Description:
In this project we used the physics of acoustics and waves to build musical instruments. We learned about the electromagnetic spectrum and did some experiments with Slinkies to understand transverse and longitudinal waves. For the project I built a trumpet. It was made out of PVC pipe. The trumpet had to be able to play defined notes that would be demonstrated during our presentation.
Reflection:
During this project I had some high points and low points. At the start, I was not even sure where to start and was a bit of a low point. Also, near the end of the project I was less involved with my group and that also was a low point. However, I had some high points also. Notably deciding what instrument I wanted to do and starting to work on it. Then, finishing it's construction. There was room for improvement in my leadership skills during this project. I will keep that in mind for the next one though. All in all, this project was mostly a success.
Concepts:
Waves:
Waves are like ripples. that carry energy. All waves transfer energy. There are several different types of waves.
Longitudinal wave:
a longitudinal wave is a compression wave, the wave oscillates parallel to the direction of motion. Longitudinal waves need a medium to travel through.
Transverse Waves:
a wave that oscillates perpendicular to its direction of travel. Examples of transverse waves are light/electromagnetic spectrum and gravitational waves. Transverse waves do not need a medium to travel through. Because of this a light wave can travel through the vacuum of space.
Wavelength:
This is the length from crest to crest of a wave. Wavelength is inversely proportional to frequency. Wavelength = wave speed/wave frequency.
Wave Speed:
How fast a wave is traveling. In transverse waves this is constant. However, in longitudinal waves, wave speed is influenced by the rigidity of the medium, and inversely proportional to the density of the medium.
Frequency:
Measured in Hertz, frequency is a measure of how many complete wavelengths are seen per second. Frequency = wave speed/wavelength.
Period:
The time it takes a wave to complete 1 cycle. Period = 1/frequency