Chapter 10.3, Problem 17R

To determine

To explain: how two musical notes having same pitch and volume sound different from each other.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Two musical notes of same pitch and volume, played from different instruments do not sound same as they differ in their quality of sound or tone. Another reason is because their waveforms are different.

Two musical notes having same pitch and volume has different qualities because the sounds from the instruments are never pure notes. They are not of one single frequency bur varying. It consists of one main note and other smaller notes called overtones. The main notes is referred to as the first harmonic and has frequency f. The overtone is called second harmonic with frequency 2f and third as third harmonic and frequency 3f and so on. The sum of all harmonics is the waveform which determines the quality of the sound.

Conclusion:

Thus, two musical notes of same pitch and volume, played from different instruments do not sound same.