PHYSICS NOTES
Entry 02: Saturday, 9 September
Meet up with Eric at university library at 8:00 AM.
To do: Bring violin, measuring tape
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INVESTIGATING THE PHYSICS BEHIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
INSTRUMENTS STUDIED:
* Violin (String Instrument)
* Flute (Wind Instrument)
RESEARCH PHASE:
Researching the physical principles behind the sound production of violins and flutes.
Focus: how each instrument produces sound, the role of resonance, the importance of material and shape, and the characteristic frequencies.
Violin:
* Sound Production: Produced by the vibration of strings, which are amplified by the hollow body.
* Resonance: Body of the violin acts as a resonating chamber, enhancing the sound.
* Material: Typically made of wood, with strings made of gut, metal, or synthetic materials.
* Characteristic Frequencies: The fundamental frequency and overtones depend on the length, tension, and mass of the strings.
Flute:
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
* Sound Production: Blowing air across the mouthpiece, creating a vibration in the air column inside the flute.
* Resonance: The length of the air column and the placement of the finger holes determine the resonant frequencies.
* Material: Typically made of metal or wood.
* Characteristic Frequencies: The pitch is determined by the length of the air column and the position of the finger holes.
EXPERIMENTAL SETUP:
Used a frequency analyzer app to measure the frequencies produced by the instruments when played.
Measured the physical dimensions of the instruments, such as string length (violin) and air column length (flute).
DATA COLLECTION:
1. Violin:
* String Length: 32 cm
* Fundamental Frequency of Open G String: 196 Hz
* Harmonics: 392 Hz (2nd harmonic), 588 Hz (3rd harmonic)
2. Flute:
* Length of Air Column: 66 cm
* Fundamental Frequency of C Note: 261.63 Hz
* Harmonics: 523.25 Hz (2nd harmonic), 784.88 Hz (3rd harmonic)
ANALYSIS:
Observed that the frequencies produced by both instruments matched the theoretical values we found in our research.
- The violin's sound is richer due to the presence of multiple harmonics.
- The flute's pitch can be changed by varying the length of the air column using finger holes.
CONCLUSION:
Our investigation showed that the sound production and acoustics of musical instruments are deeply influenced by their physical characteristics. Understanding these principles helps in designing and playing instruments more effectively.
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New skill discovered about Eric: he can play the flute.
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Eric finalizing the report. To be handed at 9:00 PM for any mistakes.
Send to teacher through email tomorrow.