Using an impedance probe to teach musical acoustics to non-science majors

Abstract

An acoustic system, such as a musical instrument, can be described in terms of the acoustic impedance, the ratio of acoustic pressure and the resulting volume flow of air. Knowledge of the acoustic impedance reveals important characteristics of the system. A simple impedance probe was used to measure the acoustic impedance of various air columns and the results were used to demonstrate acoustic principles in a musical acoustics class for non-science majors.