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Waves, Oscillations & Acoustics

Harmonics

Resonant frequencies of a system that are integer multiples of its fundamental frequency.

Governing formula f_n = n f1 (where n = 1, 2, 3, ...)
SI unit Hz

In depth

The second harmonic (n=2) is twice the fundamental frequency (one octave higher); the third harmonic (n=3) is three times the fundamental frequency.

Examples in the real world

A trumpet producing different musical notes by using lip tension to select higher harmonics.