PHY-105 Physics of Sound

An introductory course in physics for students who have not had high school physics, designed for non-science majors. This is a required course for music majors as well as Music Recording Technology majors. Emphasizes: Scientific method, measurement, laboratory proficiency. Topics include vibrations, transverse and longitudinal waves, sound waves, superposition of waves, standing waves, harmonic analysis, mathematical elements of the Pythagorean and modern scales, the production of musical sounds, hearing, sound measurement, fundamentals of microphones and speakers, elements of acoustic architecture. This fulfills the laboratory science requirements for non-science degrees. This course carries SUNY General Education Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) credit.

Credits

4

Department

• Science & Technology

Course Rotation Schedule

• Spring: In Person

For more detailed course information view the Course Outline

PHY 105: Physics of Sound

Department

Science and Technology

Course Description

An introductory course in physics for students who have not had high school physics, designed for non-science majors. This is a required course for music majors as well as Music Recording Technology majors. Emphasizes: Scientific method, measurement, laboratory proficiency. Topics include vibrations, transverse and longitudinal waves, sound waves, superposition of waves, standing waves, harmonic analysis, mathematical elements of the Pythagorean and modern scales, the production of musical sounds, hearing, sound measurement, fundamentals of microphones and speakers, elements of acoustic architecture. This fulfills the laboratory science requirements for non-science degrees. This course carries SUNY General Education Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) credit.

Credit Hours

4

Contact Hours

Lecture	3
Lab	2
Other	0

Grading Scheme

Letter

SUNY General Education Course

• Natural Science and Scientific Reasoning

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply arithmetic, algebra, and geometric principles to the analysis of the physical properties of sound.
2. Identify, analyze, and evaluate sound wave experiments; and develop well-reasoned arguments and conclusions from the analysis of the data.
3. Articulate how waves are produced, measured, and combined to create music.
4. Connect the description of musical quality to the science of wave forms.

Topic Outline

1. 1. Units, conversions, and dimensional analysis
2. 2. Precision, accuracy, and uncertainty analysis
3. 3. Graphing
4. 4. Vibrations and waves
5. 5. Sound
6. 6. Wave superposition and interference
7. 7. Standing waves
8. 8. Harmonics and wave combinations
9. 9. Wave synthesis and analysis
10. 10. Sound measurements
11. 11. Intensity and decibels
12. 12. Human auditory system
13. 13. Hearing safety
14. 14. Electronic sound
15. 15. Speakers and microphones
16. 16. Acoustics and architecture