《(PHYSICS) NOTES》
Entry 01: Monday, 4 September
PHYSICS NOTES
Entry 01: Monday, 4 September
Professor Walker¡¯s assignment on Module 1
Deadline: Monday, 11 September
Objective:
- Explore the physical principles behind the sound production and acoustics of musical instruments
- Understand the relationship between the structure of an instrument and the sound it produces.
Materials needed:
- A selection of musical instruments (e.g., guitar, violin, flute, drum)
- Frequency analyzer or smartphone app with frequency analysis capabilities
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Research materials (books, articles, internet access)
- Data recording sheets
Instructions:
1. Selection of Instruments:
- Each pair of students selects two different musical instruments to study. Ensure that the chosen instruments are diverse (e.g., one string instrument and one wind instrument).
2. Research Phase:
- Conduct research on the physical principles behind the selected instruments. Investigate how sound is produced, the role of resonance, the importance of material and shape, and the characteristic frequencies.
The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
- Record detailed notes on the theoretical aspects of the instruments.
3. Experimental Setup:
- Use a frequency analyzer or a smartphone app to measure the frequencies produced by the instruments when played.
- Measure the physical dimensions of the instruments, such as string length, body length, and air column length, as applicable.
3. Data Collection:
- For string instruments, pluck or bow the strings and record the fundamental frequency and harmonics.
- For wind instruments, produce sound at different pitches and record the corresponding frequencies.
- For percussion instruments, strike the surface and record the resulting frequencies and overtones.
- Record all data systematically, noting the conditions under which each measurement was taken.
4. Analysis:
- Analyze the recorded frequencies to identify patterns and relationships between the physical characteristics of the instruments and the sounds produced.
- Compare the experimental results with the theoretical research conducted earlier.
5. Report and Presentation:
- Prepare a detailed report summarizing the research, experimental setup, data collected, and analysis. Include diagrams, frequency spectra, and calculations.
- Create a presentation to share your findings with the class. Highlight key insights, interesting observations, and any challenges faced during the project.
-6. Class Discussion:
- After presenting, engage in a class discussion to compare the findings of different pairs and explore the similarities and differences in the acoustics of various musical instruments.
Evaluation criteria:
- Depth and accuracy of the research
- Completeness and precision of the experimental data
- Quality of the analysis and interpretation of results
- Clarity and organization of the report
- Effectiveness and engagement of the presentation
Partner for the assignment: Eric Gloria
- Second to last row, four seats into the right.
- Dirty-blonde hair in an undercut, bright hazel eyes, sharp jawline, long eyelashes, high nose bridge, a beauty mark under his left eye.
- 6''2
- 57 kg
- 23 years old
- He goes to gym daily and isn''t afraid to show off his muscles
- Has a minty breath and smells of lavender.
- Has a father, a mother, and two older sisters.
- Attends Elisa Oak Private Academy for Boys and Girls in London for elementary, middle, and high school
- Elisa Oak is his famous aunt
- Has four exes.
- Body count: 12 (according to Priyanka)
- Little to no interest in physics yet no explained reason why he had applied for this field (only good at the basic knowledge)
- The life of the party
- He likes to go to parties and clubs.
- He likes vodka, cocktail and champagne.
- He has a thing for denim clothes, but he suits a classy, bad boy style more (according to Priyanka)
- Shows up to class in a fancy Bugatti
- He likes MLB.
- He likes playing golf with his dad.
- He has two apartments and three parks in his name in Sweden
- Soon to inherit a large fortune from his millionaire grandparents.
- Rumored to have sleep with his past teachers??
- Always gets his way.
- The boy-next-door type (back in his primary education years)
Meet up with Eric this Saturday to do the assignment at the university library, at 8:00.
To do:
- Bring: violin, laptop, measuring tape.
Entry 02: Saturday, 9 September
PHYSICS NOTES
Entry 02: Saturday, 9 September
Meet up with Eric at university library at 8:00 AM.
To do: Bring violin, measuring tape
INVESTIGATING THE PHYSICS BEHIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Instruments Studied:
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Violin (String Instrument)
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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:
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Sound Production: Produced by the vibration of strings, which are amplified by the hollow body.
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Resonance: Body of the violin acts as a resonating chamber, enhancing the sound.
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Material: Typically made of wood, with strings made of gut, metal, or synthetic materials.
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Characteristic Frequencies: The fundamental frequency and overtones depend on the length, tension, and mass of the strings.
Flute:
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
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Sound Production: Blowing air across the mouthpiece, creating a vibration in the air column inside the flute.
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Resonance: The length of the air column and the placement of the finger holes determine the resonant frequencies.
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Material: Typically made of metal or wood.
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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:
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Violin:
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String Length: 32 cm
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Fundamental Frequency of Open G String: 196 Hz
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Harmonics: 392 Hz (2nd harmonic), 588 Hz (3rd harmonic)
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Flute:
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Length of Air Column: 66 cm
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Fundamental Frequency of C Note: 261.63 Hz
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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.
New skill discovered about Eric: he can play the flute.
Eric finalizing the report. To be handed at 9:00 PM for any mistakes.
Send to teacher through email tomorrow.
Entry 03, 04, and 05
PHYSICS NOTES
Entry 03: Wednesday, 13 September
Meet up with Eric and Priyanka at Bliss Cafe, 6:00PM
Address: ...
Purpose: study activity
Bring: books, notebooks, laptop, stationary
Module: WAVES
Topic: Electromagnetic waves
Key concepts:
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Electromagnetic waves consist of oscillating electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields.
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E and B fields are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation.
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Travel at the speed of light: c = 3.00 ¡Á 108?m/s
Applications:
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Radio Waves: Long wavelengths used for communication.
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Visible Light: Human eyes perceive within 400¨C700 nm range.
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X-Rays: Short wavelengths for medical imaging.
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Communication: Radio, television, and satellite transmissions.
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Medicine: X-rays and laser treatments.
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Astronomy: Study of cosmic radiation, visible light, and radio waves.
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Everyday Use: Infrared in remote controls, microwaves in cooking, ultraviolet in sterilization.
Maxwell''s Contributions:
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Unified electricity and magnetism into a single theory.
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Predicted the existence of electromagnetic waves.
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Showed that light is an electromagnetic wave.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Note: Eric is not very committed to work => not a very ideal partner to work with.
Why:
- Lazy
- Always complaining
- Flirts with everybody; touched a waitress''s rump (?)
- Gone after 20 minutes into studying => sign of non-commitment.
- Gone with a girl in the English department => not loyal to major
- Priyanka''s possible infatuation with the guy???
PHYSICS NOTES
Entry 04: Monday, 18 September
Feedback on assignment:
- Impressive investigation.
- It reflects an excellent understanding of the physics underlying the production of sound in musical instruments.
- The breakdown of sound production, resonance, and material importance for both instruments is exceptionally well-explained.
- The collection of data, particularly the harmonic frequencies and physical measurements, is clear and well-documented. The use of theoretical validation strengthens findings.
- Structured logically, conclusions are supported by both experimental data and theoretical research.
Improvement:
- Include diagrams or graphs to illustrate the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and harmonic overtones. Visual representations could make analysis even more impactful.
- Could be enriched by discussing how external factors (e.g., temperature, humidity, or material aging) might influence sound production.
- A brief comparison with another type of string or wind instrument (e.g., a cello or a clarinet) could offer further depth to your study.
Overall marks: A-
Percentage:
- Hannah Sparrows: 100% (acc. to Eric)
- Eric Gloria: 95% (acc, to Hannah)
Why:
- Turned in past deadline
MODULE: WAVES
Topic: Electromagnetic waves
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EM waves carry energy and momentum. The amount of energy depends on the wave''s frequency and intensity.
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Polarization: EM waves can be polarized, meaning the direction of the electric field oscillation can be constrained to a specific plane.
Electromagnetic waves are generated when electric charges accelerate. For instance:
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In antennas, alternating currents create radio waves.
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In atoms, electrons transitioning between energy levels emit visible light or other EM waves.
James Clerk Maxwell unified the concepts of electricity and magnetism into a single theoretical framework. His equations predict the existence of EM waves and describe their behavior. These equations show that changing electric fields generate magnetic fields, and vice versa, resulting in self-sustaining EM waves.
...
PHYSICS NOTES
Entry 05: Tuesday, 19 September
Meet with Eric at his house.
Address: ...
Purpose: Hangout because of low percentage score
Bring: snacks.