Understanding Source Differentiation in Sound Wave Superposition

[pkc111]

Homework Statement

If sound waves superimpose, why is a person in the audience able to distinguish different sources of sound eg flute and guitar.

Homework Equations

Amplitude (A+B) = Amplitude (A) + Amplitude (B)

The Attempt at a Solution

No idea

 

[Antiphon]

What's the difference between the sound of a flute and guitar?

 

[pkc111]

The wave shape would be different, and they could be playing different notes at different times (assuming they are both playing together in a band for example).
How does this help?

 

[Ouabache]

The wave shape would be different
How does this help?

That's right. So if the wave shapes are different (even for the same note), what would happen when the two waves are added? Intuitively, if the two wave shapes are different (even for the same note), can you distinguish the sounds coming from flute and a guitar?

 

[pkc111]

Sorry that doesn't make any sense to me ?