The normal incidence absorption coefficient of a small sample can be measured in a standing wave tube (also called an impedance tube. The sample is sealed across the end of a tube and at the other end the air in the tube is excited by means of a loudspeaker. Measurements of the standing wave pattern in the tube are used to calculate the absorption coefficient. The tube must be longer than half the longest wavelength to be used and the cross-section should be less than half the shortest wavelength to be used.