Fundamental
from class: College Physics II – Mechanics, Sound, Oscillations, and Waves Definition The fundamental frequency is the lowest frequency at which a system naturally oscillates. It is also called the first harmonic in the context of standing waves.
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Predict what's on your test 5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test The fundamental frequency determines the pitch of the sound produced by a musical instrument. In a closed pipe, the fundamental frequency has a wavelength four times the length of the pipe. For an open pipe, the fundamental frequency has a wavelength twice the length of the pipe. The fundamental mode corresponds to having only one antinode and two nodes for standing waves on a string or air column. Harmonics are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. Review Questions What is another term used to refer to the fundamental frequency? How does the wavelength of the fundamental frequency relate to the length of an open pipe? Explain how harmonics are related to the fundamental frequency. "Fundamental" also found in:
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