The average human vocal tract length from larynx to lips is 17.5 cm. That vocal

Question

The average human vocal tract length from larynx to lips is 17.5 cm. That vocal tract filters the frequency content of the pressure wave generated in the larynx, and if we model the vocal tract as a cylindrical tube of 17.5 cm in length, closed at one end, determine the frequencies of the first five resonances in the vocal tract, assuming a speed of sound of 344 m/s. (Part of the reason we can articulate so many different speech sounds is because the vocal tract has a lot of movable parts in it that can change the natural resonances of the vocal tract far from that of a cylindrical tube of 17.5 cm length, closed at one end!)

Explanation / Answer

l = 17.5 cm = 0.175 m

v = 344 m/s

first resonance frequency when pipe is closed at one end

F1 = (m+1)*v / 2*l

F1 = 2*344/2*0.175 = 1965.71 Hz

F2 = (2+1)*344/2*0.175

F2 = 2948.57Hz

F3 = (3+1)*344/2*0.175

F3 = 3931.42 Hz

F4 = (4+1)*344/2*0.175

F4 = 4914.28 Hz

F5 = (5+1)*344/2*0.175

F5 = 5897.14 Hz

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.