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.
Sound and music are parts of our everyday
sensory experience. Just as humans have eyes
for the detection of light and color, so we
are equipped with ears for the detection of
sound.We seldom take the time to ponder the
characteristics and behaviors of sound and
the mechanisms by which sounds are produced,
propagated, and detected. The basis for an
understanding of sound, music and hearing
is the physics of waves.
