Quiz 5

Question 1

Why is it better to use a square wave rather than a sine wave when investigating which frequencies sound harmonious together?

Answer 1

A sine wave has only a single frequency component, whereas a square wave has many harmonics

Question 2

What is tempering?

Answer 2

Adjusting the positions of notes away from just intervals

Question 3

What does diatonic mean?

Answer 3

Across the tones

Question 4

What are the intervals in the scale in just intonation based on?

Answer 4

simple ratios

Question 5

Why did Pythagoras notice that notes on a string sounded good together?

Answer 5

their lengths were related by simple ratios

Question 6

What do notes with simple ratios of frequency have?

Answer 6

most harmonics in common

Question 7

Why have instruments based on a pentatonic scale risen independently in several cultures?

Answer 7

the notes on these instruments sound naturally harmonious

Question 8

What inspired Pythagoras to consider ratios of string lengths for harmonious notes?

Answer 8

listening to Blacksmith’s hammers

Question 9

What are some ratios of intervals on pentatonic scales?

Answer 9

9:8, 5:4, 3:2, 5:3

Question 10

What does 5 prime limit contain?

Answer 10

intervals which are related to the root note by multiples of all prime numbers up to 5