Tuning Fork Sets, 3D46.15

Topic and Concept:

• Instruments, 3D46. Tuning Forks

Location:

• Cabinet: Waves and Sound (WS)

• Bay: (A1)

• Shelf: #1

Abstract:

Various sets of tuning forks are shown.

Important Setup Notes:

• Note that we have many more tuning forks than are displayed. All are in location specified above.

Setup and Procedure:

1. Place a set of tuning forks on the table in order of frequency.

Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:

• N/A

Discussion:

Tuning forks are a type of harmonic oscillator. When smacked with a beater, the metal forks, which are flexible, are displaced causing them to oscillate. There is a restoring force dependent on the displacement due to the fact that the metal becomes stressed when smacked. This is the cause for the harmonic motion giving the tuning fork one frequency of oscillation. The level of force applied determines the amplitude of the oscillation, which is what we interpret as the volume. The frequency, which determines the pitch of the sound, is determined by the amount of mass of which the fork is made and of what material the forks are made.

Videos:

• Lecture Demonstration's Youtube Channel

References:

• Wikipedia - Tuning Forks

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