Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 21 - Think and Explain - Page 402-403: 69

Answer

See below.

Work Step by Step

Fourier discovered that any periodic wave pattern, no matter how complex, can be built up by adding sine waves of different frequencies. This is discussed on page 398. A Fourier analyzer decomposes (breaks up) a complex pattern into its sine wave components. The human ear can do that too; if a high-frequency piccolo is played alongside a low-frequency bass guitar, you can make out the individual pure tones that make up the complex soundwave.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.