Mathematics of Music

Noramon K. (Prim) 11-3

Arisara K. (Now) 11-3
Piyaporn R. (Premier) 11-3
Nuntinee M. (Toey) 11-3
Nuttacha K. (Fah) 11-3
Objectives:
We did this experiment for study how mathematical relationships relate to sound, which interfere
between two notes that is consonant or dissonant. So we determine the frequency of each musical note
and examine them as ratio then investigate difference.
Hypothesis:
If we can find radio of two musical notes fandamental frequency, it will help to predict that the
sound is consonant or dissonant.
Materials:
2 computers
o 1 computer for Vernier computer interface (Logger Pro)
o 1 computer for electronic keyboard (virtualpiano.net)
Vernier Microphone
Procedure:
1. Connect the Vernier Microphone to Channel 1 of the interface.
2. Open the file 35 Mathematics of Music in the Physics with Vernier folder. The
computer will display a graph for displaying the waveform of the sound and an FFT (Fast Fourier
Transform). An FFT is a mathematical method that gives you the frequencies present in the sound
that you analyze.
3. Open the website: virtualpiano.net to access an online electronic keyboard
4. Produce the first note to study, C. Use the middle C on the keyboard (first key of the third
octave from left to right). Hold the Microphone close to the sound source and click collect.
Hold the tone steady for a second or two (until the waveform appears on the screen). If you do
not see a simple, well-defined wave pattern on the screen, try adjusting the Microphone position
and try again.
5. Check the FFT to see the frequency spectrum of the wave. The graph shows the relative
amplitude of the frequencies present in the sound. Since we are using fairly simple sounds for this
lab, you will probably see only one or two peaks on this graph. The lowest frequency present is
called the fundamental frequency, and it is also displayed at the top left of the FFT. Record this
value in the data table. The fundamental frequency for the first C of the third octave is
approximately 262 Hz.
6. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for each of the notes listed in the data table (one octave). Use the
diagram as a reference point to locate the different notes on a keyboard.

Results:
DATA TABLE
Note

Fundamental
Frequency (Hz)

Ratio to first C
(f/fC)

Integer Ratio

Dissonant or
Consonant

260

1/1

290

1.12

9/8

Dissonant

325

1.25

5/4

Consonant

345

1.33

4/3

Consonant

390

1.5

3/2

Consonant

435

1.67

5/3

Consonant

490

1.88

15/8

Dissonant

520

2/1

Consonant

This table show fundamental frequency knows from the graph in Logger pro. Third column show
ratio between each musical notes fundamental frequency to first musical notes frequency. The integer
radio in fourth column converts from third column. Lastly column is determination that the sounds of
each musical note, which combine with first musical note (C), are sound good or bad.
Analysis:

1. For each frequency, calculate its ratio to the frequency of the first C note
(Ratio = f note / f C). Record your result in the data table.
2. The ratios of the notes can be expressed with a ratio of integers. Below, you have a list of
integer ratios. Identify which of them correspond to the ratios that you calculated. Write the down
on the table. [Example: ratio = 1.33; ratio = 4/3]
Integer ratios: 3/2
4/3
5/4
6/5
5/3
8/5
7/4
7/5
9/8
15/8
16/15
3. Play the C note in your keyboard together with each of the consequtive notes. Write in
the table whether the sound is consonant or dissonant.
4. Considering all the combinations of notes, is there a pattern that helps predict what
combination will be consonant? Explain, citing specific evidence from your table.
Answer: this mathematic pattern can help to predict the sound. If two radio are too far from
another one which combination together then it will be dissonant. if the radio of two musical
notes are colse together, the sound will be consonant same as combination of C and G which
have radio are 1/1 and 3/2 that are very close together.
5. Draw a graph (Pressure v. Time) of the fundamental mode of the C and G notes (on the
same graph). You can use a graphing software or you can draw it by hand. What do you notice
about the two sound waves? Is there a pattern or order that could explain the fact that the two
notes sound good together?
C note
G note

Conclusions: (100-200 words, 1-2 paragraphs):

Our hypothesis is correct, the radio of two musical notes fundamental fraquency can help to
predict the sound that is consonant or dissonant. We notice the radioes that are dissonant usually combine
between very different of radio such as C and D which C has integer radio just 1/1 while D has integer
radio to C is 9/8. The difference between two radio are too difference so the sound not sound good which
determine as dissonant. Same as C and B when combine are dissonant, if we look at it radio to C that is
15/8.It is too different late of radio same.
For our group have a little error when we found the fundamental frequency. Sometime we click
collect and click musical note not the same time. So the fundamental frequency may a little incorrect then
when we matching with integer radio have a bit miss.