Tuning Fork Resonance with Ping Pong Ball

This demonstration shows how sound energy can transfer between two tuning forks of the same frequency, causing one fork to vibrate after the other is struck. A ping pong ball placed near the vibrating fork bounces in response, making the invisible vibrations visible.

1. Place two tuning forks of the same frequency close to each other but not touching.
2. Suspend or balance a lightweight ping pong ball near one of the tuning forks.
3. Strike the first tuning fork gently with a rubber mallet to set it vibrating.
4. Observe how the second tuning fork begins to vibrate due to resonance, even though it was not struck.
5. Watch how the ping pong ball moves or bounces in response to the vibrations of the tuning fork.

Tuning Forks Resonance + Ping Pong Ball - Tony Verheyden:

📄 Tuning Fork Resonance + Ping Pong Ball - The Wonder of Science: https://thewonderofscience.com/phenomenon/2020/1/3/tuning-fork-resonance-ping-pong-ball

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.)