Question

what are harmonics in terms of musical sound?
a. the fundamental tones only
b. random frequencies unrelated to the fundamental
c. integral multiples of the fundamental frequency
d. the lowest frequencies in a sound

Explanation:

In musical sound, harmonics are frequencies that are integral multiples of the fundamental frequency. For example, if the fundamental frequency is \( f \), the harmonics are \( 2f\), \( 3f\), \( 4f\) etc. The fundamental tone is just the first harmonic (\(1f\)). Option a is incorrect as harmonics include more than just the fundamental. Option b is wrong because harmonics are related to the fundamental (by integral multiples). Option d is incorrect as the lowest frequency is the fundamental, and harmonics are higher - frequency multiples of it.

Answer:

C. Integral multiples of the fundamental frequency