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Interactive Simulations for Teaching Physics
Resonance in a Cavity
with Air
Authors: Ms. Giselle dos Santos Castro - Federal University of Ceara - UFC
Dr. Nildo Loiola Dias - Federal University of Ceara - UFC
CONTROLS:
- Check ON to start the simulation.
- The Frequency slider allows you to choose the frequency.
- The Volume slider allows you to vary the intensity of the sound.
- The Plunger slider allows you to move the plunger inside the tube.
- There is the option to choose an unknown frequency from three options.
- The PLAY button allows you to hear the sound (but the simulation works without pressing the PLAY; in this case, the decibel meter reading must be observed).
- The OFF button turns off the sound.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SIMULATION:
In this simulation, a speaker placed in the open end of a pipe produces sound with a well-defined frequency. The frequency can be chosen in the range of 300 Hz to 1000 Hz using a cursor. There is also the possibility to choose one of three unknown frequencies. A slider can adjust the volume of the sound (sound intensity). A third slider allows you to vary the position of a plunger inside the tube. By varying the position of the plunger, the sound varies in intensity, reaching a maximum intensity at the points for which there is resonance. Depending on your device configuration (Windows, Linux, Mac, IOS, Android, etc) the simulation may or may not produce sound, however the plunger positions for which there is resonance can be identified by looking at the virtual decibel meter (which indicates the sound intensity). The virtual decibel meter is located on the right.
For an analysis of the data, consult one of the proposed ACTIVITY GUIDE.
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