Tuning Forks
Tuning Forks
Tuning Forks

 

Code Number: 3D46.15

Demo Title: Tuning Forks - Various

Condition: Good

Principle: Various Wave Properties

Area of Study: Oscillations & Acoustics

Equipment: 

Tuning forks (assorted), Rubber mallets for tuning forks.

Procedure:

All the tuning forks need to be coated with WD-40 at least 3 times a year to prevent rusting.  To remove rust make a .1 Molar solution of Ammonium Citrate and let the metal parts soak in this for several hours.  Rinse with vigorous scrubbing under running water, dry and oil immediately.  DO NOT scrape or rub the forks with any abrasive materials as this will change the pitch and vibration of the fork.  Broken boxes need to be re-glued with special glues to preserve their resonance properties.

The "motor mount" style tuning forks are particularly good for large classrooms.

Scientific Pitch Notation

References:

  • Robert Drosd, Leonid Minkin, and Alexander S. Shapovalov, "Interference and the Law of Energy Conservation",  TPT, Vol. 52, #7, Oct. 2014, p. 428.
  • James Lincoln, "Ten Things You Should Do With a Tuning Fork", TPT, Vol. 51, #3, Mar. 2013, p. 176.
  • Thomas B. Greenslade Jr., "Acoustic Resonators", TPT, Vol. 50, #8, Nov. 2012, p. 485.
  • Jeffrey D. Goldader, "Determining Absolute Zero Using a Tuning Fork", TPT, Vol. 46, #4, Apr. 2008, p. 206.
  • John D. McGervey, "Hands-on Physics For Less Than a Dollar Per Hand-Part III", TPT, Vol. 34, #7, Oct. 1996, p. 448.
  • Howard Brody, "Radar Guns and Tuning Forks", TPT, Vol. 30, #2, Feb. 1992, p. 102.
  • Thomas B. Greenslade, Jr., "The Acoustical Apparatus of Rudolph Koenig", TPT, Vol. 30, #9, Dec. 1992, p. 518.
  • Thomas B. Greenslade, Jr., "Photo - Koenig's Tonometer", AJP, Vol. 76, #7, July 2008, p. 670.
  • Iain G. Main, "The Use of a Moving-Coil Galvanometer to Demonstrate Free and Forced Vibrations", AJP, Vol. 56, #9, Sept. 1988, p. 839.
  • R. M. Sillitto, "Angular Distribution of the Acoustic Radiation from a Tuning Fork", AJP, Vol. 34, #8, Aug. 1966, p. 639.
  • Sf-1, 2, Sh-4, Sc-3: Freier and Anderson, A Demonstration Handbook for Physics.
  • W-265: "Tuning Fork and Tuned Cavity", DICK and RAE Physics Demo Notebook.
  • M-945: "Tuning Fork on Sounding Board", DICK and RAE Physics Demo Notebook.
  • Shoma Kutasov, "Interference of the Sound of a Tuning Fork", Physics Demonstrations, p. 227.
  • "Scientific Pitch Notation", Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_pitch_notation.
  • Joseph Frick, "#148 - The Tuning-Fork", Physical Technics: Or, Practical Instructions for Making Experiments in Physics and the Construction of Physical Apparatus with the Most Limited Means", p. 175.
  • The Queen Catalogues Vol. II, Catalogue of Physicsal Instruments, No. 4572, p. 44.