Answers LA-Physical Science B-CR Topic TestQuestion 13

13

QuizMultiple Choice

Topic Test

Question 13 • LA-Physical Science B-CR

The unique sound quality of a clarinet or a violin is caused by the

Answer

A

forced vibrations that occur at natural frequencies.

B

length of standing waves in the fundamental frequency.

C

relative intensity of different harmonics in each note.

D

relative number of harmonics.

Explanation

A clarinet and a violin can play the same note, but they produce different mixtures of harmonics. The relative intensity of those harmonics shapes the sound quality, or timbre, that lets us distinguish the instruments. So the correct choice is “relative intensity of different harmonics in each note.”

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