Musical intervals

Principle

The frequency ratio of two tones is called an interval. These intervals have special names in music. As a result, the experiment can be more easily understood by students, if the terms are known from music class, at any case (at the very least) they should know the C-major scale.

With a tensed string the string lengths behave opposite to the tone pitches (frequencies) of the notes produced. As a result, the interval of notes can be determined from the ratio of the string lengths.

In the experiment a monochord is used, which is a resonator with two tense strings, whose pitch can be changed through "bridges" placed under them. Both strings are at first tightened so that the same note is created, a bridge is placed under one string, in order to adjust the desired interval between the two strings, and the corresponding string length is measured.

Benefits

• Simple and clear setup
• Achievement of an elemental learning objective with little effort