In an orchestra, a tympani player tunes two drums so that one drum plays a lower note than the other

drum. Which statement about the waves formed by striking the drums is true? (1 point)
Answers below:
The frequencies of the waves formed by striking both drums are the same.

The frequency of the wave from the drum with the lower note is greater.

The wavelengths of the waves formed by striking both drums are the same.

The wavelength of the wave from the drum with the lower note is longer.

1 answer

To determine which statement is true, let's analyze the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and pitch.

In an orchestra, when one drum plays a lower note than another drum, it has a lower frequency. The relationship between frequency (f), wavelength (λ), and the speed of sound (v) is given by the formula:

\[ v = f \times λ \]

  1. The frequencies of the waves formed by striking both drums are the same.

    • This statement is false. The drum playing the lower note has a lower frequency.
  2. The frequency of the wave from the drum with the lower note is greater.

    • This statement is false for the same reason. A lower note means a lower frequency.
  3. The wavelengths of the waves formed by striking both drums are the same.

    • This statement is false. Wavelength typically changes with frequency, assuming the speed of sound is constant.
  4. The wavelength of the wave from the drum with the lower note is longer.

    • This statement is true. Because the drum with the lower note has a lower frequency, it will have a longer wavelength.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

The wavelength of the wave from the drum with the lower note is longer.