The Rubens' Tube

By Ian Martin
Description/How It Works: First developed in 1904 by Heinrich Rubens, the Rubens' Tube is a physics experiment that shows how sound pressure and sound waves react to one another. A sealed length of pipe (5') is perforated along the top with evenly spaced 1/16" holes. One end is attached to a fuel source (propane) while the other has a speaker next to it that plays frequencies that reverberate off a diaphragm (.025" latex). The result of all these materials acting together is the creation of a standing wave forming at the top of the pipe due to points of higher and lower pressures within the tube.

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Education

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• rubenstube