30 Questions
What is the minimum number of parameters required to characterize a harmonic wave?
Two (amplitude and frequency)
What is the result of the superposition of a set of harmonic behaviours?
A non-harmonic but periodic wave
What is the relationship between the fundamental frequency (w1) and the period (T) of a wave?
w1 = 2π / T
What is the term used to describe the combination of multiple harmonic waves?
Fourier expansion
What is the term used to describe the unique 'tone colour' of a sound?
Timbre behaviour
How long did it take to demonstrate that a non-harmonic sound can be composed of harmonic waves?
90 years
What is the primary tool used to analyze the presence of different frequencies in a sound?
Fourier expansion
What is the main reason why we can differentiate between the same pitch played on a guitar and a piano?
Different timbre characteristics
Where do high frequencies produce vibration of the basilar membrane?
Close to the oval window
What is the consequence of the non-linear response of the cochlea to different frequencies?
Differentiation of timbre between instruments
What is the characteristic of sound that is perceived in a logarithmic way?
Sound level
Why do different instruments produce different timbres when playing the same pitch?
Due to the unique combination of frequencies present in each instrument
What is the Fourier expansion primarily used to describe?
The decomposition of a sound wave into its component frequencies
What is the primary factor that determines the timbre of a sound?
The number of harmonics present in the sound wave
Why do two sounds with the same fundamental frequency have different timbre?
Because they have different numbers of harmonics
What is the consequence of the superposition of multiple harmonics in a sound wave?
The creation of a sound wave with multiple frequencies
What is the relationship between the fundamental frequency and its harmonic frequencies?
The harmonic frequencies are derived from the fundamental frequency
What is the visual representation of a sound wave's frequency components?
A diagram with frequency on one axis and amplitude on the other
What is the fundamental frequency that determines the pitch of a sound?
The lowest frequency in a set of frequencies
What happens when a string is played on a guitar?
A whole set of frequencies, including the fundamental frequency and its harmonics, are triggered
What is the sequence of events when playing a guitar?
The guitar string is plucked, then the frequencies are triggered, and finally the cochlea is excited
Why is it impossible to generate only one frequency when playing a guitar?
Because the harmonics of the fundamental frequency are always triggered
What is the mathematical concept that describes the behaviour of a set of frequencies triggered by a vibrating object?
Fourier Expansion
What is unique about the sound produced by a flute?
It produces a single frequency
What is the primary reason for the difference in sound between sound n1 and sound n2?
Difference in amplitude ratios of harmonics
Which of the following is a consequence of a person having an increased hearing threshold?
Perceiving a distorted sound
What is the main characteristic of the harmonics produced when a person is talking or singing?
They have a specific amplitude
What is the result of speaking louder to a person with an increased hearing threshold?
The distortion remains
Why are consonants particularly affected by a person's increased hearing threshold?
They are more sensitive to high pitches
What is the fundamental principle underlying the Fourier expansion of sound?
Sound waves can be decomposed into harmonics
Test your understanding of Fourier Expansion, a mathematical concept that decomposes a function into its constituent frequencies. Learn about fundamental waves, higher harmonics, and modes in a system.
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