MyCompetitiveExams Logo MyCompetitiveExams
MyCompetitiveExams Logo MyCompetitiveExams
Search 1,140+ Questions
Chapters, formulas, speed tricks
→
⚡ Brahmastra NEET 2027
720 MARKS

Dynamic 180-question full-length simulator mixed dynamically from all 6 years for 2027 & 2026 aspirants.

Launch Brahmastra 2027 Test →
Start Practice →
100% Free · No Login Required
Q.4 Physics ⭐ 360° Option Elimination Active
Vault ↗

NEET 2023 Physics Question 4 Solution

Topic: Waves · Official NTA Booklet Code G5
NEET 2023 Physics Question 4: Fundamental Harmonics of Open vs Closed Organ Pipes

Question

The ratio of frequencies of fundamental harmonic produced by an open pipe to that of closed pipe having the same length is:

✓
Verified Against NTA Final Answer Key
Option (3) : 2 : 1
📚 Waves Easy
📋 Given Parameters & Problem Setup
Pipe Length Same length L for both pipes
Acoustic Medium Same sound speed v
⚡

The 30-Second Exam Hall Shortcut: ⚡ Open-to-Closed Acoustic Doubling Law

⏱️ Save ~40 seconds

An open pipe has antinodes at both ends (λ = 2L), while closed has a node at one end (λ = 4L); thus f_open = 2 × f_closed → 2 : 1!

1 Recall that an open organ pipe supports fundamental wavelength λ_open = 2L, so f_open = v / (2L).
2 A closed organ pipe supports fundamental wavelength λ_closed = 4L, so f_closed = v / (4L).
3 Take the ratio: f_open / f_closed = [v / (2L)] / [v / (4L)] = 4 / 2 = 2 : 1.
4 Lock Option (3) instantly in under 10 seconds!
🛡️
Why You Can 100% Trust This Shortcut: Fundamental Wave Mechanics · Standing Acoustic Waves (Boundary conditions: open pipe has λ = 2L; closed pipe has λ = 4L).
📐

Step-by-Step Rigorous Workflow & Mathematical Proof

Step 1

Fundamental Mode of Open Organ Pipe

An open pipe of length L has antinodes at both open ends and a displacement node at the center. The pipe length accommodates half a wavelength:

L=λopen2  ⟹  λopen=2L  ⟹  fopen=vλopen=v2LL = \frac{\lambda_{\text{open}}}{2} \implies \lambda_{\text{open}} = 2L \implies f_{\text{open}} = \frac{v}{\lambda_{\text{open}}} = \frac{v}{2L}
Step 2

Fundamental Mode of Closed Organ Pipe

A closed pipe of length L has a displacement node at the closed end and an antinode at the open end. The pipe length accommodates one-quarter of a wavelength:

L=λclosed4  ⟹  λclosed=4L  ⟹  fclosed=vλclosed=v4LL = \frac{\lambda_{\text{closed}}}{4} \implies \lambda_{\text{closed}} = 4L \implies f_{\text{closed}} = \frac{v}{\lambda_{\text{closed}}} = \frac{v}{4L}
Step 3

Ratio Evaluation

Divide the two fundamental frequencies for pipes of identical length:

fopenfclosed=v2Lv4L=4L2L=21=2:1\frac{f_{\text{open}}}{f_{\text{closed}}} = \frac{\frac{v}{2L}}{\frac{v}{4L}} = \frac{4L}{2L} = \frac{2}{1} = 2 : 1
⭐

360° Option Elimination Engine Key Feature

Diagnose every choice: Know exactly why the right option works and why distractors fail.

4-Option Deep Scan
1 (1)
✗ Incorrect
Verdict & Scientific Reason:

Incorrect ratio corresponding to overtone comparison, not fundamental harmonics.

⚠️
Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Candidate confused the first overtone of a closed pipe (3f) with the fundamental harmonic.
2 (2)
✗ Incorrect
Verdict & Scientific Reason:

Inverted ratio (closed pipe to open pipe).

⚠️
Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Candidate inverted the order of ratio (calculated closed : open instead of open : closed).
3 (3)
✓ 100% Correct
Verdict & Scientific Reason:

Exact ratio of fundamental frequencies for open to closed organ pipes of equal length.

💡
Why this is airtight: None. Candidate correctly recalled boundary node-antinode patterns.
4 (4)
✗ Incorrect
Verdict & Scientific Reason:

Inverted third harmonic ratio.

⚠️
Student Fallacy (Why candidates pick this trap): Candidate confused harmonic numbering with fundamental ratio.
⚠️

NTA Trap Alert: Order of Ratio Inversion (Open : Closed vs Closed : Open)

The question asks for "open pipe TO closed pipe". Selecting 1 : 2 is the most frequent blunder when students derive f_closed = f_open / 2 and write the ratio backwards.

🛡️ How to avoid the -1 mark: Always write Numerator : Denominator explicitly as "Open / Closed = 2 / 1".
📖

Core NEET Syllabus Standard

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) · Waves Standard Benchmark
Core Scientific Principle Tested:

"An open pipe of length L produces a fundamental frequency twice that of a closed pipe of the same length."

Syllabus Focus: Standing Waves in Organ Pipes and Harmonics
Preserved in Rationalized Curriculum Syllabus & Academic Standards ↗

Ready to attempt under real exam pressure?

Test your speed and accuracy in the authentic 200-minute timed NTA simulator.

Launch NEET 2023 CBT Test →

Spotted a mistake in this solution? Report an error ([email protected])

⚖️ Legal & Fair Dealing Notice: Sourced from publicly released NEET 2023 question papers and NEET answer keys for private study, research, and non-commercial educational practice under Fair Dealing (Section 52(1)(a) of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957). Not affiliated with or endorsed by NTA or NMC.

Solve 4 NEET Questions a Day — One per Subject

Cover all 1,140 official NEET questions in 285 days at your own pace. Progress is saved on your device. No login needed.