Question

Name musical instrument, one in each case, which produces its notes by using the following. In each case state the method used to produce notes of different pitches and loudness.
(a) A vibrating string.
(b) A vibrating column air.
(c) Vibration of any other body.

Answer 1

(a)
Guitar produces notes using vibrating string.
To produce notes with different pitches, strings of different thicknesses are plucked. When a string of greater thickness is plucked, a note with higher pitch is produced and vice-versa.
To produce the notes of different loudness, all stringed instruments are provided with hollow sound box which contains air. In these instruments vibrations are produced in the sound box when the strings on it are made to vibrate by plucking, are forced vibrations. Larger the surface area of the air in the sound box, louder will be the sound produced.
(b)
Flute produces notes using a vibrating column of air.
In a flute, the notes of different frequencies or pitch are produced by changing the effective length of the air column when different holes in it are closed.
In a flute, the notes of different loudness can be produced by using flutes of different diameters. A flute with larger diameter shall have more air enclosed in it and hence the sound produced by it shall be louder.
(c)
Piano produces notes using a vibration of any other body.
When we strike the keys of piano, strings of different thickness are set in vibration at their natural frequencies; hence sound of higher pitch can be produced by striking the string of greater thickness.
A piano's wires are attached to a sounding board with help of which sound of different loudness can be produced. The vibrating wire makes the board vibrate, which makes the sound louder.