Harmonic Series Experiments: Length Correction of the Malaysia Pan Flute

• Published in: Physics education Vol. 53; no. 6
• Main Authors: Jaafar, Rosly, Mat Daud, Anis Nazihah, Hon, Kok Keng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Institute of Physics Publishing 01-11-2018
• Subjects: Musical Instruments; Physics; Science Experiments; Science Instruction; Scientific Concepts
• ISSN: 0031-9120
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6552/aad828

In this study, we determined the length correction of the Malaysia pan flute using the harmonic series experiments. The Malaysia pan flute is made from bamboo and consists of eight different bore lengths; 15.50cm, 13.50cm, 12.00cm, 10.30cm, 9.00cm, 7.60cm, 6.50cm and 5.20cm. It is categorized as a one-closed-end resonance tube since it is sealed at both ends but has a fipple opening. The length correction of the Malaysia pan flute occurs at its fipple opening as the vibrating air is extended past to it. The length corrections for each flute are determined from the slope of "nv"/4 versus "f"[subscript n] graphs as their diameters are slightly different from each other. The experimental values of length correction from the harmonic series experiments are compared with the theoretical values to verify the compatibility of harmonic series experiments in determining the length correction of the Malaysia pan flute. The length corrections from the harmonic series experiments are less than 5.00% compared with the theoretical values, thus indicating that the harmonic series experiments can be used to determine the length correction of the Malaysia pan flute.