Definition of Harmonic
A harmonic is a sinusoidal wave whose frequency is a positive integer multiple of the fundamental frequency in a periodic signal. The fundamental counts as the first harmonic; the others are higher harmonics. Since all harmonics are periodic at the fundamental frequency, the sum of harmonics is also periodic at that frequency. The set of all possible harmonics is the harmonic series.
The term is employed in various disciplines, including music, physics, acoustics, electronic power transmission, telecommunications, among others. For example, if the fundamental frequency is 50 Hz, a common AC power supply frequency, the frequencies of the first three higher harmonics are 100 Hz (2nd harmonic), 150 Hz (3rd harmonic), 200 Hz (4th harmonic) and any addition of waves with these frequencies is periodic at 50 Hz.
will have nodes that are not vibrating. For example, the 3rd characteristic mode will have nodes at
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Questions people ask
Real questions from the Stack Exchange community – follow a link to read the discussion.
- The differences between natural, harmonic and melodic minors · Music SE
- Does the difference in harmonic series between instruments have a significant effect on the consonance of the sound? · Music SE
- What exactly should I have to learn to understand why certain combination of chords are harmonic when played in a sequence? · Music SE
- Why is bass note so important in harmonic analysis of music? · Music SE
- What are the actual notes of each natural harmonic? · Music SE
- Is it possible to create the illusion of a sub-harmonic? · Music SE
Further reading
- Harmonic Generation · Wikibooks: Engineering Acoustics
Frequently asked questions
What is Harmonic?
A harmonic is a sinusoidal wave whose frequency is a positive integer multiple of the fundamental frequency in a periodic signal. The fundamental counts as the first harmonic; the others are higher harmonics.
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia: Harmonic – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Moodswingerscale.jpg : Y Landman derivative work: W axell ( talk ) – Public domain