RESONANCE SMASHING OF A WINE GLASS

AIM: To smash a wine glass using sound waves at the resonant frequency.

APPARATUS:

        Signal generator

        Horn loudspeaker
        P.A. Amplifier
        Stand and cabinet
        Wine glass
        Laser
        Mirror

DIAGRAM:

DESCRIPTION:

A clean wine glass is positioned a few centimetres from the horn loudspeaker in the cabinet shown above. A light mirror rests against the rim and acts as a detector of resonance. The frequency of the signal generator is swept slowly through the 1000 1600 range until resonance is indicated by a circular Lissajous figure projected on the screen. At this point the amplifier output is increased whereby the glass will explode under the action of the rim oscillations.