Find the third harmonic (Sound Physics)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the amplitudes of the second and third harmonics of a 300 Hz square wave. The amplitude of the second harmonic is determined using the formula An = 2/(π*n), resulting in 0.3183 A for n=2. For the third harmonic, the same formula yields 0.2122 A for n=3, which was confirmed as correct but not rounded properly. This highlights the importance of precision in harmonic analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of harmonic frequencies in sound physics
  • Familiarity with square wave properties
  • Knowledge of mathematical formulas for amplitude calculation
  • Basic grasp of trigonometric functions and π
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of harmonic frequencies in square waves
  • Learn about Fourier series and their applications in sound analysis
  • Explore the impact of amplitude on sound wave perception
  • Research rounding techniques in mathematical calculations for precision
USEFUL FOR

Sound engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in the mathematical analysis of sound waves and harmonics.

Divinite
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Question: The frequencies of the first three harmonics of a 300 Hz square wave are 300 Hz, 900 Hz, and 1500 Hz. If the amplitude of the fundamental is 1.00 A, then the amplitudes of the second harmonic is _____ A, and the amplitude of the third harmonic is _____ A.

I found the answer to the second harmonic, by using the formula: An = 2/(pi*n). I did 2/(pi*2) and got 0.3183.

For the third harmonic I tried doing 2/(pi*3), which got me 0.2122, but that does not seem to be the answer.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Update: The answer was correct, just not rounded properly.
Thanks.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Relationship between frequency and power for sound?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
Undergrad Question about driven harmonic oscillator
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Undergrad Sound power, amplitude, frequency, and decibels
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Graduate Are harmonics "real" in a vibrating string?
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
8K
Undergrad Sound waves: How do we know it is the fundamental harmonic?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Understanding MIT's applet on sound with Fourier coefficients
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad Phase angle of a damped driven harmonic oscillation
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
10K
Calculating frequency of the second harmonic
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Which Frequency is NOT Possible for a Vibrating String?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Sound Loudness vs Pitch Misconception
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K