What are the physics principles behind how a kazoo produces sound?

[matthew77ask]

What are the physics principles behind the tribal instrument Kazoo? It is just a long tube and a hole in the middle and a rubber piece covering 1 end of the tube.

 

[Astronuc]

Vibration (resonance) in the air column establishes vibration in the membrane. The membrane has certain natural frequencies at which response will be stronger.

 

[matthew77ask]

Does the membrance changes the timble of the sound as it resonance it?

Also since it "reflect" the sound - does it also amplifies it?

Many thanks for the answer.

 

[Astronuc]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazoo

http://www.kazoos.com/historye.htm

http://scifiles.larc.nasa.gov/text/educators/activities/2000_2001/inclass/what_a_kazoo.html

The Kazoo does change the timbre or tonal quality, and I believe the pitch can be higher. The vibration of the memberane is complex.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timbre