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Re: [Phys-l] Harmonics vs Overtones



The numbering system suggested is not the one I am familiar with,
neither in physics nor music.

When using "harmonics" we don't use the word fundamental. We just have
the 1st harmonic, 2nd harmonic, 3rd harmonic, etc.

When using "overtones" the lowest frequency is the fundamental, and the
1st overtone is twice the fundamental, the 2nd overtone is three-times
the fundamental, etc.

This means the equivalents are...

Fundamental = 1st harmonic

1st overtone = 2nd harmonic

2nd overtone = 3rd harmonic

Etc.

Therefore the harmonic number is one more than the overtone number
because the overtone wording begins with the fundamental, and the
harmonic wording begins with the 1st harmonic.

In usage I am familiar with, there isn't the distinction that Tim seems
to be making that the overtone series is numbered by what is heard, and
the harmonic series includes numbers for things that are not heard. The
1st overtone is twice the fundamental regardless of whether the
instrument produces the 1st overtone.

A closed organ pipe has 1st harmonic, 3rd harmonic, 5th harmonic, etc.

A closed organ pipe has fundamental, 2nd overtone, 4th overtone, etc.


Michael D. Edmiston, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry and Physics
Bluffton University
Bluffton, OH 45817
(419)-358-3270
edmiston@bluffton.edu