SYBSc Physics Practical

USPHP3
4. Helmholtz Resonator
Aim: To verify the relation between the frequency and the resonating volume of air using a
narrow-necked resonator and to determine the unknown frequency of a tuning fork as well as
the neck correction.
Apparatus: A narrow-necked resonator, a set of tuning forks with one fork of unknown
frequency, measuring cylinder, striking pad, beaker, water.

Formula: n 2 V  kVo   C

Where n is frequency of the tuning fork

V is volume of resonating air
Vo is volume of neck
k is neck correction factor

Diagram:

Procedure:

1. Fill the resonator completely with water. Keep an empty measuring cylinder below
the resonator. Now allow the water to flow out at a slow rate by using a pinch cock till
the water level comes to the base of the neck. Record the volume of water collected in
the cylinder. This volume is the volume of neck Vo  .
2. Arrange the tuning forks in the ascending order of frequencies.
3. Set the fork of highest frequency into vibration and hold it just above the mouth of the
resonator filled with water up to the base of neck. Allow the water to flow out at a
slow rate. Collect this water in the empty measuring cylinder kept below the
resonator. When resonance ie. A loud sound is heard, stop the flow of water and
record the volume V  of water collected.
4. Repeat the above procedure for other tuning forks including the fork of unknown
frequency.

Observations:
 Sr.No. Frequency Volume of resonating air V  c.c. 1
n Hz  n2
(i) (ii) (iii) mean

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6. Unknown
nx

Graph:

1/n2

1/nx2

Vx V
kVo

Calculations:

1. Intercept on V-axis =  kVo 

 k  -------------

1
2. From graph 2
 ------
nx
2
 n x  ------

 n x = ------- Hz.
Results:
1. Neck correction factor = k =
2. Unknown frequency = ------- Hz.