Chapter 17: Sound Waves

The nature of sound as a longitudinal, mechanical pressure wave is explained and the properties of sound are discussed. Wave principles of resonance and standing waves are applied in an effort to analyze the physics of musical instruments.

Lesson 1: The Nature of Sound Waves

  1. Sound is a Mechanical Wave
  2. Sound as a Longitudinal Wave
  3. Sound is a Pressure Wave

Lesson 2: Properties of Sound and Their Perception

  1. Pitch and Frequency
  2. Intensity and the Decibel Scale
  3. The Speed of Sound
  4. The Human Ear

Lesson 3: Behaviors of Sound Waves

  1. Interference and Beats
  2. The Doppler Effect and Shock Waves
  3. Boundary Behavior
  4. Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction

Lesson 4: Resonance and Standing Waves

  1. Natural Frequency
  2. Forced Vibration
  3. Standing Wave Patterns
  4. Fundamental Frequency and Harmonics

Lesson 5: Physics of Musical Instruments

  1. Resonance
  2. Guitar Strings
  3. Open-End Air Columns
  4. Closed-End Air Columns