The scope of the experiment was to establish the velocity of sound in a metal rod

through an air column. And, to employ the principles of resonance to establish the
speed of sound in the tube. It is important to note that the velocity of sound varies with
the medium where it travels. Subsequently, the study was conducted through a metal
rod that was clamped at its midpoint. Note that it was stroked in a lengthwise manner to
produce friction and energy in a form of longitudinal wave. Moreover, a glass tube,
containing lycopodium powder and is closed at its one end, was connected to the metal
rod through a disk which is not touching the tube. All things considered, when the wave
enters the tube, it will agitate the dust inside and form visible shapes of a wave. At the
same time, the wave will resonate and result on producing sound as well as generating
constant frequency. Lastly, measurements of the length of the visible wave segments
along with the length of the rod were done. In like manner, the velocity of sound in air
was also measured through recording the temperature of the room.
In general, sound waves are longitudinal waves traveling through an elastic
medium. The source of sound waves is a vibrating object such as loud speaker, a
tuning fork, or a metal rod. The elastic medium in the path of the sound waves becomes
alternately denser and rarer. When the molecules are forced closer together than
normal, the region of higher density and pressure is called a compression or
condensation. When the molecules are spread farther apart than normal, the region of
lower density is called a rarefaction. Pursuant to the discussion, in a solid such as a
metal rod, sound can be transmitted either by longitudinal or transverse waves. In the
long run, using the properties of wave motion, the frequency of the sound and the speed
of sound in the rod can be determined.
For the most part, the report has discussed the relationship of velocity of sound
in both gas (air) and solid (metal rod) through the manipulation of certain conditions to
produce resonance. Notwithstanding, it was interesting to note that sound waves travel
through solids, liquids, and gases at different speeds. And, that the speed of sound in a
material depends on the compressibility (elasticity) and density of the material through
which it is passing. In general, it was also important to note that the stiffer a material is,
the faster sound travels through it. In all honesty, this seems reasonable since the
molecules in an elastic material are tightly coupled. Henceforth, they respond to each
other's motions and can transmit a wave disturbance through the materials.
In the final analysis, the application of sound waves is an important factor in the
field Science and Biomedical Engineering (e.g. Ultrasonic Testing). Fundamentally, a
sound wave is a kind of longitudinal wave which can be manipulated through a device
called an ultrasound. Note that the ultrasound manipulates sound waves to detect
cracks or defects inside a material that cannot be seen outside. Moreover, it can also be
utilized through establishing the thickness of a material (steel, alloys and other metals).
Equally important, another application is the utilization of an ultrasound in the field of
Civil Engineering. To explain, structures are checked for cracks within the walls and the
supports. Note that this tests the buildings stability.