tuning fork

     

A tuning fork is an acoustic resonator in the form of a two-pronge fork with the 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 of the two prongs.

Trivia about tuning fork

  • In 1711, trumpeter John Shore invented this two-pronged pitch setter
  • In Weber's Test of Hearing, one of these vibrating instruments is placed on the forehead
  • The key device in Bulova's original Accutron was one of these musical pitch finders

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