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Physics 20: eLab Activity

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Musical Tones

Background:

Musical instruments are not the only devices that are capable of generating tones - many objects, devices, machines, and even the human voice, can generate different tones.

In this investigation, you will discover the different tones that can be generated by various devices and the human voice.

The Questions:

What are the frequencies and wavelengths created by various devices and the human voice?

Materials:

  • Devices capable of generating tones, such as musical instruments, tuning forks, chimes or slide whistles.
  • Printer linked to computer
  • DataStudio software with Waveport
  • Ruler

Procedure:

Step 1:

Start up DataStudio software on your computer and initiate the Waveport component. There are two windows in the Waveport component. In this lab, only the one that has a microphone (SoundAnalyzer) will be used.

Step 2:

Pick any tone-generating device and begin collecting frequency data. Click the microphone and generate a steady tone, then click the microphone again to lock the tone into the display. Use the time scale on the display to determine the period of the tone - this can be done by measuring between repeating points (such as the peaks in the display above) in the tone. This may be facilitated by printing out the display and using a ruler.

Record the period in an appropriate table. Use the period to determining the frequency and record this in the table as well. Use the speed of sound according to the temperature in your classroom to determine the wavelength and record this in the table as well.

Repeat this step with all the tone-generating devices, objects and voices that you wish.

Tone Generator
Period (s)
Frequency (Hz)
Wavelength (m)
Person 1 Hum
Person 2 Hum
Tuning Fork 1
Tuning Fork 2
Tuba

Analyzing and Interpreting:

1. Describe and explain the different frequencies and wave patterns produced by the different devices, objects and voices that you used to generated tones.

Extending:

2. Do similar frequencies of sound generated by two different voices sound identical? Explain and demonstrate your answer by using DataStudio's SoundAnalyzer.
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