3B60.10 Beat Forks

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the concept of "beats" to students.

DESCRIPTION: Two identical tuning forks (atop sounding boxes) are struck to show what they sound like while "in tune". A very small but strong neodynium magnet is stuck to one of the tines on one of the forks -- this will effect its motion in such a way that the forks will be slightly out of tune with one another. The forks are struck again and beats may then be heard.

SETUP TIME: Ready to go

COMPONENT LIST:

    


  1. Tuning forks on boxes with small Nd magnet		On Wave Shelves

SUGGESTIONS: Do this ahead of time to make sure the beats are audible.

REFERENCES: PIRA 3B60.10

OTHER NOTES: