Theremin - Physics Demonstrations - Theremin | Physics Undergraduate Labs

Start with moderate amplifier volume and increase gradually. The theremin can produce loud, sustained tones at high frequencies that may be uncomfortable in enclosed spaces. Keep volume controls accessible during the demonstration.

Purpose

The theremin demonstrates how capacitance depends on geometry. The performer's hands act as grounded capacitor plates; moving them closer to the antennas changes the capacitance, which shifts oscillator frequencies to control pitch and volume. Even tiny distance changes produce audible effects.

Theremin with wooden case on a microphone stand in front of a lecture bench, with a vertical pitch antenna extending upward and a small amplifier on the floor

Figure 1:

Theremin

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Theremin Speaker

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Microphone Stand

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Safety Warnings

Warning: Audio Volume Control

Purpose