Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Does the rate of molecular vibration differ depending on the size and shape of the object being affected? If so, how and why? My partners and I were curious as to how the sound waves are affected by the vibration of the guitar string. Does the width of each string change the affects of the sound wave when it vibrates? Please reply soon, I've posted before, never got a response and my project is due tomorrow. Thank you!

Hi,

Your question about the effect of the length or shape of a vibrating guitar string on its sound is aimed at the wrong expert forum. This is Life, Earth and Social Sciences. You should have posted to Physical Sciences.

I'm sure there's a lot of information on the web about the physics of vibrating strings. I know the composition of the strings--nylon vs steel has an effect on the sound, but so does a lot of other things about the guitar, like the size and shape of the body and what it is constructed of. If you are talking about electric guitars, then maybe the shape of string would have an effect on the pick-up. I know the bass strings are thicker than those of higher notes, but isn't the tension on the strings more important than their 'width'?

Did you try googling your question? Use a specific search string and look for technical data. The sound waveforms may change even thought the pitch stays the same.

Good luck.

Sybee

Hello there,

I also agree with Sybee that this is more of a physics question, so you should definitely post to the Grades 9-12 Physical Sciences forum so that you can get input from the physics experts there! They likely know a lot more about the physics of sound waves than we do. You can also do a quick google search to see if anything interesting comes up for your question. I found something really quickly, and you can see if this gives you more ideas about your question.

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/sound/u11l4a.cfm

Best,
Connie