Chapter 15.2, Problem 22SSC

To determine

To Explain: The reason of production of different sound from a different instrument even when they play at the same note.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Sound is a form of energy. It is a type of mechanical wave which requires medium for its propagation. Sounds waves are produced when the energy is transferred through a medium. It is longitudinal wave. In longitudinal wave, the displacement of medium is along the direction of propagation of wave.

Sound wave in guitar is produced when the strings start vibrating. The frequency at which air molecules vibrates is equal to the frequency of sound produced by the guitar.

When a piano and guitar play a same note of same pitch and loudness then the produced sound will be distinct. This is because of the harmonics.

Harmonics are the integer multiplication of fundamental frequency.

If there are two instruments having the same frequency can produce different sounds depending upon the dominant harmonic in the sound.

Different musical instrument has different harmonics scales. For example, a clarinet is weaker in even numbered harmonics but strong in odd numbered harmonics.