Book 14, Question 8
Why Does a Tuning Fork Keep Ringing for a While?
A tuning fork rings for a long time because its metal loses energy very slowly! After you tap it, the two prongs spring back and forth at the same steady rate. That makes a pure, steady tone.
More fun facts
- A tuning fork is a metal device shaped to make one exact pitch.
- Tuning forks are often made of steel or aluminium.
- Once struck, it rings until its prongs stop vibrating.
- Musicians match their instruments to the fork's note.
- The first tuning fork was made by John Shore in the 1700s.
- Ragg, the UK's oldest tuning fork maker, traces its business back to 1833.
Sources: BBC, BBC, Smithsonian
Questions kids ask
What are tuning forks used for?
Tuning musical instruments, and some people use their long ringing sound to relax.