'

Tuning fork

Description

A tuning fork is an acoustic resonator in the form of a two-pronged fork with the prongs (tines) formed from a U-shaped bar of elastic metal (usually steel). It resonates at a specific constant pitch when set vibrating by striking it against a surface or with an object, and emits a pure musical tone after waiting a moment to allow some high overtones to die out. The pitch that a particular tuning fork generates depends on the length and mass of the two prongs and of the material from which it is made. It is frequently used as a standard of pitch to tune musical instruments.

Related formulas

Variables

fFrequency the fork vibrates at (hertz)
πpi
lLength of the prongs. (m)
E Young's modulus of the material the fork is made from (Pa)
ISecond moment of area of the cross-section (m4)
ρDensity of the material the fork is made from (kg/m3)
ACross-sectional area of the prongs (tines) (m2)