Fun with singing wine glasses. (16th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boone, Christine; Galloway, Melodie; Ruiz, Michael J
• Is Part Of: Physics education. Volume 53:Number 3(2018:May)
• Publication Date: 2018-03-16
• Subjects: Physics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Periodicals; 530.0712
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6552/aaae89
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-9120

Abstract

Abstract: A fun activity is presented using singing wine glasses for introductory physics students. Students tune a white wine glass and a red wine glass to as many semitones as possible by filling the glasses with the appropriate amounts of water. A smart phone app is used to measure the frequencies of equal-temperament tones. Then plots of frequency against water volume percent are made using a spreadsheet. Students can also play combinations of pitches with several glasses. A video (Ruiz 2018 Video: Singing glasses http://mjtruiz.com/ped/wineglasses/ ) is provided which includes an excerpt of a beautiful piece written for singing glasses and choir: Stars by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds.