Question

What is the difference between an overtone and a harmonic? Are all harmonics overtones? Are all overtones harmonics?

a) Overtone is a higher frequency; Yes; Yes
b) Overtone is a lower frequency; Yes; Yes
c) Harmonic is a higher frequency; No; Yes
d) Harmonic is a lower frequency; Yes; No

Answer 1

An overtone is a higher frequency that is produced at the same time as the fundamental frequency. All overtones are harmonics, but not all harmonics are overtones. Harmonics refer to any frequency that is an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency.

Step-by-step explanation:

In physics, the terms 'overtone' and 'harmonic' are often used in the context of sound waves and musical instruments. An overtone refers to a higher frequency that is produced at the same time as the fundamental frequency. These higher frequencies are whole number multiples of the fundamental frequency. On the other hand, a harmonic refers to any frequency that is an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency. So, all overtones are harmonics, but not all harmonics are overtones.

For example, let's consider a guitar string vibrating at a fundamental frequency of 100 Hz. The second overtone (also known as the third harmonic) would have a frequency of 300 Hz (3 times the fundamental frequency), while the fourth overtone (also known as the fifth harmonic) would have a frequency of 500 Hz (5 times the fundamental frequency).