Rainbow springs

Classical Mechanics Level 2

A remarkable variety of sounds can be made by striking objects a single time with a stick. The familiar sound of a snare drum, a steel drum, or even the laser chirps in the video above are all made by delivering a quick impulse to the respective systems. How can it be that a single impulse can give rise to all of these sounds, each of which is composed of a unique, rich blend of frequencies?

Details

A very fast strike to a system (like a drumstick quickly hitting a drum) is called an impulse.

Sound exits objects in different directions, sounds arise when signals recombine in the ear. An impulse contains all frequencies, each can behave differently in traveling through a system. Objects trap some frequencies, rejected ones reflect immediately, we hear what enters objects.. All frequencies enter objects, many are lost to the surroundings. We hear ones the object can trap.

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