Calculating frequency of the second harmonic

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SUMMARY

The frequency of the second harmonic for a violin string with a fundamental frequency of 283 Hz is calculated to be 566 Hz. This is derived from the understanding that the second harmonic is one octave above the fundamental frequency, which is achieved by doubling the fundamental frequency. The calculations involving wave speed and wavelength were initially misapplied, but the correct approach confirms that the second harmonic frequency is indeed 566 Hz.

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  • Understanding of harmonic frequencies in musical acoustics
  • Knowledge of wave speed and wavelength relationships
  • Familiarity with the concept of octaves in music
  • Basic algebra for frequency calculations
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  • Learn about wave equations and their applications in acoustics
  • Explore the concept of octaves and their significance in music theory
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Students studying physics or music theory, musicians interested in acoustics, and educators teaching concepts related to sound and harmonics.

struggtofunc
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Homework Statement


The fundamental frequency of a violin string is 283 Hz. Calculate the frequency of the 2nd harmonic.

Known:
f = 283 Hz

Homework Equations


v = fλ
f(n) = n*v/2L
λ= L
v(sound) = 343 m/s

The Attempt at a Solution


λ = 343/283 = 1.21 m

f(2) = 2*343/2*1.21 = 283 Hz.

I'm getting the same answer as the original problem and I'm not too sure where to go from here. Any help would be much appreciated! Thankyou
 
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You are over-thinking the problem.
The 2'nd harmonic must one octave above the fundamental.
What is an octave in music?
 
Oh I see, so an octave would be twice the frequency? I'm simply just doubling 283Hz to 566Hz
 

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