Good Vibrations: The Physics of Music - Barry Parker

Good Vibrations: The Physics of Music - Barry Parker

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Short Description

Full bibliographic data for Good Vibrations

Title

Good Vibrations

Subtitle

The Physics of Music

Authors and contributors

By (author) Barry Parker

Physical properties

Format: Hardback
Number of pages: 288
Width: 152 mm
Height: 229 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight: 544 g

Audience

General/trade
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly

Language

English

ISBN

ISBN 13: 9780801892646
ISBN 10: 0801892643

Classifications

Dewey:781.2
BISAC category code:TEC001000
BICMainSubject:AVA
BICMainSubject:PHDS
Nielsen BookScan Product Class:S7.4
Dewey:534
BISAC category code:SCI001000
BISAC category code:SCI055000
BISAC category code:MUS000000

Illustrations note

11 halftones, 156 line drawings

Publisher

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY PRESS

Imprint name

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY PRESS

Publication date

31 December 2009

Publication City/Country

Baltimore, MD/US

Biographical note

Barry Parker is a professor emeritus of physics at Idaho State University and the author of The Isaac Newton School of Driving and Death Rays, Jet Packs, Stunts, and Supercars, both published by Johns Hopkins.

Main description

Why does a harpsichord sound different from a piano? For that matter, why does middle C on a piano differ from middle C on a tuning fork, a trombone, or a flute? Good Vibrations explains in clear, friendly language the out-of-sight physics responsible not only for these differences but also for the whole range of noises we call music.The physical properties and history of sound are fascinating to study. Barry Parker's tour of the physics of music details the science of how instruments, the acoustics of rooms, electronics, and humans create and alter the varied sounds we hear. Using physics as a base, Parker discusses the history of music, how sounds are made and perceived, and the various effects of acting on sounds. In the process, he demonstrates what acoustics can teach us about quantum theory and explains the relationship between harmonics and the theory of waves.Peppered throughout with anecdotes and examples illustrating key concepts, this invitingly written book provides a firm grounding in the actual and theoretical physics of music.

Review quote

Good Vibrations deals, in a nontechnical manner, with the very interesting subject of the physics of music. Choice 2010 Good Vibrations provides many interesting facts and connections between physics and music for the general reader. -- David Dolak Physics Today 2010 It is seriously easy to understand... It is clear that Parker loves having been born into a world that includes music. Reading this book is like listening to a teacher who worships his subject matter. -- Joseph Arellano Sacramento Bee 2010