Fionúir: How do we see sound waves?

How do we see sound waves?

Well, we can see sound waves but we don’t always know this! With this clever experiment you can … with this special creation!

You will need the following items to demonstrate it

• an empty tin with both ends cut off 

• a balloon

• scissors

• some tape

• a piece of foil

• a flashlight

How you make it 

Firstly, you cut off the fat end of the balloon.

You stretch the fat end of the balloon over the tin, which should look like a drum. Then you place the foil right in the middle of the balloon. To hold it you stick the tape on the back of the foil.

It looks like this

How it works

The open-end is for singing or speaking into, whatever

you choose to do. It works best if you sing a song such as

Mommy made me mash my M&Ms, oh no!!!!

Dim the lights or turn them off. Put on the flashlight and shine it on the balloon. Sing into the tin and the sound waves hit the rubber balloon and it vibrates …!!!!

Now you can see clearly the vibrations!

IMPORTANT

You should try it out in a dim or very dark room as you can see it much better.

I hope you enjoyed reading about this experiment! Perhaps we can do it in class together with my simple creation.

Mr Shillitoe and class, what do you think?

Thank you for taking interest in my idea to show you all how we can

see sound waves!!

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