Sound Wave Experiment with Patterns for the Curious Kid
Make Sound Waves Visible with Chladni Patterns!
Submitted by
GeekMom
GeekMom
This quick and easy experiment makes sound waves visible! It's fun to watch patterns appear in a sprinkling of salt or puddle of water, seemingly out of nowhere. Scientists call them "Chladni patterns," after the 18th century German physicist and musician Ernst Chladni, who is considered the father of acoustics.
- Large Can or Cardboard Box with Metal Bottom
- Audio Speaker
- Salt and/or Water
Turn the carton or can upside down. Place it over or on top of an audio speaker. The wider the range, the better you'll be able to see patterns if you're worried about getting water or salt on your electronic device, pop it in a ziptop bag first or cover it with a plastic drop cloth. You can also set a thin disposable plate on top of the box. On top of the setup, sprinkle a thin layer of salt or pour a little water.
Start playing some music over the speaker. Finding the best tones for pattern watching depends on your setup. Sometimes a nice low thumping bass will set the salt jumping or waves flowing in the water, but it may also respond better to a higher tone. If you play an instrument, you might also try this with some live music.
Have fun with different types of sounds and experiment!
- Chladni patterns are not only beautiful, they're also used in the making of violins and guitars as a way to check that they are producing the correct vibrating tone!
Submit!
