question_answer

Why does a tuning fork have two prongs? Would the tuning fork be of any use, if one of the prongs is cut off?

Answer:

                When a tuning fork is set into vibrations, its two prongs vibrate in opposite phases. However, the centre of mass of the tuning fork, which lies at the midpoint of the bend, remains at rest. Hence by holding its stem in the hand, a tuning fork can be set into vibrations and no external force is required to maintain its vibrations. If one of the prongs is cut off, the oscillations of the tuning fork will soon die out and can be maintained only with the help of an external periodic force.