Harmonics

Question 1

What is the term for the lowest sine wave we hear that gives us the overall pitch of the note?

Answer 1

Fundamental frequency

The fundamental frequency is the base frequency of a sound, which determines its pitch.

Question 2

What are the higher pitch sine waves called that accompany the fundamental frequency?

Answer 2

Harmonics

Harmonics are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency.

Question 3

What is the range of frequencies that humans can hear?

Answer 3

20Hz to 20,000Hz (or 20kHz)

Human hearing sensitivity varies across this frequency range.

Question 4

True or False: Higher frequency hearing tends to improve as we age.

Answer 4

False

Higher frequency hearing typically deteriorates with age.

Question 5

What happens to the pitch when the frequency of a wave is doubled?

Answer 5

The pitch goes an octave up

Doubling the frequency results in a sound that is perceived as one octave higher.

Question 6

What scale do most musical intervals follow?

Answer 6

Logarithmic scale

Musical intervals are based on logarithmic relationships, making calculations complex.

Question 7

How can we calculate any harmonic from a known fundamental frequency?

Answer 7

By multiplying the fundamental by the harmonic number

This method allows us to find higher harmonics in the harmonic series.

Question 8

What is the geometric waveform seen on a synthesizer created from?

Answer 8

Different combinations of sine waves

Synthesizers manipulate sine waves to produce various sounds.

Question 9

What is the harmonic series?

Answer 9

The order of notes that sounds when a string vibrates or air is blown across a tube

The harmonic series includes the fundamental and its harmonics.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The combination of different frequencies that make up an overall signal or sound is like an individual _______.

Answer 10

Fingerprint

This analogy illustrates the uniqueness of sound timbres.