Active Time
10-20 minutes
Total Project Time
10-20 minutes
Key Concepts
music, sounds, physics, sound waves, frequency
A person blowing across the mouth of a bottle

Introduction

Have you ever blown across a bottle's top and made a pleasant, resonant sound? If so, have you wondered how that note is made exactly? A bottle is actually what is called a closed-end air column. Clarinets and some organ pipes are examples of musical instruments of this type. In this science activity, you will use bottles to investigate how the length of a closed-end air column affects the pitch of the note that it makes.

Credits

Teisha Rowland, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.
Next: Materials

Materials

  • Narrow-neck bottles (3). They can be glass or plastic.
  • Permanent marker
  • Ruler
  • Water
    $item.AltText

    $item.AriaDescription

Next: Instructions

Reviews

|
Science Buddies |
Was this review helpful?
Report Inappropriate Comment
Be the first one to review this activity.
Active Time
10-20 minutes
Total Project Time
10-20 minutes
Key Concepts
music, sounds, physics, sound waves, frequency
icon scientific method

Ask an Expert

Curious about the science?
Post your question for our scientists.

Log In to Leave a Review

Explore Our Science Videos

Colorful Melting Ice Ball Patterns - STEM Activity
Slippery Slopes - STEM activity
How to Make Elephant Toothpaste
Free science fair projects.