Electric Tuning Fork

This heavy-duty electric tuning fork is driven by an electromagnet to produce a sustained frequency of approximately 80 Hz. The tuning fork assembly and binding posts are mounted on a stable cast-metal base. One prong of the tuning fork has a captive knurled thumbscrew for performing Melde's standing wave experiment. The amplitude of vibrations is varied by means of a threaded adjustment screw. Universal binding posts provide electrical power from an external source of 2 to 6 volts DC. The instrument is used to demonstrate relationships between frequency, length, tension, and mass in standing wave experiments.