Physics Behind Music: An Introduction

by Bryan H. Suits

Overview

This engaging undergraduate text uses the performance, recording, and enjoyment of music to present basic principles of physics. The narrative lays out specific results from physics, as well as some of the methodology, thought processes, and 'interconnectedness' of physics concepts, results, and ideas. Short chapters start with basic definitions and everyday observations and ultimately work through standard topics, including vibrations, waves, acoustics, and electronics applications. Each chapter includes problems, some of which are suited for longer-term projects, and suggestions for extra reading that guide students toward a deeper understanding of the physics behind music applications. To aid teaching, additional review questions, audio and video clips, and suggestions for class activities are provided online for instructors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108948708
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/06/2023
Pages:	322
Product dimensions:	7.05(w) x 10.04(h) x 0.87(d)

About the Author

Bryan H. Suits has been a professor in the Department of Physics at Michigan Technological University (MTU) since 1985. An award-winning teacher, he has taught physics courses at all levels. An accomplished amateur musician with decades of experience, the author has combined his enthusiasm for physics with that for music to find ways to improve physics literacy among nonphysicists.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Frequency and rates; 3. The notes we use; 4. The frequency domain and pitch; 5. Harmonic oscillators and resonance; 6. String theory; 7. Normal modes; 8. Traveling waves; 9. The uncertainty principle; 10. Nonlinear physics; 11. Classical gases; 12. The speed of sound in a gas; 13. Sounds we hear; 14. Sound in pipes; 15. Sound in three dimensions; 16. Interference, diffraction, and diffusion; 17. Faraday's laws of induction; 18. RC time constants; 19. Physics and recording technology; 20. Electronics and music; Appendices; Index.

Editorial Reviews

‘This textbook is written with a palpable passion for physics, music, and communicating science to others. What makes it stand out from other physics texts is the deep connection with music, both in terms of using physics to explain principles underpinning music, but also in terms of capturing the philosophy of both fields. The book does not shy away from the human perception side of the story, which is critical in music and rarely, if ever, considered in physics. I will assign it to the reading list for the Science of Music module that I teach.’ Oksana Trushkevych, University of Warwick

‘I highly recommend this book. The text is readable, and suitable for a broad range of student levels. The end-of-chapter problems connect well with the chapter content, and provide a reasonable balance of beginning and advanced questions. The progression of topics is logical, the range is wide, and the content intriguing.’ Ananda Shastri, Minnesota State University Moorhead

From the Publisher