Breaking+Glass+with+Sound

=Breaking a Glass with Sound =

All glasses have a natural resonance. A resonance is the natural frequency at which the glass will readily vibrate. Making the same tone as the natural frequency of the glass will induce vibration in the glass. The note is not the only factor in breaking the glass though. Volume is also very important. The louder the sound, the more violent the vibrations will be. When they reach a level that the glass cannot withstand it will shatter.

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The glass should have a very strong resonance. When you ping it with a finger it should ring easily. This indicates a glass with little damping. Damping will act against the force provided by the sound, making it harder to break the glass. Although expensive crystal glass is meant to be best, because it is thin and very pure, the added lead in crystal may make it harder to break. You can also just use cheap glasses. Although cheap glasses might have flaws in them affecting the experiment. Thin is the best. The should also be wine glasses because they stand on a stem. This reduces the amount of damping that could be caused by a glass sitting directly on a surface
 * What type of glass should be used? **

It depends on the type of glass.But for most the sound level is 135-140dB. To generate this sound you'll very powerful ampilfiers.
 * How Loud Does it Have to be? **

If amplified, yes it is possible. Unamplified it is very difficult. However, you need to get the glass very close to your mouth. It is not a note that will break the glass, but the sound leveel. The signer has to be able to hit a sound level of at least 135 dB.
 * Can an Opera Singer Break a Glass? **

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Amy Hergott [] [] [] []