Musical Instruments and Sound- Weekly Blog (3/11-3/15)

Sound Energy - Musical Instruments by SolPass

Summary

We understand how sound is produced, and how sound waves can travel through different mediums, but how do musical instruments produce sound? There are hundreds of instruments in the world, producing various pitches, tones, and chords. There are three main types of instruments: wind, percussion, and string. The sound is produced differently based on the type of instrument.

The first type of instrument is a string instrument. In a string instrument, the sound is created from the vibration of strings. For example, when you play guitar, you pull on the strings. As the strings vibrate, the air molecules start vibrating as well, producing sound. The next type of instruments are wind and brass instruments and are made when we blow sound into them. The shape and position of the instrument affect the overall tone and pitch. The most common kind of wind instrument is a reed instrument. Blowing on the reed causes it to vibrate, making a sound. The last main kind of musical instrument is a percussion instrument. In percussion instruments, the sound is created from a hitting motion. For example, you may hit a xylophone to produce sound.

SP2: Developing and Using Models

This week, we developed and used models to demonstrate how sound is created through a musical instrument. We started by drawing a sketch of our idea and the materials that we would use to create it. Next, we started building our prototype and made necessary adjustments. We used models to explain and predict behaviors of sound systems and how the structure of the instrument affects the sound. Using models has helped me learn more about musical instruments and how they can be used to produce sound.

XCC: Structure and Function

In class, I observed a structure and function relationship between the shape of musical instruments and the sound they produce. For example, the size and shape of a musical instrument is the structure. This affects the function of the instrument and produces a sound. The instrument's pitch and tone depend on the structure. However, the structure of the instrument limits the function and how many pitches it can play. Learning about structure and function relationships has helped me learn more about how musical instruments produce sound.