How Can Physics Help in Making a Musical Instrument?

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Applying physics to create a musical instrument involves understanding concepts like standing waves, frequency, and resonance. Stringed instruments are generally simpler to construct, while woodwinds require knowledge of fluid dynamics and precise hole placement for accurate pitches. Recommended resources include "The Physics of Musical Instruments" by Fletcher and Neville for foundational knowledge. For those with electronics skills, building a voltage-controlled oscillator can generate tones. Exploring various instrument types, including wind and percussion, can also enhance the project.
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Hey everyone, i have to apply physics knpowledge to make a musical instrument, and if anyone has ever done this before i need major help with this assignment and i need to do good on it so please post your email reply to this thread or add me on msn: donjuan_fella@hotmail.com
 
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I would assume its wanting you to make something with vibrating strings. I would maybe read up about standing (also called stationary) waves, frequency and resonance etc. Also, it might be of use that the note A is 440Hz. Its not much, but hopefully it'll get you started :)
 
To get started, id recommend a book called "The Physics of Musical Instruments" by Fletcher and Neville. The easiest instruments would probably be stringed instruments, anything with an air column such as woodwind instruments (oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone) tend to be complex because one has to take in account fluid dynamics etc.

It wouldn't be too difficult to create a recorder, primitive flute, or a primitive clarinet; you'd just have to find out where to carve the holes so that the instrument hits the correct pitches (which requires a good ear).

I don't have very much experience with stringed instruments, my expertise is limited to woodwinds.
 
knowmad said:
Hey everyone, i have to apply physics knpowledge to make a musical instrument, and if anyone has ever done this before i need major help with this assignment and i need to do good on it so please post your email reply to this thread or add me on msn: donjuan_fella@hotmail.com
If you're handy with electronics, you might be able to build a voltage controlled oscillator to generate tones. How about a wind instrument? Or percussion instruments? Think about the physics of these.

Regards

Don
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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