Notes 21.2: RESONANCE

Result of the interference of a reflected wave with the incoming wave. Standing wave – wave in which parts of the wave appear to be standing still. Result of the interference of a reflected wave with the incoming wave. antinode

Resonance – when the applied frequency matches the natural frequency of the object; a standing wave builds and gets louder.

Fundamental frequency – lowest natural frequency of a vibrating object Fundamental frequency – lowest natural frequency of a vibrating object. Length (L) = Wavelength (λ)/2 Harmonics – multiples of the fundamental frequency (octaves). Increasing frequencies from 1 to ….

Instruments Stringed instruments – shorter, tighter, thinner strings makes higher frequencies Woodwind and brass instruments – shorter the air column the higher the pitch. Timbre –blending of the fundamental frequency with higher harmonics to give an instrument its unique sound. Middle C on a violin sounds different than Middle C on a guitar.

When 2 slightly different frequencies are heard at the same time, beats occur due to interference. You hear a “wobble” in sound intensity.