Chladni Plates (Resonance)

Serie:LabWissenschaft × Kunst • YouTube-Embed

Chladni patterns emerge when the plate vibrates in an eigenmode. A tiny frequency step can suddenly trigger a completely different topology layout. For me that transition is a small “phase change” - a good intuition for spectral analysis.

What you’re seeing

Chladni figures: sand forms nodal lines on a vibrating metal plate driven at different frequencies.

How it works (in short)

The driver excites the plate, at resonant modes, the plate vibrates in patterns. Sand migrates to minimal-displacement regions (nodes) and outlines the geometry.

Setup and gear

Metal plate (square/circular) on a stand
Driver (speaker/shaker or bow) with tone source + amplifier
Dry sand or salt
Clamps/supports to hold the plate

Safety notes

Wear hearing protection at high levels.
Keep fingers clear, secure driver, plate and stand.