Acoustic Analog to Quantum Mechanical Level-Splitting

One difficulty in teaching quantum mechanics is the lack of classroom demonstrations. To sidestep this issue, analogies can provide an enlightening alternative. Acoustics governance by the same time-independent wave equation as quantum mechanics supports it use in such analogies. This presentation examines one such analogy for an infinite potential well with a delta potential perturbation. The physical acoustic system consists of continuous sounds waves traveling in a pair of tubes which are separated by a variable diaphragm. The level-splitting nature of the quantum system can be mimicked in the acoustic system.