Waves and Sound Waves

Demonstration: Resonance and Saw Blade

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Equipment
  • Circular saw blade
  • Support rod
  • Sprinklings of various materials
  • Clamp
Description

A circular saw blade is mounted horizontally on a rod and set into vibration by stroking the blade with a violin bow. These patterns are observed with the aid of small particles sprinkled on the surface. The patterns are shown to depend on the way the violin bow strokes the blade and are modified by attaching a clamp which forces a node at a particular location.