3C55.35 - Beating/Tuning forks
- Description
The experiment shows how 2 oscillators with slightly different frequencies will drift in and out of phase in a process called “beating”. The frequency of this beating is the difference between the frequencies of the 2 oscillators. If the difference is very large, a “difference tone” might be observed, where the beating becomes fast enough to be heard as a 3rd tone, but this experiment is not able to create such a tone.
- Equipment
- 2 tuning forks, at least one adjustable
- Striker for tuning forks
- (If necessary) Microphone for lecture hall
- How to assemble and operate
- 1. Place the tuning forks next to each other
- 2. Move the adjustment all the way up on the adjustable fork
- 3. Strike both forks, observe the rapid "beating"
- 4. Move the adjustment down a bit
- 5. Strike again, observe slower beating
- 6. Reapeat a few times to show that as the forks get more in tune the beating slows down
