The Physics of Sound
Syllabus
ABCD Voting Card
Research Project Assignment Sheet
Physically, sound is simply the compression of air around us. However, this relatively simple description obscures a much richer understanding of sound. From how different sounds are generated and perceived to how different sounds can combine to make something new to how to design acoustically pleasant spaces, the physics of sound plays a key role. This course is about the fundamentals that underlie sound and is designed to serve as an introduction to those who are interested in going further. We will discuss wave theory, sound propagation, constructive and destructive interference, beats, and resonance, among other ideas. This course will be mixed between a lecture/discussion and a hands-on lab and students will be expected to design their own final project extending the ideas of the course.
We will be using the Bennington Physics Slack Workspace to communicate this term. Please make sure you join both of the Fall 2022 Physics I channel (#fall2022-sound).
Our textbook for the class is: Physics and Music: The Science of Musical Sound, by White & White
We will meet:
Tuesdays from 8:30am to 12:10pm in Dickinson 232
Date | Topic | Problem Set | Lab |
September 13 | Fundamentals of Waves and Sound | Problem Set 1 | Lab 1 |
September 20 | Interference, Resonance, and Beats | Problem Set 2 | Lab 2 |
September 27 | Vibrating Strings | Problem Set 3 | |
October 4 | Musical Instruments | Lab 3 | |
October 11 | Electronics + Acoustics | Problem Set 4 | |
October 18 | Acoustics + Final Projects |