Question

In organ pipe reflection does not take place exactly at open end due to

• A. finite momentum of air molecules
• B. finite weight of air molecules
• C. finite elasticity of air molecules
• D. finite elasticity of organ pipe

Answer 1

The correct option is A finite momentum of air molecules

The distance between the end of the organ pipe and the plane where the reflection takes place is known as end correction.

The air molecules have a finite momentum and hence possess inertia of motion. They tend to move freely in all directions, which is not possible inside the pipe. Hence they come out of the pipe and get reflected at a small distance outside the pipe.