General Question

RedDeerGuy1's avatar

Why does metal make a sound when hammered and non-metals not?

Asked by RedDeerGuy1 (24986points) June 25th, 2018

From the periodic table.

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

4 Answers

Zaku's avatar

Everything makes a sound when hit.

Rigid things tend to make more sound because the vibration propagates over the whole shape quickly because the rigid thing is held tightly, so instead of just giving way or changing shape or breaking, the thing vibrates, making a longer-lasting sound at one frequency.

Metal is a rigid thing because of its structure. See above.

dabbler's avatar

A fancy wine glass will ring when struck nicely.
The hardwood blocks of marimbas make lovely tones.
Like @Zaku says a lot of material that makes sounds is rigid.

ARE_you_kidding_me's avatar

Metals are able to vibrate readily without falling apart so they will resonate at a frequency dependant on their size and shape when struck. Other things do this too but there is often a higher dampening factor.

dabbler's avatar

In this discussion of top-end loudspeaker manufacture, the fellow mentions the qualities of the plastic they use and why it’s rigidity is superior to common speakers, around 13:00:
Harbin UK

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther