Columbia University Physics Lecture Demonstrations


Categories
Mechanics
Fluid Mechanics
Oscillation and Waves
Thermodynamics
Electricity and Magnetism
Optics
Modern Physics
Astronomy
Images

3B60.1 Beats with Tuning Forks

[Setup Time: 2 Min.] [Current Condition: Good]

Info

Two 256 Hz tuning forks are struck and shown to have the same pitch. Then a bit of clay is stuck to the side of one of the forks. Struck by itself, the difference is barely detectable, but a beat is heard if both forks are struck at the same time.

Parts List

Two 256 Hz Tuning Forks in C. Oscillations and Waves, 1B

Piece of Clay in C. Oscillations and Waves, 1B

Mallet in C. Oscillations and Waves, 1B

Relevant Simulation

Demo Example (No Clay):

Demo Example (Clay at the Middle):

Demo Example (Clay at the Top):

Other Information

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5gkI6joisI

Real-Life Examples

N/A

More Advanced Reading

N/A