Music Box on Bench

A small music box is played while held in the air, producing a faint sound. When pressed against a solid surface (like a bench), that surface vibrates, amplifying the sound and demonstrating forced vibration and resonance.

1. Wind or activate the music box mechanism.
2. Hold the music box in the air and listen to the faint sound produced.
3. Gently press the base of the music box against a firm bench or table surface.
4. Wind or activate the mechanism again and observe the louder, richer sound.
5. Discuss how the surface enhances the volume through vibration.

Music Box - How Does It Work? - Curiosity Show:

• Test different surfaces (e.g., wood, metal, plastic) to compare amplification effects.
• Try placing the music box against hollow versus solid objects to explore resonance quality.
• Use varying pressure—light to firm—to observe how coupling strength affects sound.

None

• Why is the music box much quieter when held in the air?
• How does pressing it against a bench amplify the sound?
• What physical principles (like resonance or forced vibration) are at play?
• Which surface gave the loudest sound—and why?