A tuning fork of frequency '\(n\)' is held near the open end of a tube which is dipped in water and length of the tube is adjusted until resonance occurs. If the two shortest lengths that produce resonance are \(l_1\) and \(l_2\), the speed of sound in air is (neglect end correction)
Show Hint
Consecutive resonances in a closed tube differ by half a wavelength.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A tube closed at one end (by water) resonates when its air column length is an odd multiple of \(\frac\lambda4\). The first two shortest resonating lengths are \(l_1 = \frac\lambda4\) and \(l_2 = \frac{3\lambda}{4}\) (neglecting end correction).
Step 4: Why the other options are wrong.
\(n(l_2 - l_1)\) would be the speed if \(l_2 - l_1\) were a full wavelength. \(\frac n2(l_2 - l_1)\) and \(\frac{2n}{l_2 - l_1}\) are not valid: the last has wrong units.
Final Answer:
The speed of sound is \(2n(l_2 - l_1)\), option (A).
\[ \boxed{2n(l_2-l_1)} \]