What is the effect of sound waves on salt? By Jonah Walker
Prediction I predict that the sound waves will move the salt around and will arrange it into different shapes or patterns. The shapes or patterns will be based on the different sound frequencies. I think each note will have a pattern, and each pattern will be unique.
Procedure First, I attached a 2.5-foot PVC tube to a cylinder with another short tube sprouting out of it. Next, I cut the top off a non-inflated balloon and stretched it over the top of the cylinder. Then, I secured the balloon with three rubber bands. I sprinkled salt on the balloon, and hummed all the notes in an octave into the long tube.
Data /Observations NoteFrequencyPattern Description Eb1.24 kHzWide oval with a circle in the center E1.32 kHzCross with rounded corners and a circle in the center F1.39 kHzRhombus shaped G#1.66 kHzComplex, layered circles
Conclusion I conclude that certain frequencies made very clear patterns with the salt, and others more vague. If the frequency is higher, the pattern is more complicated. If lower, it’s less complicated. The salt moves around faster on the balloon on higher notes because the sound waves are more frequent.
Links My Cymatic Sounder How to make a Cymatic Sounder Complex Cymatics