National Chemistry Week - Experiments - Musical Glass

THE AIM:

To cause a goblet of water to emit sound.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• a glass goblet (e.g. wine glass) with a long stem
• water

WHAT TO DO:

1. Fill the goblet 3/4 full with water.
2. Steady the glass by holding the base and not the stem.
3. Dip your finger into the goblet of water to wet the finger tip.
4. Rub the wet finger around the rim of the glass.
5. Listen for the high-pitched sound that the glass makes.
6. Observe the surface of the water.

Rubbing your finger on the glass will cause it to vibrate emitting sound waves. Waves can be seen in the water in the glass. Try varying the amount of water in the goblet and observe the change.