how do tuning forks stay in tune, and can they ever go out of tune?
In: Physics
When struck the metal reverberates in such a way to produce the correct frequency, the correct tune.
As for if they can go out of tune? Probably not likely that one youd use would. It would require the metal to become deformed or chipped in some way so that it doesnt rattle the same way.
Technically, their “tune” changes all the time because their temperature (and thus their size) changes. Granted, its a very small change and not really perceptible by the human ear but it is measurable with sensitive enough equipment.
Unless you keep your tuning fork in an absolutely climate controlled environment that was exactly the same as when they were tuned the first time.
Tuning forks are meant to be struck on a certain type of material which is like a hard rubber in the form of a small block or mallet. If you strike it on something else you risk deforming it and changing its pitch.
that’s what I was told in choir.
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