Why Does a Ruler Twang Lower When More of It Hangs Over the Edge?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does a ruler twang lower when more of it hangs over the edge?

The Big Idea

A ruler twangs lower when more of it hangs over the edge because the longer free end swings more slowly! Slower wiggles make lower sounds. Slide the ruler in, and the wiggles speed up, so the pitch rises.

Long Free End

Step one: a long free end. The longer the part that is free to bend, the more slowly it swings back and forth. Each wiggle takes more time, so the sound is lower.

Short Free End

Step two: a short free end. Slide the ruler so less hangs over the edge. The wiggles get faster, and the pitch rises.

Strings Work Too

Step three: strings work the same way. A short string or ruler is quick, and a long one is slow. A guitar player presses a string against the neck to make it shorter and the note higher.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Let a lot of the ruler hang over the edge. It swings slowly and twangs low. Now slide it in so only a little hangs out. It swings fast and twangs high.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A short string or ruler is quick, and a long one is slow. Harp strings get longer for lower notes. A pendulum also swings slower when it is longer. Keep the ruler away from your face, and ask a grown-up to help.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, challenge! Tie a washer or a small weight to a string and let it swing as a pendulum, first with a long string, then a short one. Which swings faster? Now flick a ruler at the long and short lengths. Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

Longer parts wiggle slower and sound lower. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!