Table of Sound Frequencies

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 29 views

Introduction

In music theory, sound frequencies play a crucial role in determining the pitch and tone of a note. The frequency of a note is measured in Hertz (Hz) and is directly related to the number of oscillations or cycles per second. In this article, we will explore the sound frequencies of a piano, specifically the frequency of a key that is 12 keys from middle C.

Piano Sound Frequencies

The piano is a musical instrument that produces sound when keys are pressed, causing hammers to strike strings. The frequency of a piano note is determined by the length and tension of the string. The longer the string, the lower the frequency, and the shorter the string, the higher the frequency.

Mathematical Formula

The frequency of a piano note can be calculated using the following formula:

f = 440 * (2^((n-49)/12))

where f is the frequency in Hz, n is the number of keys above middle C, and 440 is the frequency of middle C.

Table of Sound Frequencies

The following table shows the frequency of a piano note for each key above middle C:

Number of keys above middle C	Frequency (Hz)
0	277.18
1	293.66
2	311.13
3	329.63
4	349.23
5	369.99
6	392.00
7	415.30
8	440.00
9	466.16
10	493.88
11	523.25
12	554.37

Calculating the Frequency of a Key 12 Keys from Middle C

To calculate the frequency of a key that is 12 keys from middle C, we can use the formula above:

f = 440 * (2^((12-49)/12))

f = 440 * (2^(-3.75))

f ≈ 554.37 Hz

Therefore, the frequency of a key that is 12 keys from middle C is approximately 554.37 Hz.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the frequency of a piano note is determined by the number of keys above middle C and can be calculated using the formula f = 440 * (2^((n-49)/12)). By understanding the mathematical relationship between the number of keys and the frequency, we can predict the frequency of a key that is 12 keys from middle C.

Discussion Category: Mathematics

This article falls under the category of mathematics, specifically the application of mathematical formulas to real-world problems. The use of mathematical formulas to calculate the frequency of a piano note demonstrates the importance of mathematics in music theory.

Real-World Applications

The calculation of sound frequencies has numerous real-world applications, including:

Music production: Understanding the frequency of a note is crucial in music production, as it allows producers to create harmonious and balanced soundscapes.
Audio engineering: The calculation of sound frequencies is essential in audio engineering, as it helps engineers to optimize the sound quality of a recording.
Acoustics: The study of sound frequencies is also important in acoustics, as it helps researchers to understand the behavior of sound waves in different environments.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions in the field of sound frequencies include:

Developing new mathematical formulas: Researchers can develop new mathematical formulas to calculate the frequency of a piano note, taking into account factors such as string length and tension.
Investigating the effects of environmental factors: Researchers can investigate the effects of environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, on the frequency of a piano note.
Applying sound frequencies to other fields: Researchers can apply the concept of sound frequencies to other fields, such as physics and engineering.

References

"The Physics of Sound" by John R. Pierce
"Music Theory for Dummies" by Michael Pilhofer and Holly Day
"The Science of Sound" by John M. Harris

Appendix

The following appendix provides additional information on the calculation of sound frequencies.

Appendix A: Derivation of the Formula

The formula f = 440 * (2^((n-49)/12)) can be derived by considering the following:

The frequency of middle C is 440 Hz.
The frequency of a note is directly proportional to the number of keys above middle C.
The frequency of a note can be calculated using the formula f = f0 * (2^(n/n0)), where f0 is the frequency of the reference note, n is the number of keys above the reference note, and n0 is the number of keys above the reference note that corresponds to a frequency of 1 Hz.

By substituting the values of f0, n, and n0 into the formula, we get:

f = 440 * (2^((n-49)/12))

Appendix B: Calculation of the Frequency of a Key 12 Keys from Middle C

To calculate the frequency of a key that is 12 keys from middle C, we can use the formula above:

f = 440 * (2^((12-49)/12))

f = 440 * (2^(-3.75))

f ≈ 554.37 Hz

Q: What is the frequency of a piano note?

A: The frequency of a piano note is determined by the number of keys above middle C and can be calculated using the formula f = 440 * (2^((n-49)/12)), where f is the frequency in Hz, n is the number of keys above middle C, and 440 is the frequency of middle C.

Q: How do I calculate the frequency of a key that is 12 keys from middle C?

A: To calculate the frequency of a key that is 12 keys from middle C, you can use the formula f = 440 * (2^((12-49)/12)). By substituting the values of n and 440 into the formula, you get f ≈ 554.37 Hz.

Q: What is the relationship between the number of keys above middle C and the frequency of a piano note?

A: The frequency of a piano note is directly proportional to the number of keys above middle C. As the number of keys above middle C increases, the frequency of the note also increases.

Q: Can I use the formula to calculate the frequency of any piano note?

A: Yes, you can use the formula to calculate the frequency of any piano note. Simply substitute the number of keys above middle C (n) and the frequency of middle C (440) into the formula, and you will get the frequency of the note.

Q: What are some real-world applications of sound frequencies?

A: Sound frequencies have numerous real-world applications, including:

Music production: Understanding the frequency of a note is crucial in music production, as it allows producers to create harmonious and balanced soundscapes.
Audio engineering: The calculation of sound frequencies is essential in audio engineering, as it helps engineers to optimize the sound quality of a recording.
Acoustics: The study of sound frequencies is also important in acoustics, as it helps researchers to understand the behavior of sound waves in different environments.

Q: Can I use the formula to calculate the frequency of a note on a different instrument?

A: The formula is specific to the piano and may not be applicable to other instruments. However, the concept of sound frequencies is universal and can be applied to any instrument.

Q: What are some limitations of the formula?

A: The formula assumes that the frequency of a note is directly proportional to the number of keys above middle C. However, this is not always the case, as the frequency of a note can also be affected by factors such as string length and tension.

Q: Can I use the formula to calculate the frequency of a note in a different octave?

A: Yes, you can use the formula to calculate the frequency of a note in a different octave. Simply substitute the number of keys above middle C (n) and the frequency of middle C (440) into the formula, and you will get the frequency of the note in the desired octave.

Q: What are some future research directions in the field of sound frequencies?

A: Some future research directions in the field of sound frequencies include:

Developing new mathematical formulas: Researchers can develop new mathematical formulas to calculate the frequency of a piano note, taking into account factors such as string length and tension.
Investigating the effects of environmental factors: Researchers can investigate the effects of environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, on the frequency of a piano note.
Applying sound frequencies to other fields: Researchers can apply the concept of sound frequencies to other fields, such as physics and engineering.

Q: Where can I find more information on sound frequencies and piano notes?

A: You can find more information on sound frequencies and piano notes in the following resources:

"The Physics of Sound" by John R. Pierce
"Music Theory for Dummies" by Michael Pilhofer and Holly Day
"The Science of Sound" by John M. Harris

Q: Can I use the formula to calculate the frequency of a note in a different musical context?

A: Yes, you can use the formula to calculate the frequency of a note in a different musical context. However, you may need to adjust the formula to take into account the specific musical context and the characteristics of the instrument being used.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the formula?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using the formula include:

Not taking into account the specific musical context: The formula is specific to the piano and may not be applicable to other instruments or musical contexts.
Not considering the effects of environmental factors: The frequency of a note can be affected by environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity.
Not using the correct values for n and 440: Make sure to use the correct values for n and 440 in the formula to get accurate results.