In a complex tone comprised of 220 Hz, 440 Hz, 660 Hz, and 880 Hz, the frequency 660 Hz is also known as:
A) the fundamental frequency
B) the first harmonic
C) the second overtone
D) all of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The frequency 660 Hz is not the fundamental frequency since it is not the lowest frequency present in the complex tone. The fundamental frequency in this case would be 220 Hz.

The first harmonic would refer to a frequency that is equal to the fundamental frequency, which in this case is 220 Hz.

The second overtone would refer to a frequency that is two times the fundamental frequency, which in this case is 440 Hz.

Therefore, the correct answer is C as the frequency 660 Hz is the third frequency present in the complex tone, which makes it the second overtone.

In a Complex Tone Comprised of 220 Hz, 440 Hz