glass bell for the determination of acoustics nodes
Date: 1850-1900
Inventory Number: 1997-1-1028
Classification: Acoustic Glass Bell
Subject:
Maker: French
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
34.6 x 29.5 x 30 cm (13 5/8 x 11 5/8 x 11 13/16 in.)
Description:
A rectangular base with four feet supports an inverted glass bell, held in its upright position by cork. A wooden frame is set above the bell (with a crossbar in the middle most likely missing). Attached on the frame would have been a few (two to four usually) strings with pith-balls hanging close to the glass (all missing here).
In Collection(s)
Signedunsigned
FunctionWhen one strikes the glass bell with a wooden hammer, it starts to sound and vibrate. The nodes and antinodes created by the vibration of the bell's wall are shown by the hanging pith-balls. On nodes, the pith-ball will jump; on antinodes, it will stay immobile.