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This engaging undergraduate text uses the performance, recording, and enjoyment of music to present basic principles of physics. The narrative lays out specific results from physics, as well as some of the methodology, thought processes, and 'interconnectedness' of physics concepts, results, and ideas. Short chapters start with basic definitions and everyday observations and ultimately work through standard topics, including vibrations, waves, acoustics, and electronics applications. Each chapter includes problems, some of which are suited for longer-term projects, and suggestions for extra reading that guide students toward a deeper understanding of the physics behind music applications. To aid teaching, additional review questions, audio and video clips, and suggestions for class activities are provided online for instructors.
Preface
1. Introduction
2. Frequency and rates
3. The notes we use
4. The frequency domain and pitch
5. Harmonic oscillators and resonance
6. String theory
7. Normal modes
8. Traveling waves
9. The uncertainty principle
10. Nonlinear physics
11. Classical gases
12. The speed of sound in a gas
13. Sounds we hear
14. Sound in pipes
15. Sound in three dimensions
16. Interference, diffraction, and diffusion
17. Faraday's laws of induction
18. RC time constants
19. Physics and recording technology
20. Electronics and music
Appendices
Index.
Description
This engaging undergraduate text uses the performance, recording, and enjoyment of music to present basic principles of physics. The narrative lays out specific results from physics, as well as some of the methodology, thought processes, and 'interconnectedness' of physics concepts, results, and ideas. Short chapters start with basic definitions and everyday observations and ultimately work through standard topics, including vibrations, waves, acoustics, and electronics applications. Each chapter includes problems, some of which are suited for longer-term projects, and suggestions for extra reading that guide students toward a deeper understanding of the physics behind music applications. To aid teaching, additional review questions, audio and video clips, and suggestions for class activities are provided online for instructors.
