Resonance Apparatus

Item #P7-7450

$136.00 Bundle Discount

Unit Price	$136.00
6+	$124.00

Calculate the speed of sound using resonance and water

The Resonance Apparatus is a simple yet powerful tool for helping students understand resonance, standing waves, and the speed of sound. Using only a tuning fork and water, this classic demonstration shows how sound waves behave in a closed tube—often surprising students with how accurately the speed of sound can be calculated using such straightforward equipment.

Why Teachers Love the Resonance Apparatus

Student-favorite experiment: The simplicity and accuracy of the results consistently impress students.
Clear resonance demonstration: Audible changes make resonance easy to identify and understand.
Minimal equipment required: Uses just a tuning fork and water for a complete investigation.
Accurate measurements: Marked tube allows precise determination of wavelength and sound speed.

Resources

Resonance Apparatus Instructional Guide

How the Resonance Apparatus Works

Prepare the tube: Partially fill the resonance tube with water, creating a closed air column.
Introduce sound: Strike a tuning fork and hold it above the open end of the tube.
Adjust for resonance: Slowly change the water level until a loud resonance is heard.
Standing wave formation: Resonance occurs when a standing wave forms with an antinode at the open end of the tube.
Calculate speed of sound: Use the measured air-column length and tuning fork frequency to determine the speed of sound, based on the classic ¼-wavelength condition in a closed tube.
Extend the investigation: Reverse the process to find the frequency of an unknown tuning fork using the known speed of sound in air.