This demonstration shows the principle of resonance, where energy is transferred most efficiently between objects that share the same natural frequency. Both tuning forks in the image are tuned to 412 Hz. When one fork is struck, it begins to vibrate and produce sound waves at that frequency. These waves travel through the air and reach the second fork. Because it has the same natural frequency, it begins to vibrate as well, even though it wasn’t struck directly. The small ball hanging in front

Science and music go hand in hand! Gain a better understanding of how science brings music to life with physicist Don Balanzat through this demonstration of frequency and resonance. #NationalSTEMDay — Learn more about the science of sound on MIM’s award-winning virtual STEM Tour, available now for kids in grades K–8. Details at MIM.org/virtual-field-trips | Musical Instrument Museum - MIM

Resonance Demonstrator: three mass-spring systems, each designed to have a specific natural frequency of oscillation. Rapid shaking of the base excites the middle mass in to large amplitude motion while the other two remain relatively motionless. Moving the base slowly excites the large mass, and shaking such that the rate is between these two frequencies excites the mass on the longer leaf spring. A demonstration of frequency response- how periodic forces of small amplitude can produce large am