The Physics of Music

The Physics of Music

3 key points

Vibration

Resonance

Notes

Open Ended

All sound is caused by what?

Open Ended

Describe how a woodwind instrument makes music. Be as specific as possible.

Open Ended

Why do YOU think putting your finger over the holes along a clarinet changes the sound?

Open Ended

How does a flute make sound and how is this different from the other woodwinds?

Open Ended

How does a brass instrument make sound?

Open Ended

Using the video as a reference, how does sound get to our ears? (5:55 on video).

Open Ended

What is the standard definition of resonance that he gives at the very beginning?

Open Ended

At 2:10 what is his definition of resonance?

Open Ended

At about 4:00 he attaches a speaker to the tube. How can he tell when he finds the resonating frequency?

Multiple Choice

According to what we've studied in the past, which property of a sound wave describes how loud the sound will be?

• Amplitude

• Frequency

Multiple Choice

Which property of a sound wave describes how high or low the pitch of the sound will be?

• Amplitude

• Frequency

Multiple Choice

At 6:30, the node is where the pressure is stable (not changing). Describe the flame at the node in this demonstration.

• Big flame

• Little flame

• No flame

• No visible difference

Multiple Choice

What is happening to the pressure in the tube at the anti-node?

• Not changing

• Changing rapidly

• Undetermined

Open Ended

What is one thing you learned about resonance from this demonstration?

Open Ended

At 0:35, he describes what a note is. What is a note based off of his description?

Open Ended

At 0:45 - 2:00, why does the C-note from a cello sound different than the pure C-note from a computer?

Open Ended

At 2:45, what is an overtone in your own words?