Do I need to install anything?

No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.

For Hobbyists & Makers · Helmholtz Resonator

Helmholtz Resonator for a xylophone

Built for hobbyists & makers exploring it for fun. Play with real physics and math, no license and no setup — just open and tinker. Simulate a xylophone live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Helmholtz ResonatorLive

the resonance of a bottle

Controls

Presets

Cavity volume (cm³)

Neck diameter (cm)

Neck length (cm)

Blow across a bottle and it sings at its Helmholtz frequency. The plug of air in the neck acts as a mass and the air in the cavity as a spring, giving f = (c/2π)√(A/VL). Bigger cavities and longer necks lower the pitch — the principle behind bass ports, mufflers, and ocarinas.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Resonant frequency167 Hz

Wavelength2.05 m

Cavity500 cm³

Governing equation

f = \frac{c}{2 π} \frac{A}{V L _{eff}} = \frac{343}{2 π} \frac{3.14 e - 4}{5.00 e - 4 \cdot 0.067} = 167 Hz

Reading this result: This cavity sings near 167 Hz — a 2.05 m wavelength. Enlarge the cavity or lengthen the neck and the pitch drops, because both add to the mass-on-a-spring that sets the tone.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this good for hobbyists & makers?: Yes — this version of "Helmholtz Resonator for a xylophone" is framed for hobbyists & makers exploring it for fun. Play with real physics and math, no license and no setup — just open and tinker.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.