is twice the length of the rod.
an air column. By that, frequency and the speed
of the sound can be obtained. This method is
called the Kundt’s tube method. A diagram of the
The sound waves are produced in the metal rod
as the powder in the cloth is being displaced as if vmλm=vaλa
its molecules are vibrating successively. Equation 3
Furthermore, the frequency of the vibrations in a
given metal rod depends on the length of the rod
Since for fundamental mode of vibration,
and the position of the clamp. The vibrations are
transmitted to the disk, which in turn transmits
them into the air column at the same or equal λ=2L Equation 4
frequency. The wavelength and velocity change
as the wave chain goes from one medium to
Then,
another, but the frequency is still consistent.

As the longitudinal waves leave the rod at the vm2Lm=va2La

end containing the disk, it will now proceed inside Equation 5
the tube. These waves act as a close pipe. In that
particular scenario, the wave is reflected on the
close end of the tube so that the air in the tube is Finally, we can get the velocity of sound in rod in
acted upon by two similar sets of waves terms of velocity of sound in air and the length of
travelling in opposite directions. Consequently, if the rod and the air column.
the distance between the disk and the close end
is such to produce resonance, that is when the
length of the tube is exactly a multiple of the half
vm=vaLmLa
Equation 6
of the wavelength, the cork dust will be agitated
at the antinodes positions and remain relatively
still at the nodes positions as to produce standing The velocity of sound in air varies with the
waves. For that, the length of one dust loop is temperature. Velocity is directly proportional to
one-half of the wavelengths in the air. the square root of the absolute temperature.

If we assign Vm as the velocity of sound in the v1v2=T1T2 Equation

metal and λm as the wavelength, the frequency f
is given by
fm=vmλm Equation 1
Again, when the rod is stroked lengthwise,
standing waves are set up in the vibration rod.
The vibration contains a node at the clamped part
(at the center) and antinodes at both ends. On
the other hand, if we let va and λa to be the
velocity and the wavelength, respectively in the
air column at a specific temperature, then the
frequency is given by
fa=vaλa Equation 2
For both metal rod and in air, the frequency is
the same because for sound waves, the
frequency is just dependent on its source. By
equating both frequencies, we can be able to
derive the relationship of the velocity and
wavelength of the sound for two different
mediums.
fm=fa
7
By manipulation, we can simplify this equation
into a linear equation. This equation is the best fit
linear equation with the original equation. The
revised equation is given below.
va=332ms+0.6T Equation 8
The best fit linear equation is exactly portrayed in
the graph below.
Graph 1. Best fit linear graph of Equation 7
The velocity v is the velocity of air at T,
temperature in oC. On the other hand, the factor
0.6, is the increase in velocity per second at T,
temperature.
The velocity of a compression wave in a metal
depends on the elastic properties and the density
of the metal and its value in meters per second is
given by
 vm=Yρ Equation 6
Where Y is the Young’s modulus (coefficient of
elasticity) and ρ is the density. Y must be
expressed in force unit per unit are, N/m2. In the
experiment, we were using brass as the metal.
The value of the Y and ρ are shown below.
Property Brass (Drawn and
Compact)
Young’ Modulus 1x1011 N/m2
Constant
Density 8580 kg/m3
The aims of this experiment are to determine the
velocity of sound in a metal rod and also to
determine the speed of sound in the tube
applying the principles of resonance.
METHODOLOGY
In this experiment we will be using the Kundt’s
Tube Apparatus, a meter stick, a piece of cloth, a
thermometer, rosin and lycopodium powder.
The Kundt’s tube consists of a long, narrow glass
tube mounted in a metal frame case. A metal rod
(any desired material) is clamped in such a way
that its end containing the disk is inside the tube.
The rod can be clamped at any distance.
However, it is better to clamped it at the center
to make the experiment not complicated. The
Kundt’s tube is closed at one end by a stopper.
The wave produced in this column follows the
wave behavior of the close type case. In vibrating
the rod, energy comes from the friction produced
by stroking cloth at the rod. To produce friction,
rosin is rubbed in the cloth. The waves produced
inside after vibration is visibly seen through
agitation of lycopodium powder. All the lengths
needed in this experiment is measured using the
meter stick. A low accuracy instrument is just fit
with the
experiment
because it is
not important
to measure
accurate
lengths.
Finally,
thermometer
is the
Figure 2. The Experimental
Set-up
instrument used in measuring the temperature of
the room.
Normally, we have to put the powder inside the
glass tube. But in the experiment, it is already
prepared by the laboratory assistants to prevent
waste of materials. The powder is evenly
distributed throughout the tube. It is done to
make the wave visible later, that is in similar
shapes and sizes. The kind of material where the
rod is made is to be recorded. The value of the
constants, Y and ρ, for the specific material used
are obtained using any form of resources.
Furthermore, the length of the tube is to be
measured using a meter stick. One must be
careful to see if the rod is clamped horizontally at
its center. This allows the experiment performer
to easily calculate the value of velocity of the rod.
The rod has a disk at its one end inside the tube.
This disk has not to touch the walls of the glass
tube. It must be leave free to vibrate. Also, it
should be necessary to measure and record the
temperature of the room, inside the tube or near
the apparatus itself.
After the preliminary assessment of the
apparatus, one may now proceed on vibrating
the rod. The rosin is initially rubbed on the cloth.
The rosin allows the cloth to produce friction with
the tube. The energy due to friction will serves as
a wave. Strokes on the rod are done afterwards.
It is ideal to do smooth, high-pitch tone stroke in
a lengthwise manner. It is important not to let
the hand slip off at end of the rod. This is
because, it causes both ends of the rod to vibrate
transversely, and the vibrating disk may break
the glass tube.
When the dust inside the tube does not form
visible waves, it is advised to adjust the air
column by moving it towards the tube in a
minimal distance. Continual adjustment can be
made until best resonance condition is achieved.
This happens when dust agitated formed perfect
waves which are measurable and looks exactly
the same from one another. When the rod gets
warmed greatly, we could cease the stroking and
let is cool for a while.
Another problem encountered in this experiment
is when one observed that majority of the dust is
concentrating on one side of the node. This can
be due to theFigure 3. Vibrating
apparatus is the
notmetal
oriented
rod
horizontally. We can minimize this problem by
removing some dust.
Once satisfied with the visible waves formed, one
may now proceed on measuring the length of the
waves (wavelength). On measuring, the first dust
loop nearest to the disk of the rod is neglected. It DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
is an option to measure one, two, three or any
number of waves desired. However, it is more
The determined velocities of sound in both rod
accurate to measure many waves. From the
and in air are accompanied by the data obtained
measured distance, one is to determine the
in the experiment. The preliminary and the post
average half wavelength of the sound in air
data are presented in the table below.
column, La, by dividing it to the total number of
loops or segments measured.
Table 1. KUNDT'S TUBE VELOCILTY OF SOUND
Using equation 8, calculate for the velocity of IN SOLID
sound in air at the temperature recorded earlier.
length of metal rod Lr 91.5 cm
Once done, the value of the vm, or the velocity of
the sound in rod can now be obtained using average length powder 9.2 cm
equation 6. segments, La

From the table of velocity of sound in solid in the
textbook, compare the obtained experimental
value with the theoretical value. In addition, the
experimental value can also be compared with
the value obtained in equation 9. The percentage
error gives us the numerical digit of the error
done in the experiment. Notice that the value
obtained in equation 9 is much smaller with the
theoretical
value. To be
intact with the
theoretical
value, it is
better to used
temperature of air t 26.5 °C
velocity of sound in air Vair 347.9 m/s
While doing strokes on the rod, friction is
produced between the cloth and the rod. As a
result, energy or disturbance will occur in a form
of longitudinal wave. The vibrations of the rod
are transmitted by the disk to the air in the glass
tube closed at one end. The waves set up in the
air in the glass tube have the same frequency as
those in the rod. Hence, a resonance will be
formed and produces sound.

Figure 4. Measuring the

internet for the
more accurate The waves are reflected at the closed end of the
temperature of the room
value of Y and tube and the air in the tube is thus acted upon by
ρ. two similar sets of waves traveling in opposite
directions. Since the length of the air column is
When time permits, it is an option to repeat all some multiple of half wavelengths, the two
the measurements for another trial and record oppositely traveling waves produce standing
the results. waves.

The standing waves are characterized by

alternate points of maximum and minimum
disturbance called respectively nodes and
antinodes. These waves become visible after the
Brass Rod
Thermometer
Kundt’s
Meter
Cloth w/
Stick
Tube
rosinw/ Lycopodium Powder dust inside the tube agitated in the antinodes and
remain still at the nodes.

Since the wave loops are visible, we can easily

measure its wavelength using the meter stick. As
we all know, all waves segments are in the same
sizes. Thus, we can measure the length of one
segment by measuring two or more segment and
get its average.

In that method, error can be minimized because
the uncertainty in measuring will be distributed
evenly along the whole segments. For example, if
we have a constant uncertainty of 0.3 cm. That is
for increasing no. of segments being measured,
we can see a trend of the decrease in uncertainty
produced.
Graph 2. Graph on relative uncertainty produced
versus the no of segment measured
In our data, we use 3 segments being averaged.
For three segments, we measured the length of
27.5 cm, which is 9.2 cm in average per
segment. Since one segment is half of the length
of one wavelength (two successive wave loops),
then, we can easily solve the frequency of the
sound in air by determining the velocity of sound
in air. It is done by applying its linear relationship
with the temperature.
As we all know, the apparatus is set in such a
way that the sound will be propagated on its
fundamental mode, where H = 1. After
completing all the necessary data, we can use
equation 2 for the numerical value of the
frequency. In the experiment, the sound wave
produced in rod and in air is in resonance, so
their corresponding frequencies are the same.
For that, we can equate each frequency and
relate the velocity of sound in rod in terms of the
frequency of the sound in air and the wavelength
of the sound wave in the metal rod. The metal
rod is clamped at the middle, so node will occur
at that point while antinodes will occur at both
ends, thus producing one segment of a wave.
Again, one segment is actually half of one
wavelength. Since the relationship is completed,
we can now solve for the velocity of the sound in
rod. Using our data, we had obtained the value of
the velocity. It is shown below.
Table 3. VELOCITY OF SOUND IN ROD USING
EQUATION 3
velocity of sound in the 3460.092 m/s
rod Vr equation 3
We can also calculate for the value of the velocity
of sound in metal rod using the elasticity
property of the metal used through the used of
equation 9. The values for constants are not that
accurate because of few digits of significant
figures. After obtaining the value, it is then
compared with the value obtained earlier. Since
the constants are not that accurate, we can
introduce an uncertainty value of about 3% of
the original value. By doing that, we can observe
that the velocity we had obtained in the first
equation is still within the range.
Table 2. PERCENTAGE ERROR COMPARED
WITH THE VALUE OBTAINED USING EQN 4
velocity of sound in the 3413.944 m/s
rod Vr equation 4
Percentage error 1.35177 %
The error in this part is quite small. By
considering the nature of the apparatus, we can
prove that uncertainty measurement is a small
factor in the accumulation of the error; Since the
Kundt’s tube is a special apparatus made just for
this type of experiment, there is a great chance
that the data obtained has a great accuracy when
we are using it. The possibility of having an
uncertainty is also diminished since the over all
set up is already prepared by the professional
laboratory assistants. Probable source of error for
the determination of velocity of the sound in
metal rod are as follows:
[1] The tube is not horizontally placed in the
table
[2] The tube is somehow open at the end
where it should be closed
[3] The uncertainty in measuring the length
Table 4. PERCENTAGE ERROR COMPARED WITH
THE VALUE OBTAINED USING THE
THEORETICAL VALUE IN THE TEXTBOOK
velocity of sound in the rod Vr 3475 m/s
textbook'
Percentage error 0.42899 %
of the segments by around ±0.15 cm
Using the theoretical value, using the textbook
(more accurate), we can also calculate for the
amount of error produced after committing
uncertainties in measuring. The table is shown
above.
It is glad to see that we got a smaller percentage
error upon comparing it with theoretical value in
the textbook. It only means that our obtained
value is somewhat closer with the more accurate
basis.
As we observed, the main passage of the
longitudinal wave from the rod to the tube is
through the disk. We also notice that when the
dust is agitated inside, the antinode starts from
the disk (and not a node) and a node is seen at
the end of the tube. It signifies that the tube is a
close type air column. It is open at the side
where the disk is located while closed at the
other end.
By making an analysis on temperature, if the
experiment is done in a hot summer day, the
velocity of sound in air will be affected, so as to
the length of the segments formed. Since
va∝La
Then, we can say that when the temperature
goes higher, the length of the segments formed
will be much longer. More variation can be
discussed in this report. This allows us to study
the flexibility of the experimentation and the
apparatus itself, if still; the same result will be
obtained.
If the rod were clamped not at the center, for
instance, two clamps are placed at each one-
fourth distance from the end, we can observe
that the length of each segments will be shorter
by half. This can be proven by considering the
frequency of the sound in rod.
fm=VmLm=va2La
At the same conditions given in the experiment
(except for the clamping), we could say that,
La=vaLm2vm
La=12La originally
On the other hand, if the stopper is removed
from the other end of the tube, open air column
type of sound wave behavior will be produced.
So, we can observe that antinodes are on both
ends. Also, if the same conditions is applied,
then,
vm2Lm=fa=va4La
La=2La originally
So, we can also notice that the length of each
segment formed inside the tube is longer by a
factor of 2.
When the metal rod, is cut into half, and use only
one half of it, (still the clamp is placed at its
original position), and also the temperature
inside the tube is maintained at 0oC with only
hydrogen inside (vsound=1270m/s), then we may
observe that the waves are longer than before by
a certain factor.
vm4(0.5Lm)=1270ms2La
La=1270Lmvm=1270va beforeLa originally
If we use the velocity of sound in rod obtained
from the experiment which is 3460 m/s
(remember that the velocity of sound in a
particular metal is generally constant), then we
can say that
La=0.36La originally
In our observations, we saw that the dust is
accumulating on the node parts. It is because
these parts are still and does not move at all.
When agitation happens, the movement of the
dust is not only sideward but also forward and
backward. Thus, the dust may be crowded on
those points, especially when the apparatus used
is not horizontal. The movement of the dust
particle is more on a forward or a backward. As a
result, we can’t be able to measure the length of
each segment accurately. Good thing that we
may diminish this effect by making the apparatus
horizontal or by removing excess dust particles.
In analyzing the relationship of elasticity of solid
material and its density with the velocity of sound
in a metal rod, we can use the general formula,
where the velocity of sound in metal is directly
proportional to the square root of Y (Young’s
Modulus) and inversely proportional to the square
root of its density.
vm=Yρ
From that, we can say that when the material is
denser, the speed of the sound as it flows
through the material is slower, while on the other
hand, when the Young’s modulus constant of the
material is greater, then its velocity is faster.
The uncertainties in the result are from the
measuring of the segment and the measuring of
the length of the rod. If we put an uncertainty
value for the ∆La=±0.15cm and for the length of
the rod of ∆Lm=±0.05cm, (but not much error on
temperature so its effect is negligible)
vm=F(va,Lm,La)
vm=vaLmLa
dvm=vadvmdLmLadLm+dvmdLaLmdLa
∆vm=va∆LmLa+-Lm∆LaLa2
=347.9ms0.05cm9.2cm+-91.5cm0.15cm9.2cm2
∆vm=±58.31m/s
In our theoretical value of 3475 m/s, the
obtained value of vm=3460.09 m/s±58.31m/s is
still within its range.
CONCLUSION
This report has discussed the relationship of
velocity of sound in both gas (air) and solid
(metal rod) through manipulation of certain
condition to produce resonance. The goals of this
lab were to obtain the velocity of sound in metal
rod as well as the velocity of sound in the tube
with the application of resonance. Those
objectives were met by obeying the conditions
needed such as clamping the rod at its midpoint,
closing the one end of the glass tube while the
other end is free, and by making the disk in the
rod not to be in contact with the glass tube. By
that means, the relationship derived in the
equation given in the laboratory manual is
followed.
By constantly applying stroke on the rod, friction
is produced. So, longitudinal wave is produced. It
goes down the tube from the rod at equal
frequency, hence making a resonance, and
produces sound.
In keeping track of the length of the visible wave
pattern produced after the dust is being agitated
inside the tube, the velocity of the sound in rod is
obtained.
This lab introduces us an important topic on
velocity of sound at a certain medium. Once the
relationship of velocity, wavelength and
frequency are established, we can be able to
relate two different velocities at different
medium. It is done by applying the principle of
resonance where frequencies of each
corresponding longitudinal wave are equal.
This lab experiment also tells us the changes in
velocity of sound in solid after varying the
position of the node (or the clamped part). When
the position of the clamp divides the rod in a
certain segment, as the division increases, its
velocity changes in an inverse proportional
manner.
The velocity of sound in an air column can be
described as either open or close type. Its
significant difference is the behavior of the wave
produced, particularly on the position of the
nodes and antinodes. For a close type, which is
applied in the experiment, an antinode is seen on
the open end while a node is seen at the close
end. The velocity of sound in an air column of
this type is proportional to the frequency and
twice the length of each segment.
Besides from the application of the resonance,
velocity of sound in rod can also be evaluated by
considering the elasticity and density of the
material where the sound wave travels. The
velocity is directly proportional to the Young’s
modulus of elasticity and inversely proportional
to the density of the material being used.
Aside from the velocity of sound in metal, we
learned that it is an important factor to consider
the velocity of sound in air if we are to use the
resonance principle in the Kundt’s tube. The said
velocity is somewhat linearly dependent with
temperature. So, for every rise in temperature
per Celsius degree, the velocity of the sound is
increased by 0.6 m/s.
The finding in the experiment for the value of
velocity of sound in metal rod using the principle
of resonance is 3460 m/s. When the uncertainties
in measurements are considered, the velocity will
expand to a range of 3460.09 m/s±58.31m/s.
Using the elasticity property of the material,
brass, the velocity is 3414 m/s while using the
book as a reference; it is 3475 m/s. Upon
comparison with the experimental value, the
error differences are 1.35% and 0.429%,
respectively. However, the theoretical values lie
within the range of uncertainty.
REFERENCES
[1] Young, H., Freedman, R., University Physics
with Modern Physics, 11th Edition, 2004
[2] Bernard, C.H., Laboratory Experiment in
College Physics, 7th Edition, 1995
[3] Wilson, Jerry D., Physics Laboratory
Experiments, 6th edition, 2003
[4] http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/
class/phscilab/kundt2.html
[5] http://www.nikhef.nl/~h73/kn1c/praktikum
/phywe/LEP/Experim/1_5_06.pdf
[6] http://dev.physicslab.org/Document.aspx
?
doctype=2&filename=WavesSound_SpeedSound
Copper.xml
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all, I am heartily thankful to my group
mates, Ninang Redden, Ms. Gimena, Ms. Ang and
Mr. Deduyo, whose encouragement, guidance
and support from the initial to the final level of
the experiment enabled me to finish the work in
the lab as well as develop my understanding of
the topic. They are those who were doing the
experiment with me and sharing their ideas. They
were helpful that when we combined and
discussed together our own respective thoughts,
we had this experiment done successfully.
Secondly, I would like express my gratitude for
giving me the strength and health to do this
report until it done. Not forgotten to my family
for providing everything, such as money, to buy
anything that are related to this project work and
their advise, which is the most needed for this
project. They also provide me the internet,
books, computers and all that as my source to
complete this project. They supported me and
encouraged me to complete this task so that I
will not procrastinate in doing it.
Then I would like to thank my Professor, Mr. De
Leon for guiding me and my friends throughout
the experiment. We had some difficulties in doing
this task, but he taught us patiently until we
knew what to do. He tried and tried to teach us
until we understand what we supposed to do in
order to have a highly accurate data.
Lastly, I offer my regards and blessings to God
who guides me to have an idea what to do during
the completion of the report.
FREE SPACE
Our professor in Physics 3 Laboratory wonders
why I am still quantifying the error in the
experiment. He wonder why do I have still a time
doing it, given that we are in Mapua, which has a
busy and cramming environment.
The simple answer for that is because I have a
simple reference. In this book, guidelines and
rules on propagation of errors is instructed. This
book is ideal on making a report, especially for
quantitative analysis (while in chemistry, it’s
usually qualitative). Without further a do, this is
how it works.
Assume the quantity C depends on the measured
quantities X and Y in some functional form
expressed as:
C=F(X,Y)
The total derivative of C is given by:
dC= ∂C∂XYdX+ ∂C∂YXdY
Assuming that errors are small so that we can
neglect terms of higher order than the first,
allows the use of errors in place of the
differentials (usually for infinitesimal changes).
Thus we have:
∆C=∂C∂X∆X+∂C∂Y∆Y
∆X and ∆Y are intermediate errors and thus the
largest possible error is required. This value is
given by:
∆C=∂C∂X∆X+∂C∂Y∆Y
Thus, the error propagated due to uncertainty in
measuring can now be a component of the ∆R=R∆XX2+∆YY2
desired value. It is also applicable to use a more
simple equation by assuming that each variable
And that is simple it is!!! 
propagates error at the same magnitude.