PHYS 1204
Last Updated
- Schedule of Classes - January 19, 2021 7:14PM EST
- Course Catalog - January 19, 2021 7:15PM EST
Classes
PHYS 1204
Course Description
Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2020-2021.
This course explores the physics of musical sound. How and what do our ears hear? How does that determine the kinds of sounds we find pleasant and not so pleasant? How is sound generated by strings, pipes, and plates, and what determines the characteristics – pitch, timbre, attack, consonance, or dissonance – of that sound? How do the major families of musical instruments (string, wind, reed, brass, percussion) and specific examples (violin, guitar, piano, flute, oboe, trumpet, chimes, pipe organ) work, and how does that affect how they are played and the sounds they produce? How do we generate sound when we sing, and how does that vary in different kinds of singing? What makes for a good concert hall or listening space? These are explained using physical and mathematical concepts including vibrations, standing waves, harmonic series, beats, spectra, and logarithms, and illustrated using demonstrations, audio clips, and musical selections from a wide variety of genres. This course is a Writing In The Majors course: both science writing and physics problem-solving skills are developed through weekly assignments. Student activities include hands-on investigations of musical instruments and field trips. At the level of The Science of Sound by Rossing, Moore, and Wheeler.
When Offered Spring.
Distribution Category (PBS-AS, PHS-AS)
Comments Assumes no scientific background but uses high school algebra. Open to all students and suitable for non-scientists; does not serve as prerequisite for further science courses.
Regular Academic Session. Choose one lecture and one discussion. Combined with: MUSIC 1466
Credits and Grading Basis
3 Credits Stdnt Opt(Letter or S/U grades)
Class Number & Section Details
Meeting Pattern
- MWFTo Be Assigned
- Feb 8 - May 14, 2021
Instructors
Thorne, R
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
Visit www.physics.cornell.edu/waitlist if you are unable to enroll in an open section.
Enrollment limited to students who are able to attend in-person classes in the Ithaca area.
Class Number & Section Details
Meeting Pattern
- MWFOnline Meeting
- Feb 8 - May 14, 2021
Instructors
Thorne, R
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Online
Visit www.physics.cornell.edu/waitlist if you are unable to enroll in an open section.
Class Number & Section Details
Meeting Pattern
- WTo Be Assigned
- Feb 8 - May 14, 2021
Instructors
Thorne, R
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
Enrollment limited to students who are able to attend in-person classes in the Ithaca area.
Class Number & Section Details
Meeting Pattern
- FClark Hall 294D
- Feb 8 - May 14, 2021
Instructors
Thorne, R
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: In Person
Enrollment limited to students who are able to attend in-person classes in the Ithaca area.
Class Number & Section Details
Meeting Pattern
- WOnline Meeting
- Feb 8 - May 14, 2021
Instructors
Thorne, R
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Online
Class Number & Section Details
Meeting Pattern
- FOnline Meeting
- Feb 8 - May 14, 2021
Instructors
Thorne, R
Additional Information
Instruction Mode: Online
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