Does the presence of a sound box affect the duration of a tuning fork's sound?

In summary, the question is about the difference in sound duration between a tuning fork connected to a sound box and a tuning fork struck without the sound box. The answer lies in the concept of energy transfer and the difference between resonance and damping. With the sound box, there is a more efficient transfer of energy from the tuning fork to the surrounding air, resulting in a shorter sound duration.
  • #1
mystreet123
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Homework Statement


I was doing a question about resonance of sound box connecting to a tuning fork. It asks why the sound lasts for a shorter time with sound box than if the tuning fork is struck identically without the sound box.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Is it because the sound box dampens the vibration of tuning fork, or because due to larger contact area of box with air the box transfers vibrational energy at higher rate to air, or these two reasons are actually the same thing? So does it mean that resonator will always dampen the driving oscillator? I'm quite confused between the idea of energy transfer in resonance and damping. Thanks in advance:)
 
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  • #2
mystreet123 said:

Homework Statement


I was doing a question about resonance of sound box connecting to a tuning fork. It asks why the sound lasts for a shorter time with sound box than if the tuning fork is struck identically without the sound box.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Is it because the sound box dampens the vibration of tuning fork, or because due to larger contact area of box with air the box transfers vibrational energy at higher rate to air, or these two reasons are actually the same thing? So does it mean that resonator will always dampen the driving oscillator? I'm quite confused between the idea of energy transfer in resonance and damping. Thanks in advance:)
You are right that, to the energy source, there is no distinction between resonance and damping. Either way, it is a transfer of energy from the energy source to whatever is in contact with it. The difference arises after that, being a matter of whether the energy is merely dissipated within the contacting matter (damping) or transferred on.
 
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  • #3
haruspex said:
You are right that, to the energy source, there is no distinction between resonance and damping. Either way, it is a transfer of energy from the energy source to whatever is in contact with it. The difference arises after that, being a matter of whether the energy is merely dissipated within the contacting matter (damping) or transferred on.
Thanks for replying!
So the reason for shorter sound note is due to resonance? as the energy is transferred on from sound box to air as sound energy more quickly than the tuning fork alone?
 
  • #4
mystreet123 said:
Thanks for replying!
So the reason for shorter sound note is due to resonance? as the energy is transferred on from sound box to air as sound energy more quickly than the tuning fork alone?
Yes.
 

FAQ: Does the presence of a sound box affect the duration of a tuning fork's sound?

What is resonance?

Resonance is the natural frequency at which an object vibrates when subjected to a periodic force.

How does resonance occur?

Resonance occurs when the frequency of an external force matches the natural frequency of an object, causing the amplitude of vibration to increase.

What is damping?

Damping is the gradual reduction of an object's amplitude of vibration due to the dissipation of energy.

What causes damping?

Damping can be caused by various factors such as friction, air resistance, and material properties.

How do resonance and damping affect each other?

Damping can decrease the amplitude of resonance, while resonance can amplify the effects of damping. They are closely related and often occur together in systems.

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