Printer-friendly version

26 March 2004

E-Bulletin Backscatter

Coffee mug music

Dear Forrest,

While stirring my morning coffee, I notice that the spoon tapping on the side of the ceramic mug produces a tone that increases in frequency with each tap.

What causes this phenomenon and how can it be harnessed. Does it relate directly to the temperature of the ceramic? Do the frequency changes stop when the ceramic reaches the temperature of the coffee inside? Does the type and thickness of the ceramic affect the frequency response?

Curiously,

Bob Hall

mtndigs@charter.net

SAS replies: Bob, you've raised some interesting questions about an everyday phenomenon. Perhaps some SAS members will comment on this for Backscatter. Stay tuned. Editor.