Final answer:
The creation of waveform harmonics not present in the original sound wave is typically a result of nonlinear distortion or interactions with nonlinear systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The creation of waveform harmonics that do not exist in the original sound wave typically occurs through the process of nonlinear distortion or when nonlinear systems generate additional content at multiples of the original frequencies.
In simpler terms, when sound waves interact with a medium or system that does not respond linearly to the force of the waves, new frequencies are produced at whole number multiples of the fundamental frequency, known as harmonics. This can occur in musical instruments, speakers, and electronic circuits that process audio signals.
One common example is when an electric guitar amplifier adds distortion to the sound, which generates a richer tone with harmonics. Another example is the phenomenon of beats, which demonstrates the intersection of wave phenomena such as superposition and interference.
However, beats are not the same as harmonics; instead, they are the result of combining two sound waves with slightly different frequencies. The presence of beats is felt as a variation in loudness or intensity, rather than the creation of new frequencies as is the case with harmonics.