Which one of the following statements is not true for a flute, a mus

Which one of the following statements is not true for a flute, a musical instrument ?

Momentum of waves on the blowing jet determines the loudness of the produced note.

Arrival time of the waves on the blowing jet determines the pitch of the produced note.

Sound comes from a vibrating column of air inside the flute.

Sound comes from a vibrating column of air inside as well as outside the flute.

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-1 – 2023

Download PDF Attempt Online

In a flute, the sound primarily originates from the vibration of the column of air *inside* the tube. The tube acts as a resonant cavity that reinforces specific frequencies of vibration initiated by the air jet blown across the lip plate.

While there is complex airflow and some turbulence outside the flute, the characteristic musical tone and pitch are produced by the standing waves formed within the air column confined by the tube. The tube length (modified by finger holes) determines the resonant frequencies (pitches).

Statement A is plausible as the force/momentum of the air jet relates to the energy input and amplitude of vibration, affecting loudness. Statement C is true, describing the essential mechanism. Statement B is also arguably true in the sense that the timing of feedback from the air column resonance influences the jet’s oscillation rate, thus affecting the pitch. However, stating that sound comes from a vibrating column of air *outside* as a *main* source is incorrect; the primary resonant vibration is internal.

Join Our Telegram Channel

More similar MCQ questions for Exam preparation:-