Denzel David, Madison Young

Physics, 6th Period

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Characteristics of Waves
 Sound travels in longitudinal waves.
 Sound waves’ speed at which it travel depends on the media through
which the sound is traveling. It travels faster in a solid than in a liquid or
gas.
 The amplitude of a sound determines its volume which is also known as
loudness. The larger the amplitude, the louder the sound.
 Frequency determines the pitch of sound. The higher the frequency,
the higher the pitch. The frequency of sound waves increases as the
wavelength decreases.

Vocal Chords
Vocal folds, or co mmonly known as vocal chords or voice reeds, are
composed of twin infoldings of mucous membranes stretched horizontally
across the larynx.
The vocal chords are used for talking and singing.

Singing, the vocal production of musical tones, is so basic to man its origins are
completely lost in the 5000 years of recorded human history. The voice, or vocal
chords, are known to be the first original musical instrument. There is no human
culture in the world where they do not sing.

Singing has different genres. One of the most popular form of singing is
Opera/Classical singing. It is one of the hardest forms of singing. It usually
requires a high pitch and a loud sound, which means high frequencies and
large amplitudes are needed.
Other forms of genres in singing are Pop, Jazz, Country, Hip Hop and etc.

Pop singers usually belts in singing. Belting is a vocal style which is similar to
shouting, so a larger amplitude is needed to achieve the correct loudness.

Hip Hop singers usually requires a lower register, so lower frequencies are
required.
 Denzel David, Madison Young
Physics, 6th Period

Production of Vocals
Sound waves are produced by a vibration.

To produce sound, first, the folds come together in a firm but relaxed way. Once
the folds are closed, air from the lungs passes through them, causing vibration
and thus making sound. The sound from this vibration then travels through the
throat, nose, and mouth

Sometimes vocal problems may occur. Voice problems occur with a change in
the voice, often described as hoarseness, roughness, or a raspy quality. Other
voice problems may accompany a change in singing ability that is most notable
in the upper singing range.

Some Famous Singers are: Ramin Karimloo, Beyonce, The Beatles, Alex Turner, and
many more. They have used their vocal chords to sing be famous.
 Denzel David, Madison Young
Physics, 6th Period

RESOURCES

 https://www.boundless.com/physics/textbooks/boundless-physics-
textbook/sound-16/introduction-128/characteristics-of-sound-453-11276/

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vocal_folds

 http://www2.lawrence.edu/fast/KOOPMAJO/antiquity.html

 http://takelessons.com/blog/vocal-exercises-by-genre-z02

 http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/sound

 http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-are-Vocal-Cords.aspx

 Hewitt, Paul G. "Sound Waves." Concept-development Practice Book:

Prentice Hall Conceptual Physics-the High School Physics Program.
Pearson Education, Inc., or Its Affiliate(s): Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008. N.
pag. Print.
Denzel David, Madison Young
Physics, 6th Period