Introduction to Sound Waveforms
Even if two musical instruments like a violin, oboe, or French horn play the same note at the same loudness, the sound they produce is not identical. This is because each instrument creates a unique sound waveform.
The shape of this waveform depends on how the instrument vibrates and on the mix of frequencies it produces. These differences are why we can tell a recorder from a violin, even if they play the same pitch.
Everyday sounds such as human speech, bird songs, and musical notes , also have their own distinct waveform patterns. They are formed by combining a main frequency (the pitch) with other frequencies (called harmonics or overtones) that give the sound its unique quality.
Fundamental Characteristics of Sound
A. Quality (Timbre)
- Quality is the characteristic that enables us to differentiate between sounds of the same loudness and pitch.
- Example: A violin and flute playing the same note at equal volume sound distinct due to differences in their waveform patterns.
B. Loudness
- Loudness distinguishes between quiet and loud sounds.
- It depends primarily on the amplitude (height) of the sound wave.
C. Pitch
- Pitch determines whether a sound is perceived as high (shrill) or low (flat).
- It is governed by the frequency (number of oscillations per second) of the sound wave.
Sound Intensity
- Defined as the power carried by sound waves per unit area.
- Measured in watts per square meter (W/m²).