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From: Timberwoof <timberwoof.spam@infernosoft.com>
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Subject: Re: A question for those interested in physics...
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In article <3CA37136.7E82003F@greyREMOVErock.org>,
 Elizabeth <booREMOVE@greyREMOVErock.org> wrote:

> It was sort of a joke question. I haven't studied physics for a while,
> but IIRC, it doesn't make a sound. I guess we're talking about a closed
> system, so the energy required to ring the bell must come from within,
> and barring no other forces involved, the bell would vibrate
> indefinitely. Now I wonder if there's a small amount of heat involved in
> the transfer of energy. Anybody know? I haven't thought about this stuff
> in ages!

The bell rings because someone hit it with something. Its ringing sets 
up pressure waves in the air, and we can hear those. 

In a vacuum, a bell might vibrate for longer than in an atmosphere 
because there's no atmosphere to carry energy away from it. However, 
internal friction of the moving metal will eventually damp the 
vibrations (and heat up the bell). 

Imagine this scenario: Rigidly attach a bell to the inside of a steel 
container. Evacuate the air from the container. Then ring the bell. 
(Okay, you can have an electromagnet with a hammer in there.) Assuming 
that you and the container are in an atmosphere, and the container isn't 
unreasonably thick, you might be able to hear the bell ringing even 
though it's in a vacuum.

-- 
Timberwoof <timberwoof at infernosoft dot com>
http://www.infernosoft.com/timberwoof/motorcycle/index.html
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