Visualization of the vibrations of a tuning fork

Principle

In this experiment, the students visualise the oscillations of tuning forks by plotting the oscillations of a pen-equipped tuning fork on a sheet of paper. They see that the sine curve is the course of an oscillation over time, and they compare the frequencies and amplitudes of normal tuning forks and of the pen-equipped tuning fork.

Benefits

• Experiment is part of an experiment set with a total of 22 experiments about generation, propagation and perception of sound, oscillations and waves
• Particularly appropriate as an experiment for first contact with physics in general
• With graphic student worksheets
• With detailed instructor information
• Optimized for tight schedules, i.e. minimum preparation time required

Tasks

If a tuning fork is struck, its oscillation produces a sound of a certain pitch. This can be used, for example, for tuning an instrument. In order to comprehend the nature of this oscillation, study the oscillation of a pen-equipped tuning fork in this experiment.

Learning objectives

• Tuning fork
• Sine curve
• Frequency
• Amplitude