Sarah Gee McCoy ch 2

This chapter explains the qualities of sound and how each element is measured by scientists. Frequency is the measurement of a single pitch. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz). To reach an octave above a pitch the number of Hz must be double the amount of the lower pitch. One half step is 6% of that number. Sound travels at about 350 meters per second. Amplitude is the measurement of the intensity of a pitch which is measured in decibels (dB). There is a large difference in dB between white noise and conversational speech- 20 dB. The harmonic series is also explained in this here chapter. It goes c3, c4, g, c5, e, g, (Bb), c6, d, e, f#, g, etc. the intervals break down to be, octave, perfect 5^th, perfect 4^th, major 3^rd, minor 3^rd, minor 3^rd,major 2^nd, minor 2^nd, minor 2^nd continuing. Duration is the measurement of how long a pitch is held or how many compressions and rarefactions are present after a period of time.

Concepts: The air molecules move to transmit sound but they do not move far because they try to return to the same position.

The number of Hz in an pitch is doubled to reach an octave and 6 percent of that is the increase to a half step above.

Words: Frequency, Hertz, Amplitude, Duration, Propagate, Lambda, Harmonics

Connections: the notes in a triad are natural harmonics being played together as the fundamental frequency.