Tuning fork

Definition

A tuning fork is a two-pronged metal device that produces a fixed pitch when struck. It is used to study sound waves and resonance phenomena.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The frequency of a tuning fork's vibration is determined by its length, mass, and material.
2. Tuning forks produce sound waves at their fundamental frequency, also known as the first harmonic.
3. When struck, a tuning fork vibrates in simple harmonic motion, creating longitudinal standing waves in the surrounding air.
4. The prongs of a tuning fork move in opposite directions during vibration, leading to compression and rarefaction of air molecules.
5. Tuning forks are often used to demonstrate resonance; they can induce vibrations in other objects with matching natural frequencies.

Review Questions

• What factors determine the frequency of vibration for a tuning fork?
• How does a tuning fork create longitudinal standing waves in air?
• Describe how resonance can be demonstrated using two tuning forks.

Related terms

Fundamental Frequency: The lowest frequency produced by any vibrating object, including a tuning fork.

Harmonic:

An integer multiple of the fundamental frequency produced by an oscillating system.

Resonance:

\\text{A phenomenon where an object vibrates with increasing amplitude at specific frequencies known as resonant frequencies.}