PURPOSE: To show beats with two tuning forks.
DESCRIPTION: A set of three tuning forks is used. Two of the tuning forks have identical frequencies of 10,187 hz. A third tuning fork has slightly differerent, having a frequency of 10,186 hz. The difference is 1 hertz. Strike the tuning forks with identical frequencys with a rubber mallet to start them vibrating and hear that they do not create beats. Strike the tuning forks with the different frequency and hear the beats. The tuning forks are heard using some audio pick ups, and amplifier and a speaker.
An audio pick up can be used to show the beats on the oscilloscope, as shown in the photo at right.
EQUIPMENT: Tuning forks, as photographed.
SETUP NOTES: Please be careful with these tuning forks. They have historical value.
Updated by Jun Qi in 4/5/2000