wave_motion.gif (10915 bytes)


SYMPATHETIC VIBRATION OF TUNING FORKS








EQUIPMENT

    redball.gif (326 bytes) Matched Frequency Tuning Forks
   
redball.gif (326 bytes) Ping-Pong Ball on a String
   
redball.gif (326 bytes) Rubber Mallet




NARRATIVE
            One tuning fork vibrating at a certain frequency will cause a second tuning fork to vibrate if the natural frequency of the second fork is same of close to that of the first. Suspend the ping-pong ball from a stand so that it just contacts one of the tuning forks. Strike the other tuning fork and bring it near the first. The ping-pong ball will be agitated indicating vibration of its tuning fork. The natural frequency of either tuning fork may be changed by positioning one of the included clamps on a tine of one of the forks.