11 – std Physics Practicals

Q:- Determine the moment of inertia of a solid sphere of known mass using Vernier caliper.
Given:- Mass of the solid sphere M = 20 X 𝟏𝟎 𝟑 Kg Q ;- 1, 8, 15
FORMULA :
Moment of inertia of a solid sphere about its diameter:-
𝟐
𝑰𝒅 = M𝑅 (Kg 𝐦 )
𝟓
Where M → Mass of the sphere ( known value to be given ) –(kg)
R → Radius of the sphere (m)
𝑰𝒅 → Moment of inertia of a solid sphere about its diameter (Kg 𝐦 )

PROCEDURE :-
* The Vernier caliper is checked for zero errors and error if found is to be noted.
* The sphere is kept in between the jaws of the Vernier caliper and the main scale reading (MSR )is noted.
* Vernier scale division which coincides with some main scale division ( VSC ) is noted. Multiply this VSC by least
count (LC) gives Vernier scale reading ( VSR ).
* Add MSR with VSR. This will be the diameter of the sphere.
* Observations are to be recorded for different positions of the sphere and the average value of the diameter
is found. From this value radius of the sphere R is calculated.
* Using the known value of the mass of the sphere M and calculated radius of the sphere R the moment of
𝟐
inertia of the given sphere about its diameter can be calculated using the given formula 𝑰𝒅 = M 𝑅 (Kg 𝐦 )
𝟓
LEAST COUNT ( LC )
 One Main Scale Division (MSD) = 0.1 cm.
 Number of Vernier Scale Divisions = 10 .
 Least Count ( LC ) = 0.01cm.
OBSERVATIONS:- To determine the radius of the sphere (R)
Zero error = 0 Zero correction (Z . C) = Zero error × LC = 0

Vernier Diameter of the

Sl.No MSR coincidence VSR = (VSC × LC) sphere = 2R correct
X 𝟏𝟎¯𝟐m VSC (div) x 𝟏𝟎¯𝟐 𝒎 TR = (MSR +VSR) reading = (TR ± Z.C).
x 𝟏𝟎¯𝟐 𝒎
1 3 7 7 x 0.01 = 0.07 3 + 0.07 = 3.07 3.07 + 0 = 3.07
2 3 8 8 x 0.01 = 0.08 3 + 0.08 = 3.08 3.08 + 0 = 3.08
3 3 7 7 x 0.01 = 0.07 3 + 0.07 = 3.07 3.07 + 0 = 3.07
4 3 8 8 x 0.01 = 0.08 3 + 0.08 = 3.08 3.08 + 0 = 3.08
5 3 7 7 x 0.01 = 0.07 3 + 0.07 = 3.07 3.07 + 0 = 3.07
Mean diameter2R = 3.074 x 𝟏𝟎¯𝟐 𝒎

Mean radius R = 1.537 x 𝟏𝟎¯𝟐 𝒎

CALCULATION:- Mass of the sphere(Known value is given ) M = 20 X 𝟏𝟎 𝟑 Kg

The radius of the sphere R = 1.537 x 𝟏𝟎¯𝟐 𝒎
The moment of inertia of the given solid sphere about its diameter using Vernier caliper
𝟐 𝟐
𝑰𝒅 = M 𝑅 ; 𝑰𝒅 = × 20 X 𝟏𝟎 𝟑 𝑿 ( 𝟏. 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝐱 𝟏𝟎¯𝟐 ) 𝑿 ( 𝟏. 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝐱 𝟏𝟎¯𝟐 )
𝟓 𝟓
𝑰𝒅 = 2 X 4 X 1.537 X 1.537 X 𝟏𝟎 𝟕
𝑰𝒅 = 18.899 X 𝟏𝟎 𝟕
𝑰𝒅 = 1.8899 X 𝟏𝟎 𝟔 Kg 𝐦
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RESULT: The moment of inertia of the given solid sphere about its diameter using Vernier caliper 𝑰𝒅 = 1.8899 X 𝟏𝟎 𝟔 Kg 𝐦
S.Thangapandiyan, P.G.Teacher(physics), GHSS, Sathanoor.
 11 – std Physics Practicals
Q:: Determine the spring constant of a spring by using the method of vertical oscillations. Q ;- 2, 9, 16
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FORMULA :
Spring constant of the spring / Where, K → Spring constant of the spring k ( Kg 𝐬 𝟐
)
𝑴𝟐 𝑴𝟏
K = 4 𝝅² ( 𝐊𝐠 𝐬
−𝟐
) / 𝑴𝟏 , 𝑴𝟐 → selected loads ( kg)
𝑻𝟐𝟐 𝑻𝟐𝟏
/ 𝑻𝟏 , 𝑻𝟐 →Time period corresponding to masses 𝑴𝟏and 𝑴𝟐 respectively (s)
PROCEDURE:-
* A spring is firmly suspended vertically from a rigid clamp of a wooden stand at its upper end with a mass hanger
attached to its lower end. A pointer fixed at the lower end of the spring moves over a vertical scale fixed..
* A suitable load M (eg; 100 g ) is added to the mass hanger and the reading on the scale at which the pointer comes to
rest is noted. This is the equilibrium position.
* The mass in the hanger is pulled downward and released so that the spring oscillates vertically on either side of the
equilibrium position.
* When the pointer crosses the equilibrium position a stop clock is started and the time taken for 20 vertical oscillations is
noted. Then the period of oscillation T is calculated.
* The experiment is repeated by adding masses in steps of 50 g to the mass hanger and period of oscillation at each time is
calculated
* For the masses 𝑴𝟏 and 𝑴𝟐 ( with a difference of 50 g ), their corresponding time periods are 𝑻𝟏 and 𝑻𝟐 . is calculated
and its average is found.
* Using the given formula the spring constant of the given spring is calculated.

OBSERVATIONS : To Find (𝑴𝟐 − 𝑴𝟏 ) / ( 𝑻𝟐𝟐 − 𝑻𝟐𝟏 ) TABLE

Time taken for

Mass 20 oscillations (t) ( s ) Period of oscillation 𝑴𝟐 𝑴𝟏
𝑻𝟐 ( 𝐊𝐠 𝐬−𝟐 )
M T =t /20 𝑻𝟐𝟐 𝑻𝟐𝟏
( 𝒔𝟐 )
(g) Mean (s)
Trial - 1 Trial - 2 20t

1 100 20 20 20 1.00 1.00 -

2 150 21 21 21 1.05 1.10 0.500
3 200 22 22 22 1.10 1.21 0.455
4 250 23 23 23 1.15 1.32 0.455
5 300 24 24 24 1.20 1.44 0.417
Mean = (𝑴𝟐 − 𝑴𝟏 ) / ( 𝑻𝟐𝟐 − 𝑻𝟐𝟏 ) = 0.457 𝐊𝐠 𝐬−𝟐
CALCULATION ; To Find (𝑴𝟐 − 𝑴𝟏 ) / ( 𝑻𝟐𝟐 − 𝑻𝟐𝟏 )-
𝑴𝟐 𝑴𝟏 (𝟏𝟓𝟎 𝟏𝟎𝟎) 𝒙 𝟏𝟎 𝟑 𝟓𝟎 𝒙 𝟏𝟎 𝟑
1.
𝑻𝟐𝟐 𝑻𝟐𝟏
=
(𝟏.𝟏𝟎 𝟏.𝟎𝟎)
= 𝟎.𝟏
= 0.500 𝐊𝐠 𝐬−𝟐 // Spring constant of the spring
𝑴𝟐 𝑴𝟏
// k = 4 𝝅²
𝑻𝟐𝟐 𝑻𝟐𝟏
𝑴𝟐 𝑴𝟏 (𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝟏𝟓𝟎) 𝒙 𝟏𝟎 𝟑 𝟓𝟎 𝒙 𝟏𝟎 𝟑
2. = = = 0.455 𝐊𝐠 𝐬−𝟐 // k = 4 X 3.14 X 3.14 X 0.457
𝑻𝟐𝟐 𝑻𝟐𝟏 (𝟏.𝟐𝟏 𝟏.𝟏𝟎) 𝟎.𝟏𝟏
// k = 18.02 𝐊𝐠 𝐬−𝟐
𝑴𝟐 𝑴𝟏 (𝟐𝟓𝟎 𝟐𝟎𝟎) 𝒙 𝟏𝟎 𝟑 𝟓𝟎 𝒙 𝟏𝟎 𝟑
3. = = = 0.455 𝐊𝐠 𝐬−𝟐
𝑻𝟐𝟐 𝑻𝟐𝟏 (𝟏.𝟑𝟐 𝟏.𝟐𝟏) 𝟎.𝟏𝟏

𝑴𝟐 𝑴𝟏 (𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝟐𝟓𝟎) 𝒙 𝟏𝟎 𝟑 𝟓𝟎 𝒙 𝟏𝟎 𝟑
4. = = = 0.417 𝐊𝐠 𝐬−𝟐
𝑻𝟐𝟐 𝑻𝟐𝟏 (𝟏.𝟒𝟒 𝟏.𝟑𝟐) 𝟎.𝟏𝟐
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RESULT: The spring constant of the given spring k is found to be k = 18.02 𝐊𝐠 𝐬−𝟐
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. S.Thangapandiyan, P.G.Teacher(physics),GHSS, Sathanoor
 11 – std Physics Practicals
Q: Determine the acceleration due to gravity using a simple pendulum . Q ;- 3 , 10, 17.
FORMULA:- Acceleration due to gravity
𝒍
g = 4 𝝅𝟐 𝟐 ( m 𝒔 𝟐 ) where, T → Time period of simple pendulum ( s )
𝑻
l → Length of the pendulum ( m )
g → Accelera on due to gravity ( m𝒔 𝟐 )

PROCEDURE :
* Attach a small brass bob to the thread.
* Fix this thread on to the stand. This construction is called “ simple pendulum”
* Measure the length of the pendulum from top of the suspension hook to the middle of the bob of the
Pendulum. Record the length of the pendulum in the table given below( like.. 60 cm )
* Note down the time (t) taken for 20 oscillations using stop watch.
* The period of oscillation T = t / 20 is calculated.
* Repeat the experiment for different lengths of the pendulum ‘ l ’ ( i,e., 70 cm, 80 , 90 cm, 100 cm )
* Find acceleration due to gravity g using the given formula is g = 4 𝝅𝟐 𝑻𝒍𝟐

OBSERVATIONS:- To find the acceleration due to gravity ‘g’

Length of the Time taken for 20 oscillations t(s) Period of
pendulum’ l ‘ Average oscillation 𝑻𝟐 g = 4 𝝅𝟐
𝒍
( 𝑺𝟐 ) 𝑻𝟐
(m ) Trial 1 Trial 2 20 t T = t / 20 ( m 𝒔 𝟐)
( s)
(s)
0.60 31 31 31 1.55 2.40 9.860
0.70 33 34 33.5 1.675 2.80 9.860
0.80 36 36 36 1.80 3.24 9.741
0.90 38 38 38 1.90 3.61 9.820
1.00 40 40 40 2.00 4.00 9.860
Mean g= 9.828 m𝒔 𝟐

.CALCULATION:- The acceleration due to gravity

𝒍 𝟎.𝟔𝟎
1. g= 4𝝅 𝟐
= 4 X (𝟑. 𝟏𝟒)𝟐 𝑿 = 4 X 3.14 X 3.14 X 0.25
𝑻𝟐 𝟐.𝟒𝟎
g = 9.860 m 𝒔 𝟐

𝒍 𝟎.𝟕𝟎
2. g = 4 𝝅𝟐 = 4 X (𝟑. 𝟏𝟒)𝟐 𝑿 = 4 X 3.14 X 3.14 X 0.25
𝑻𝟐 𝟐.𝟖𝟎
𝟗.𝟖𝟔𝟎 𝟗.𝟖𝟔𝟎 𝟗.𝟕𝟒𝟏 𝟗.𝟖𝟐𝟎 𝟗.𝟖𝟔𝟎
g = 9.860 m 𝒔 𝟐
Mean g =
𝟓

𝒍 𝟎.𝟖𝟎 𝟒𝟗.𝟏𝟒𝟏
3. g = 4 𝝅𝟐 = 4 X (𝟑. 𝟏𝟒)𝟐 𝑿 = 4 X 3.14 X 3.14 X 0.247 Mean g =
𝑻𝟐 𝟑.𝟐𝟒 𝟓
g = 9.741 m 𝒔 𝟐

𝒍 𝟎.𝟗𝟎
4. g = 4 𝝅𝟐 = 4 X (𝟑. 𝟏𝟒)𝟐 𝑿 = 4 X 3.14 X 3.14 X 0.249 Mean value of
𝑻𝟐 𝟑.𝟔𝟏
g = 9.820 m 𝒔 𝟐
The acceleration due to gravity g = 9.828 m 𝒔 𝟐
𝒍 𝟏.𝟎𝟎
5. g = 4 𝝅𝟐 = 4 X (𝟑. 𝟏𝟒)𝟐 𝑿 = 4 X 3.14 X 3.14 X 0.25
𝑻𝟐 𝟒.𝟎𝟎
g = 9.860 m 𝒔 𝟐

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RESULT:- The acceleration due to gravity ‘g’ determined using simple pendulum is found to be g = 9.828 m 𝒔 𝟐
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. S.Thangapandiyan, P.G.Teacher(physics), GHSS, Sathanoor .
 11 – std Physics Practicals
Q :- Determine the co-efficient of viscosity of the given liquid by stoke’s method
. Q ;- 5, 12, 19,
FORMULA:- Where η - Coefficient of viscosity of liquid ( N s 𝒎 𝟐 )
Coefficient of viscosity of liquid r → radius of spherical ball ( m )
𝜹 → density of the steel sphere ( kg 𝒎 𝟑 )
𝟐 𝒓𝟐 (𝜹 𝝈)𝒈 σ → density of the liquid ( kg 𝒎 𝟑 )
( N s 𝒎 𝟐)
𝟗𝑽 g → accelera on due to gravity (9.8 m 𝒔 𝟐 )
V → mean terminal velocity ( m𝒔 𝟏)
PROCEDURE: -
* A long cylindrical glass jar with markings is taken and Fill the glass jar with the given experimental liquid
* Two points A and B are marked on the jar. The mark A is made well below the surface of the liquid so that when the ball
reaches A it would have acquired terminal velocity V.
* The radius of the metal spherical ball is determined using screw gauge. The spherical ball is dropped gently into the liquid.
* Start the stop clock when the ball crosses the point A. Stop the clock when the ball reaches B and note down the time ‘t’.
* Note the distance between A and B and use it to calculate terminal velocity. Now repeat the experiment for different
distances between A and B. Make sure that the point A is suitable for the ball to acquire terminal velocity..
OBSEVATION:- To find the terminal velacity TABLE

Distance covered by the spherical Terminal Velocity (V)

S,No. ball (d) Time taken (t) d/t
POINT POINT d (m) (s) (m/s )
A B (B–A)
1 30 cm 40 cm 10cm = 0.10m 1.21 0.0826

2 30 cm 42 cm 12cm = 0.12m 1.46 0.0822

3 30 cm 44 cm 14cm = 0.14m 1.58 0.0886

Mean v =
𝒅
𝒕
= 𝟎.𝟐𝟓𝟑𝟒
𝟑
= 0.0845 m / s

CALCULATION: Density of the steel sphere 𝜹 = 7860 kg 𝒎 𝟑

Density of the liquid σ = 970 kg 𝒎 𝟑

Radius of spherical ball r = 2.10 X 𝟏𝟎 𝟑 m

Coefficient of viscosity of the liquid :-

𝟐 𝒓𝟐 𝒈 (𝜹 𝝈)
ɳ=
𝟗𝑽
𝟐× 𝟐.𝟏𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎 𝟑 × 𝟐.𝟏𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎 𝟑 × 𝟗.𝟖 × (𝟕𝟖𝟔𝟎 𝟗𝟕𝟎)
ɳ= 𝟗 ×𝟎.𝟎𝟖𝟒𝟓

𝟐× 𝟐.𝟏𝟎×𝟐.𝟏𝟎× 𝟗.𝟖 ×𝟔𝟖𝟗𝟎×𝟏𝟎 𝟔

ɳ= 𝟗 ×𝟎.𝟎𝟖𝟒𝟓
𝟓𝟗𝟓𝟓𝟒𝟒.𝟎𝟒×𝟏𝟎 𝟔
ɳ= 𝟎.𝟕𝟔𝟎𝟓
ɳ= 783095.38 ×𝟏𝟎 𝟔
ɳ= 0.78309538 N s 𝒎 𝟐

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RESULT:- The coefficient of viscosity of the given liquid by stoke’s method is found to be ɳ = 0.78309538 Ns𝒎 𝟐

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S.Thangapandiyan, P.G.Teacher(physics), GHSS, Sathanoor
 11 – std Physics Practicals
Q :- Study the relation between frequency and length of a given wire under constant tension using a sonometer
Q ;- 6, 13, 20.

𝟏 𝑻
FORMULA : The freqency n of the fundamental mode of vibration of a string is given by n= (Hz)
𝟐𝒍 𝒎

a) For a given m and fixed T .

𝟏
𝒍
n𝜶
OR nl = Constant
where, n → Frequency of the fundamental mode of vibra on of the string (Hz)
m → Mass per unit length of the string ( kg 𝒎 𝟏)
T → Tension in the string (including the mass of the hanger) = Mg ( N )
M → Mass suspended, including the mass of the hanger (kg) ; l → Length of the string between the wedges.(m).
PROCEDURE :- * Set up the sonometer on the table and clean the groove on the pulley to ensure minimum friction .
* Stretch the wire by placing suitable mass in the hanger. Keep a small paper rider over the wire, between the two bridges.
* Set the tuning fork into vibrations by striking it against the rubber pad and place it over the sonometer,by its stem.
* Adjust the vibrating length of the wire by sliding the bridge B till the vibrating sound of the wire is maximum.
* when the frequency of vibration is in resonance with the frequency of the tuning fork, the paper rider falls down..
* The length of the wire between the wedges A and B is measured using meter scale. It is called as resonant length.
* Repeat the above procedure for tuning forks of different frequencies (Ex, 384Hz , 420Hz , 480Hz,. by keeping the same load
in the hanger. The product nl for all the tuning forks remain constant.
OBSERVATIONS:- Tension (constant) on the wire (mass suspended from the hanger including its own mass)
TABLE T = (mass suspended × 9.8) N
Variation of frequency with length
S.No Frequency of the tuning fork ‘n ‘ Resonant length ‘l’ nl
( HZ) (cm) ( Hz m)

1 341 39.3 134.01

2 384 34.9 134.02
3 420 32 134.40
4 480 28 134.40
=
𝟓𝟑𝟔.𝟖𝟑
mean nl 𝟒
= 𝟏𝟑𝟒. 𝟐𝟏 (Hz m)

CALCULATION
1. nl = Constant 2. nl = Constant
nl = 341 × 39.3 × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
nl = 384 × 34.9 × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐

nl = 13401. × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐 nl = 13402. × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
nl = 134.01 ( Hz m) nl = 134.02 ( Hz m)
𝟏𝟑𝟒.𝟎𝟏 𝟏𝟑𝟒.𝟎𝟐 𝟏𝟑𝟒.𝟒𝟎 𝟏𝟑𝟒.𝟒𝟎
Mean nl = 𝟒
𝟓𝟑𝟔.𝟖𝟑
3. nl = Constant 4. nl = Constant Mean nl =
𝟒
nl = 420 × 32 × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
nl = 480 × 28 × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
Mean nl = 134.21 (Hz m)
nl = 13440. × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐 nl = 13440. × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
nl = 134.40 ( Hz m) nl = 134.40 ( Hz m)
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RESULT:- For a given tension, the resonant length of a given stretched string varies as reciprocal of the
frequency ( n 𝜶 𝟏𝒍 )
The product of nl is a constant and found to be :nl =134.21 (Hz m)
S.Thangapandiyan, P.G.Teacher(physics), GHSS, Sathanoor
 11 – std Physics Practicals
Q:- Study the relationship between the length of a given wire and tension for constant frequency using a
sonometer Q ;- 7 , 14

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𝟏 𝑻
FORMULA :- The frequency of the fundamental mode of vibration of a string is given by n= (Hz)
𝟐𝒍 𝒎
√𝑻
If n is a constant, for a given wire (m is constant), = 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕
𝒍
where n → Frequency of the fundamental mode of vibra on of a string (Hz)
m → Mass per unit length of string ( kg 𝒎 𝟏) ; T → Tension in the string (including the mass of the hanger) = Mg (N)
M → Mass suspended, including the mass of the hanger (kg), l → Length of the string between the wedges (m).
PROCEDURE :-
* Set up the sonometer on the table and clean the groove on the pulley to ensure that it has minimum friction.
* Keep a small paper rider on the wire,between the bridges.
* Place a mass of 1 kg for initial reading in the mass hanger.
* Now, strike the tuning fork and place its shank stem on the bridge A and then slowly adjust the position of the
bridge B till the paper rider is agitated violently and might eventually fall due to resonance.
* Measure the length of the wire between wedges at A and B which is the fundamental mode corresponding to
the frequency of the tuning fork.
* Increase the load on the hanger in steps of 0.5 kg and each time find the resonating length as done before with
the same tuning fork.
√𝑻
* Record the observations in the tabular column. 𝒍
is found to be a constant.

OBSERVATIONS: Frequency of the tuning fork n = 430 Hz

TABLE :-
Mass Vibrating length √𝑻
S.No M (kg) Tension T =Mg (N) (l)
√𝑻 𝒍
( cm) (Nm¯¹)
1 1.0 1.0 × 9.8 = 9.8 3.130 22.0 14.23
2 1.5 1.5 × 9.8 = 14.7 3.834 27.0 14.2
3 2.0 2.0 × 9.8 = 19.6 4.427 31.1 14.2
4 2.5 2.5 × 9.8 = 24.5 4.950 34.8 14.2

√𝑻
CALCULATION :- ;
√𝑻
To find value of (
𝒍
𝒊𝒔 found to be a constant. )
𝒍
𝟐
1.
√𝑻
𝒍
= 𝟑.𝟏𝟑𝟎
𝟐𝟐.𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
= 𝟑.𝟏𝟑𝟎×𝟏𝟎
𝟐𝟐
= 0.1423 ×𝟏𝟎𝟐 ;
√𝑻
𝒍
= 14.23 N 𝒎 𝟏

𝟐
2.
√𝑻
𝒍
= 𝟑.𝟖𝟑𝟒
𝟐𝟕.𝟎 × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
= 𝟑.𝟖𝟑𝟒×𝟏𝟎
𝟐𝟕
= 0.142 × 𝟏𝟎𝟐 ;
√𝑻
𝒍
= 14.2 N 𝒎 𝟏

𝟒.𝟐𝟒𝟕×𝟏𝟎𝟐
3.
√𝑻
𝒍
= 𝟒.𝟐𝟒𝟕
𝟑𝟑.𝟏 × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐 = 𝟑𝟑.𝟏
= 0.142 × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
;
√𝑻
𝒍
= 14.2 N 𝒎 𝟏
𝟒.𝟗𝟓𝟎×𝟏𝟎𝟐
4.
√𝑻
𝒍
= 𝟑𝟒.𝟖𝟒.𝟗𝟓𝟎× 𝟏𝟎 𝟐 = 𝟑𝟒.𝟖
= 0.142 × 𝟏𝟎𝟐 ;
√𝑻
𝒍
= 14.2 N 𝒎 𝟏
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RESULT :- The resonating length varies as square root of tension for a given frequency of vibration
of a stretched string..
√𝑻
𝒍
is found to be a constant.
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S.Thangapandiyan, P.G.Teacher(physics), GHSS, Sathanoor
 11 – std Physics Practicals
Q:- Determine the velocity of sound in air at room temperature using the resonance phenomenon. Q ;- 4, 11, 18.

FORMULA :- Speed of sound in air V = 𝟐 𝛎(𝒍𝟐 − 𝒍𝟏 ) 𝒎𝒔 𝟏

where V → Speed of sound in air ( 𝒎𝒔 𝟏 )

𝛎 → Frequency of the tuning fork (Hz)
𝒍𝟏 , 𝒍𝟐 →The length of the air column for the first and second resonance respec vely (m)
PROCEDURE :-
* Adjust the position of the resonance tube, so that the length of air column inside the tube is very small.
* Take a tuning fork of known frequency and strike it with a rubber hammer. The tuning fork now produces longitudinal waves
with a frequency equal to the natural frequency of the tuning fork.
* Place the vibrating tuning fork horizontally at the open end of the resonance tube. Sound waves pass down the total tube
and reflect back at the water surface.
* Length of the water column in the tube is adjusted either by lowering or raising the reservoir or the tube, until a maximum
sound(resonance) occurs.
* Measure the length of air column at this position. This is taken as the first resonating length 𝒍𝟏
* Then raise the tube approximately about two times the first resonating length. Excite the tuning fork again and place it on
the open end of the tube.
* Adjust the height of the air column until the maximum sound is heard.
* Measure the length of air column at this position. This is taken as the second resonating length 𝒍𝟐 We can now calculate the
velocity of sound in air at room temperature by using the relation V = 𝟐 𝛎(𝒍𝟐 − 𝒍𝟏 )
OBSERVATIONS :- To determine the velocity of sound in air at room temperature (V)

Frequency of First resonating length Second resonating length Velocity of

tuning fork ( cm) ( cm)
𝒍𝟏 𝒍𝟐 sound
'v' (Hz) (𝒍𝟐 − 𝒍𝟏 ) V = 𝟐 𝝂(𝒍𝟐 − 𝒍𝟏 )
× (m𝒔 𝟏
)
S.No 𝟏𝟎 𝟐 𝒎

Trial 1 Trial 2 Average Trial 1 Trial 2 Average

𝒍𝟏 𝒍𝟐
1 275 19 21 20 79 81.4 80.2 60.2 331.10
2 350 21.7 23.7 22.7 69 71 70 47.3 331.10
3 424 28 30 29 67 69 68 39 331.50
4 480 26 26 26 60 61 60.5 34.5 331.20
Mean V =1324.90 / 4 m𝒔 𝟏

Mean V =331.2 m𝒔 𝟏

CALCULATION :- Room temperature t=30 ℃

The velocity of sound in air at room temperature
1. v = 𝟐 𝝂(𝒍𝟐 − 𝒍𝟏 ) = 2 × 275 ( 60.2 ) × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
= 33110 × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
V = 331.10 𝒎𝒔 𝟏

2. v = 𝟐 𝝂(𝒍𝟐 − 𝒍𝟏 ) = 2 × 350 ( 47.3 ) × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐

= 33110 × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
V = 331.10 𝒎𝒔 𝟏

3. v = 𝟐 𝝂(𝒍𝟐 − 𝒍𝟏 ) = 2 × 424 ( 39 ) × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
= 33150 × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
V = 331.50 𝒎𝒔 𝟏

4. v = 𝟐 𝝂(𝒍𝟐 − 𝒍𝟏 ) = 2 × 480 ( 34.5 ) × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐

= 33110 × 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
V = 331.20 𝒎𝒔 𝟏

Mean v = 331.10+331.10+331.50+331.20
4
𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟒.𝟗𝟎
Mean v = → V =331.2 m𝒔 𝟏
𝟒

RESULT:- Velocity of sound in air at room temperature is found to be V =331.2 m𝒔 𝟏

S.Thangapandiyan, P.G.Teacher(physics), GHSS, Sathanoor