======Tuning Fork Resonance with Ping Pong Ball======


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**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
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**Alternative titles:** Sound Energy Transfer
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Place two tuning forks of the same frequency close to each other but not touching.  
  - Suspend or balance a lightweight ping pong ball near one of the tuning forks.  
  - Strike the first tuning fork gently with a rubber mallet to set it vibrating.  
  - Observe how the second tuning fork begins to vibrate due to resonance, even though it was not struck.  
  - Watch how the ping pong ball moves or bounces in response to the vibrations of the tuning fork.



====Links==== 
Tuning Forks Resonance + Ping Pong Ball - Tony Verheyden: 
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📄 Tuning Fork Resonance + Ping Pong Ball - The Wonder of Science: [[https://thewonderofscience.com/phenomenon/2020/1/3/tuning-fork-resonance-ping-pong-ball]]\\


====Variations====
  * Try the experiment with tuning forks of different frequencies and observe whether resonance occurs.  
  * Use a small suspended ball made of different materials (like cork or Styrofoam) to compare how they respond.  
  * Place the tuning forks at different distances apart to test how resonance is affected by distance.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Do not strike tuning forks on hard surfaces; always use a rubber mallet or padded object to prevent damage.  
  * Ensure the ping pong ball is lightweight and suspended securely if hanging on a thread.  
  * Keep tuning forks away from ears when vibrating to avoid loud, direct sound.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does the second tuning fork start vibrating without being struck? (Because resonance allows sound waves from the first fork to transfer energy to the second.)  
  * Why does this only work when the tuning forks have the same frequency? (Resonance occurs when objects share a natural frequency.)  
  * How does the ping pong ball help us see the vibrations that are otherwise invisible? (It moves when struck by the vibrating fork, acting as a visual indicator of sound energy.)  
  * What real-life examples of resonance can you think of? (Examples: a singer breaking a glass with their voice, musical instruments amplifying sounds, or bridges vibrating from wind or footsteps.)