PURPOSE: To get students to think about how a resonant cavity works by tricking them.
DESCRIPTION: Two identical 440 Hz tuning bars with resonant cavities are presented. When the bars are struck with a mallet, one rings for a long time like normal, but the other one does not, damping very quickly. The instructor turns the non-resonant cavity over, pushes the "resonance" button, and strikes it again. This time it works! Let the students discuss this mysterious behavior. EXPLANATION: When the tuning bar is turned over to push the "resonance" button all of the sulfur hexafluoride is poured out!
SUGGESTIONS:
REFERENCES: (PIRA unavailable.)
EQUIPMENT: Two tuning bars, sulfur hexafluoride, rubber mallet.
SETUP TIME: None.
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