PHY00011C

UNIVERSITY OF YORK

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

First Year Examinations 2014

Physics of Music

Time allowed: ONE hour and THIRTY minutes

Answer TWO questions

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START EVERY QUESTION USING A NEW ANSWER BOOKLET

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Tables of Constants and Mathematical Formulae

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 Physics of Music - PHY00011C

Answer TWO questions (out of THREE)

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1 (a) A modern concert grand piano sounds very different from an early 18th century
instrument. A big difference is in string tension. Explain why the tension in
modern piano strings is so much higher than in early pianos. [8] ∗

(b) Describe and explain other changes in design such as the linear density of the
strings, their contact ratio, methods of dealing with the inharmonicity of stiff
strings and the effect this has on the tuning of the piano. [12]

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2 (a) Describe an acoustical test that can be applied to a violin and what the
outcome should be for a good quality instrument. [8] ∗

(b) Compare violin acoustics with those of a viola and cello, explaining how they
differ and why. Describe how the design of these instruments may be changed to
improve their sound. [8]

(c) A 19th century “shoulder cello” was smaller than a standard instrument so it
could be held with a strap over the shoulder like a guitar but still played with a
bow. Comment on what you expect its acoustics to be like compared to a
standard cello. Give reasons for your answer. [4]

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3 (a) You are to design a concert hall for listening to orchestral music. Describe three
main aims of the design and how you can achieve them. [8] ∗

(b) Describe two acoustic faults and how they may be avoided. [4]

(c) The shape of the hall can have a large effect on its acoustical properties, yet
many modern halls are built with a wide variety of shapes. Describe how a
simple shape may work well and what design features can enhance the acoustics
of a modern hall of any shape. [8]

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