Longitudinal Waves - Kundt's Tube Sound in air is propagated
only by means of longitudinal waves; waves in which the
particle's motion consists of oscillations back and forth in the
direction of propagation. In a solid such as a metal rod, sound
can be transmitted either by longitudinal or transverse waves.
In this experiment, longitudinal sound waves will be produced in
a metal rod and an air column. Using the properties of wave
motion, the frequency of the sound and the speed of sound in the
rod can be determined. The apparatus consists of a glass tube
supported on a metal base as shown in the diagram. A clamp at
one end of the base holds a metal rod which has a metal disk
attached to one end. The rod and disk extend inside the glass
tube, whose position can be adjusted to center the tube about
the disk. It is important to make sure the disk is not touching
the glass becuause the vibrations set up in the rod will break
the glass. A stopper closes the other end of the tube. The
velocity of any wave is given