PURPOSE: To show a sustained oscillation without damping.
DESCRIPTION: A tuning fork has a contact point mechanism. When a low voltage power supply is used the oscillations of the tuning fork will make and break the contact. This will switch off and on the current to a solenoid. The magnetic field of the solenoid drives the tuning fork vibrations. The undamped sine wave oscillations of the driven tuning fork can be heard and seen on the oscilloscope.
EQUIPMENT: Driven tuning fork, as photographed.
SETUP NOTES: Be carefull not to damage this apparatus. It is an
irreplaceable, historic device made by the renowned Rudolf Koenig.
Updated by Jun Qi in 4/3/2000