Good vibrations

How does the length of a vibrating ruler affect the note produced?

PLAN

Find a way to fix a metre rule to the edge of a desk or table so that part of it overlaps and can be "twanged".  (You could stack a pile of heavy books on the end - or you could use a clamp.)

I WILL NEED

A metre rule.

I MAY NEED

A means of fixing one end of the rule.

A piano - or a set of pitch-pipes.

FAIR TEST

Does it make any difference how hard you "twang" the rule? ... or how far you bend it before releasing it?

PREDICTION

What do you think might happen?

Does this connect to any science you have done or heard about previously?

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY

Measure how much of the rule is overlapping.

"Twang" it.

Change the amount of overlap.

"Twang" it again.

Keep changing the amount of overlap.

Keep "twanging"!

How will you measure the effect of each "twang"?

COLLECT

DATA

You can record how much of the rule is overlapping each time - but how will you measure the note it produces?

Do you know someone who could help with this?

ANALYSE

DATA

You may notice a pattern as the length is altered.

PRESENT

FINDINGS

What is the best way to show what you did?

Is it possible to give a demonstration - or record part of the investigation?

EVALUATE

INVESTIGATION

If someone else was going to carry out this investigation, what tips or advice would you give them?

If you were going to do this investigation again, what would you do to improve it?

If you have carried out this investigation, click the icon to send in your results to Brainboxx and we may publish your work on the website.  It is best to e-mail the results of your investigation or you may need to send them by post.  Make sure you get permission from a teacher, parent or other adult before you get in touch.

CHANGING SOUNDS

SOUND FACTS