This tool generates up to two independent pure sine wave audio signals. You can control the Frequency (pitch), Amplitude (loudness), and Stereo Balance (Left/Right) for each source separately.
Physics Concepts Illustrated (Single Source):
- Wave Properties: Frequency vs. Pitch, Amplitude vs. Loudness.
- Pure Tones: Sine waves as single frequencies vs. complex instrument sounds.
- Sound Perception: Hearing range, logarithmic loudness (decibels).
- Stereo Sound: How panning affects spatial perception.
Physics Concepts Illustrated (Dual Source):
- Superposition & Interference: When both sources play, their sound waves combine (superpose) in the air and at your ears.
- Beats: Set the two sources to slightly different frequencies (e.g., 440 Hz and 441 Hz or 442 Hz). Listen for the periodic rise and fall in loudness – the beat frequency equals the difference between the two source frequencies (|f1 - f2|). This demonstrates wave interference over time.
- Consonance and Dissonance: Explore how pleasant or unpleasant combinations of frequencies sound. Play notes with simple integer frequency ratios (consonant, e.g., 2:1 Octave - 440Hz & 880Hz; 3:2 Perfect Fifth - 440Hz & 660Hz) versus complex ratios (dissonant).
- Masking: Set one source to be significantly louder than the other. Observe how the louder sound can make it difficult or impossible to hear the quieter sound, even if the quieter sound would be audible on its own.
Classroom Application Ideas (Dual Source):
- Beat Frequency Lab: Have students predict, then measure (by ear/timing), the beat frequency for different pairs of source frequencies.
- Musical Intervals: Demonstrate consonant intervals (octave, fifth, fourth) and dissonant intervals by setting appropriate frequency ratios. Discuss the mathematical basis of harmony.
- Interference Demo: While complex, discuss how beats are a result of constructive and destructive interference occurring periodically as the waves drift in and out of phase.
