The standard of pitch has changed significantly over time. Today, the most commo

Question

The standard of pitch has changed significantly over time. Today, the most commonly used standard is a frequency f=440 Hz for A4, but values around f= 415 Hz for A4 were common in the Baroque era. This means that string instruments originally designed for 415 Hz now have to be tuned to 440 Hz, which means that the tension in each string needs to be adjusted. Consider a string that plays 415 Hz when it is at a tension of 125 N. How big does the tension need to be for this string to play at the higher standard pitch of 440 Hz?

Explanation / Answer

F = 1/2l)(sqrtT/u)

F1/F2 = sqrt (T1/T2)

T1/T2 = (415/440)^2 = 0.8895

T2 = 125/0.8895 = 140.52 N

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.