EK Sound Waves #695

[mtravis2190]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey guys,
I'm having trouble with the following question.
695- Which of the following explains why a human can distinguish between the sound waes the same note played by different instruments?
A. The frequency is different for each instrument.
B. The wavelength is different for each instrument.
C. The relative intensities of each harmonic vary differently for the same instrument.
D. The relative wavelengths of each harmonic vary differently for each instrument.

I was able to rule out A and B because if the frequency changes then wavelength changes, which means you're playing a totally different note. The answer is C, but I don't get why. Any clarification is much appreciated! Thank you in advance!

 

[NextStepTutor_1]

You can actually rule out all of the other answer choices--if you change the frequency or wavelength then the note would be different as you suggested. That is true even if we are considering harmonics. Thus, what you can change is the intensity (loudness) of the sound. And so, you can differentiate between a soft flute and a loud trumpet playing the same note.

 

[mtravis2190]

You can actually rule out all of the other answer choices--if you change the frequency or wavelength then the note would be different as you suggested. That is true even if we are considering harmonics. Thus, what you can change is the intensity (loudness) of the sound. And so, you can differentiate between a soft flute and a loud trumpet playing the same note.

Ah! ic! Got it! Thank you so much. That makes sense!