Chapter 15, Problem 53A

To determine

The property that distinguishes notes played on a trumpet and a clarinet from each other if they have the same pitch and loudness.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The characteristic that distinguishes two sounds of the same pitch and same loudness is sound quality.

The sound produced by any musical instrument or human being have complex waveform produced by superposition of many frequencies, coming from the same source. These waves are different in different sources. Even if the loudness and pitch are same, the wave form is different for different sources of sound.

Thus, each vibrating body has its own characteristic wave form. This makes it possible differentiate between vibrating bodies even without seeing it.

Hence, the notes played on a trumpet and a clarinet of same pitch and same loudness are distinguish as they have different wave forms or quality.

Conclusion:

Sound quality is the characteristic that distinguishes notes played on a trumpet and a clarinet from each other having the same pitch and loudness.