# A wine glass can shatter when exposed to a sound wave at a particular frequency. Explain why the glass shatters at this frequency and not at other frequencies, and describe what happens to the amplitude of vibration of the glass as the frequency of the sound approaches this particular frequency.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.6.1 Periodic Motion · Explain · 5 marks

> When a singer produces a sustained note at just the right frequency, a wine glass can be made to shatter.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The particular frequency matches the natural frequency of the wine glass
2. This condition is called resonance
3. At resonance, the driving frequency matches the natural frequency so energy is transferred to the glass most efficiently / the glass absorbs maximum energy
4. At frequencies away from the natural frequency, the amplitude of vibration is much smaller / less energy is transferred
5. As the driving frequency approaches the natural frequency, the amplitude of vibration of the glass increases (and reaches a maximum at the natural frequency)

## Key terms

- [amplitude](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/amplitude)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-wine-glass-can-shatter-when-6a772cdb) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.