Why This Universe? cover image

Why This Universe?

72 - The Physics Of Music (Ft. Tim Cohen)

Nov 6, 2023
Physics professor and musician, Tim Cohen, joins the hosts to answer questions about the physics of music. They explore the 12-note scale, overtones in instruments, the physics of rhythm, the connection between number theory and music, and the physics of musical instruments like the flute, organ pipes, and saxophone.
43:31

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The 12-note scale in Western music is based on the perfect octave and equal temperament, allowing for easy modulation between keys.
  • Musical instruments produce unique sounds due to their combination of dominant and subdominant frequencies, creating rich overtones and timbres.

Deep dives

The Physics of Music and Sound Generation

Sound is physically just pressure waves through air, with different frequencies and amplitudes giving us music and voices. Instruments produce different sounds due to their unique combination of dominant and subdominant frequencies.

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