Hearing which natural frequencies

In summary, when plucking a guitar or cello string, the string vibrates at its fundamental and harmonic frequencies. The pitch is still associated with the fundamental frequency, even if the 3rd harmonic has the greatest vibrational amplitude. This is because the human ear responds to frequencies in a specific way, and the fundamental frequency will still be perceived as the main pitch. However, as we age, our ability to hear certain frequencies may decrease, and we may perceive the next audible harmonic as the pitch instead.
  • #1
Tam Le
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If you pluck a guitar or cello string, the string vibrates at its fundamental and harmonic frequencies. Suppose the 3rd harmonic has the greatest vibrational amplitude out of all the other rung-out natural frequencies.

Do we still associate the pitch with the fundamental, or will the pitch now be determined by the 3rd harmonic?
 
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  • #2
You have to take response curve of the human ears into account. The actual response strength over the frequency for human is proportional to product of ears response curve to spectrum of your musical instrument and highest pitch (peak) is found in this result. You know that peak of the ear response curve towards low frequency as being aged.
 
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  • #3
goodphy said:
You have to take response curve of the human ears into account. The actual response strength over the frequency for human is proportional to product of ears response curve to spectrum of your musical instrument and highest pitch (peak) is found in this result. You know that peak of the ear response curve towards low frequency as being aged.
I believe that if you give the ear a set of harmonics, it tends to generate the fundamental itself. Try using a graphic equaliser on some music.
 
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  • #4
Thank you for responding goodphy and tech99.

In my mind, you should still hear the fundamental frequency as the pitch: The larger amplitude of the 3rd harmonic simply stretches the complex sound wave vertically; it only affects the intensity/perceived loudness, so the overall frequency/pitch of the complex sound wave is unaltered. (I came to this conclusion after graphing y = sin(x) + sin(3x) [the fundamental and 3rd harmonic; same ampltitude] and y = sin(x) + 2*sin(3x) [different amplitudes].)

Thus, generalizing this, you should always perceive the fundamental frequency as the main pitch. Of course as goodphy said, what you are capable of hearing depends on your age or how well your ear is functioning. So, as you age, your ear will probably be unable to detect the fundamental frequency, and you will perceive the next audible harmonic as the pitch.
 

1. What are natural frequencies and how do they relate to hearing?

Natural frequencies are the specific frequencies at which an object naturally vibrates. In the case of hearing, natural frequencies are the frequencies at which the human ear is most sensitive and able to detect. These frequencies range from 20Hz to 20,000Hz and are responsible for our perception of sound.

2. Can humans hear all natural frequencies?

No, humans are not able to hear all natural frequencies. As we age, our ability to hear high frequencies decreases. The average human is able to hear frequencies up to 20,000Hz, but as we get older, this range decreases. Additionally, certain medical conditions and exposure to loud noises can also affect our ability to hear natural frequencies.

3. How do natural frequencies affect our perception of sound?

Natural frequencies play a crucial role in our perception of sound. They determine which sounds we are able to hear and how we interpret them. Our ears are most sensitive to natural frequencies, which is why we can hear certain sounds better than others. Additionally, natural frequencies can also create resonance, amplifying certain sounds and making them easier to hear.

4. Can natural frequencies be harmful to our hearing?

In certain cases, natural frequencies can be harmful to our hearing. Exposure to loud noises at specific natural frequencies can lead to hearing loss or damage. For example, prolonged exposure to loud music at 440Hz, which is a common natural frequency for musical instruments, can cause hearing damage. It is important to protect our ears from loud noises and to limit exposure to harmful natural frequencies.

5. How can we use natural frequencies to improve our hearing?

Scientists and audiologists have been researching the use of natural frequencies to improve hearing, especially for individuals with hearing impairments. By understanding how natural frequencies affect our perception of sound, researchers are developing technologies that can amplify or manipulate certain frequencies to help individuals hear better. This could potentially lead to improved hearing aids and other devices that utilize natural frequencies to enhance hearing abilities.

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