Panpipes
Purpose
Demonstrates the inverse relationship between pipe length and resonant frequency in closed-end air columns. Students hear directly that shorter pipes produce higher pitches, connecting physical dimensions to the standing wave condition \(f = v/(4L)\).
Figure 1:
Professional giant cane panpipes. Graduated tube lengths produce different pitches when air is blown across the open ends.
Figure 2:
Homemade PVC panpipes — durable, inexpensive alternatives for classroom demonstration.
Figure 3:
Yellow PVC panpipes tuned to an E-flat major pentatonic scale, with note markings on the tubes.
Equipment
- 1