Physical Science: Vernier - Sound Waves and Beats

Objectives

• Measure the frequency and period of sound waves from tuning forks or an electronic keyboard.
• Measure the amplitude of sound waves from tuning forks or an electronic keyboard.
• Observe beats between the sounds of two tuning forks or two keys on an electronic keyboard.

About the Lesson

In this experiment, students will discover how when two sound waves overlap, air pressure variations will combine. For sound waves, this combination is additive.

• Students will use the Vernier Microphone.