How Does Physics Influence the Sound and Melody of Music?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of physics principles in music, particularly focusing on sound waves, harmonic motion, and tuning systems. Participants explore how these concepts relate to musical theory and practice.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants share resources and suggest foundational concepts such as wave nature of sound, simple harmonic motion, and the significance of overtones and harmonics. Questions arise regarding historical tuning systems and their evolution.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing resources and sharing personal experiences related to physics in music. There is a variety of interpretations regarding the application of physics concepts, particularly in tuning and sound production.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the historical context of tuning systems and the mathematical relationships involved, while others reflect on personal projects related to sound effects and instrument physics. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of the topic and the need for foundational understanding.

Dutch
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Hey

Im doing a assignment on physics in music i have looked at the net and wasnt able to find any relevant information,

can any1 help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try this site

http://www.dfbills.com/portfolio/phy/physicsomusic.html
 
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There's a huge high school-level section in physics relating to music, specifically the wave nature of sound. The general category is simple harmonic motion. You need to have a good understanding of the basics of this domain before you think about music applications. When you do, though, search for terms like "overtone", "beat frequency", and "harmonics". Try your textbook maybe.
 
Physics in Music - tuning

Up til 18th century, tuning was done with fractions
( perfect-fifth was one-half, etc.), but as music got more complicated, a new tuning system was required. Considering that the frequency doubles when an octave is played above a bass note, the system was changed to 12 equal half-notes. You have to find a number which, when multiplied by itself 12 times, will double.
The answer is the twelfth root of 2.
When one compares the two systems, the difference
( using logarithm) of the two answers at the fifth is miniscule, but gets larger as one continues through the circle of fifths.

Hope this helps,
P
 
I did a physics project back in 6th form, looking at how applying effects ('distortion') to an electric guitar sound affected the formation of harmonics. Hours of fun with a huge amp, oscilloscope and the 60s throwback lab tech...

Definitely have a think about the difference between standing waves in stringed and wind instruments.
 

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