Function and Applications

The Quincke resonance tube (resonance apparatus) is used to detect interference phenomena on standing sound waves. The equipment set consists of a resonance tube with mm scale, which is partially filled with water and connected by a hose with a expansion tank. The air column above the water is stimulated by a tuning fork (optional: speaker) to vibrate. By raising the expansion tank, the water level in the resonance tube can be increased and thus the air column can be shortened. The sound wave emitted by the sound source above the unilaterally open tube is superimposed on the reflected sound wave at the water surface, resulting in constructive or destructive interference. Audible resonances occur when the length of the vibrating air column equals odd multiples of one quarter of the sound wave length.

Equipment and technical data

Delivery list:

• 1 resonance tube with scale
• 1 expansion tank 
• 1 silicone hose
• 2 horizontal clamps
• 1 normal tuning fork (440 Hz)
• 1 hammer
• Support material

Resonance tube:

• height: 1 m
• Diameter: 3 cm
• Scale: 98 cm
• Graduation: 1 mm

Expansion tank:

• Height: 24 cm
• Diameter: 7 cm