3D30.

50

RUBEN’S TUBE

OVERVIEW
This demonstration uses flames to show that a standing sound wave consists of regions at
various pressures. The relative flame heights are directly related to the gas pressure at the point
of the flame. The tallest flames occurring at points of highest pressure (nodes) and the shortest
flames occurring at points of lowest pressure (antinodes).
The Ruben’s tube is a closed-in-tube and therefore also demonstrates the harmonics
associated with such a structure.
This demo consists of a 3.5 x 0.07 meter aluminum tube with a row of small holes on top.
At one end is a speaker to which an amplifier is
attached. The tube is connected to a propane tank
through a gas valve at the tube’s center. The
amplifier is connected to a signal generator
(oscillator) and to a tape player (playing a music
selection). The amplifier allows the instructor to
switch between both sound sources and control their
output levels.

SETUP
The output of the signal generator is connected to the amplifier’s mic 1 input via a special
cable. This cable has a ¼ inch phono plug on one end and a BNC connector on the other. The
tape player’s Line Out is connected to
the amplifiers AUX input’s left
channel. Likewise, this hookup is
accomplished using a dedicated cable
with a ¼ inch phono plug on one end
and a RCA phono plug on the other.
The amplifier is connected to the
speaker through its 8-ohm output,
again using a special cable.
The propane gas is from a portable
tank that is connected to the tube at its center through a gas valve.
To complete the setup matches or an igniter are required and a fire extinguisher needs to
be within easy reach of the instructor.

COMPONENTS

Ruben’s Tube Tall storage area

Propane tank w/regulator Tank storage area
Amplifier Realistic MPA-40 Video cabinet
Tape player Sharp Professional Video cabinet
Cables assorted Video cabinet
Signal Generator 9B30.40 Dh2