Question

Which of the following is the trequency of the musical note \(\mathrm{C} 5 ?\) a) \(376 \mathrm{~g}\) b) \(483 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\) c) \(523 \mathrm{~Hz}\) d) \(26.5 \mathrm{~J}\)

Short answer

a) 376 g b) 483 m/s c) 523 Hz d) 26.5 J Answer: c) 523 Hz

Step-by-step solution

Identify the correct unit for the frequency

The frequency of a musical note is typically measured in hertz (Hz). In this case, we are looking for the frequency of the note C5, so we can eliminate the options that do not have the unit Hz. Among the given options: a) \(376 \mathrm{~g}\) b) \(483 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}\) c) \(523 \mathrm{~Hz}\) d) \(26.5 \mathrm{~J}\) Only option c has the unit Hz.

Verify that the frequency value is correct for the musical note C5

To conclude that option c is the correct answer, we should verify that the value \(523 \mathrm{~Hz}\) is indeed the frequency of the musical note C5. At the concert pitch, which assigns the note A4 a frequency of \(440 \mathrm{~Hz}\), the frequency of C5 is about \(523.25 \mathrm{~Hz}\). Thus, option c) \(523 \mathrm{~Hz}\) is the closest to the exact frequency of the musical note C5. Therefore, the correct answer is: c) \(523 \mathrm{~Hz}\)

Key concepts

Understanding Hertz (Hz)

The term 'Hertz,' abbreviated as Hz, is the unit of frequency in the International System of Units (SI) and is crucial in the study of physics and music alike. One hertz represents one cycle per second. In the context of music, when we say that a musical note has a certain frequency, we're describing how many sound wave cycles occur per second when that note is played.

For instance, when you hear a note that has been assigned a frequency of 256 Hz, this means the sound wave is oscillating 256 times every second. Higher frequencies signify higher-pitched sounds, whereas lower frequencies correspond to lower-pitched sounds. Understanding hertz is the first step towards grasping how different musical notes are identified and differentiated by our ears and instruments.

The Significance of Concert Pitch

Concert pitch is a standard for tuning and is used as a reference point for the tuning of musical instruments. Historically, the pitch of the note A4, also known as 'A above middle C,' has varied, but it is now widely accepted to be 440 Hz. This standardization allows for musicians around the world to tune their instruments in such a way that they sound harmoniously when played together.

The concept of concert pitch is crucial for ensuring that musical ensembles can play in unison, despite being composed of a variety of instruments which might otherwise be slightly out of sync with each other. Having a standard pitch makes it easier to write, read, and share music across different cultures and regions.

The Frequency of the C5 Note

When we move to the C5 note, the fifth octave on the piano, things get more specific. The C5 note, also known as 'tenor C,' is an essential reference point in music and has a frequency that can be mathematically derived from the concert pitch A4. Specifically, the C5 note has a frequency of approximately 523.25 Hz.

This specific frequency means that when you strike a C5 note on a well-tuned piano or sing the note at the standard concert pitch, you will produce a sound wave that repeats 523.25 times each second. This precision in frequency helps musicians to hit the right notes and composers to create music that can be uniformly played or sung by others. Understanding the specific frequency of musical notes, like the C5, fosters a better grasp of the intricate relationship between the scientific and artistic aspects of music.