Low Cost Category

2002 AAPT Apparatus Competition,    Boise State University

 

Name:  Machele Cable

 

Address:        Box 7507 Reynolda Station

                        Physics Dept.

                        Wake Forest University

                        Winston-Salem, NC  27052

                       

Phone:           336-758-5532

Fax:                336-758-6142

E-mail:            cablem@wfu.edu

 

 

Apparatus Title:  Open and Closed Standing Wave Resonance Chambers

 

Abstract (40-50 words)

 

This adjustable apparatus replaces old Kudtz tube-type setups with cork, water and glass drawbacks. Two pieces of PVC pipe can be adjusted for resonance when excited by a tuning fork. In addition, an end cap can be added or removed to study open and closed ended standing waves.

 

 

Equipment required to construct apparatus:

Item

Source

Cost

1” x 5’ PVC pipe

Hardware store (Lowes or Home Depot)

$1.72

1 1/4” x 5’ PVC pipe

Hardware store

$2.34

1 1/4” PVC cap

Hardware store

$0.46 each

 

 

 

 

Total Cost

$4.52 for one massively long set or $5.44 for three sets ($1.81/each).

 

Description: 

 

Equipment Required for Construction: PVC pipe of two diameters such that one just fits inside the other (1 ¼” and 1 ½” used here), hack saw or band saw, file, measuring tape, pencil or pen that will mark on PVC.

 

How to Make:

  1. Calculate how long the closed pipe must be to get the fundamental of the tuning fork that will be used. (If this length is too long, you may have to work with the first harmonic)
  2. Divide the length in half and add 3 cm.
  3. Cut a piece of each size of pipe to this length.
  4. File the edges of the pipe ends to remove burs.
  5. Assemble the tube as shown.

 

Sketch (computer generated if possible):