# Tag Info

## Hot answers tagged harmonics

2

Basically Oscars answers says it all, but I just want to add a few more things. When a string is plucked its motion need to follow the wave equation $$\frac{d^2}{dt^2}y(x,t) - c^2 \frac{d^2}{dx^2}y(x,t) = 0$$ with Dirichlet boundary conditions (the ends of the string are fixed). $c$ is the speed of sound of the string's medium. The function \$y_n(x,t) = \...

2

If a string has multiple waves expressed in it, this is done by adding the waves individually. Each frequency in the harmonic series can be expressed by a wave, a guitar string is the sum of these waves in different proportions. The resulting wave is significantly different than the others. See below for the sum of the first three frequencies in the ...

2

You have the correct conclusion, and I think you have the correct analysis, but I don't fully understand your presentation. Think of it this way: If the displacement occurs only between "neutral" and "forward", then the average density (air molecules per volume, or spring coils per length) over the entire system (air chamber or spring) must increase. But ...

1

If you've got an older web browser kicking around that still runs Java applets you should check out Paul Falstad's Loaded string simulation. You can add harmonics to your heart's content.

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