Why Does the Sound Stop When We Touch a Gong That Has Been Sounded?
When we touch the gong we stop the sound waves which the gong gives off when it is struck. These sound waves continue after the gong has been struck in continuous vibrations until something stops them. When you touch the vibrating gong, you stop its vibrating. If you only touch your finger to the vibrating gong you can feel the vibrations which cause a little tickling sensation. Naturally when you stop these vibrations you stop the air waves which the vibrations cause, and thus also the sound of these air waves striking your ear are stopped and the sound ceases.