[Phys-L] Re: Singing Rod Demo....

[jbellina <jbellina@SAINTMARYS.EDU>]

A quick analysis of the frequency range of the longitudinal and
traverse components will show that the longitudinal wave have a much
higher frequency...in the "singing" range.  Also if you hold the rod
horizontally you will find the sound is loudest along the line of the
rod, suggesting propagation from the end, again in indication of the
source being a longitudinal wave in the rod.

cheers,

joe

Joseph J. Bellina, Jr. Ph.D.
Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College
Notre Dame, IN 46556

On Nov 25, 2005, at 5:15 PM, von Philp wrote:

> Some other physics teacher and I were recently debating the singing
> rod demo
> where an aluminum rod resonates after stroking it with fingers
> rubbed in
> rosin.
>
> The debate was about whether the standing waves created were
> transverse or
> longitudinal.  My gut feeling is the waves are longitudinal based
> on the
> manner in which the metal rod is stroked.  Another teacher strongly
> believed
> that the waves must be transverse because the impressive volume of
> the sound
> is too great to be achieved longitudinally.
>
> What do the rest of you think?  Is there a compelling test or
> evidence to
> prove what type of wave it is?
>
> Thanks,
> Ralph von Philp
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